Hello / Goodbye!

I took my first position as a lawyer in a very large, prestigious law firm in Milwaukee, WI. I was a litigator, and spent at least half my time there as part of a small team that worked on mass torts (civil injury claims against corporations). Two years after I started, I accepted a position with Eli Lilly and Company. There were a lot of good reasons I left the law firm, but I really wanted to be closer to my family in Indianapolis.

As I gathered the courage to tell my mentor and supervisor that I was leaving, I worried what he’d think. What would the team do without me (I had a significant workload)? How would they manage without me? Without dragging this story out too long, this was perhaps the first time – but definitely not the last – that I learned in a very real way that no one is indispensable. Yes, my mentor was sorry to see me leave, but the team, the firm, and the legal system of Wisconsin carried on just fine without me.

We’ve had to say goodbye to members of our staff recently who are not simply cogs in a wheel; they’ve been part of our High Street family. Dr. Stephen Price has greatly enriched our worship experience as our organist, showing us the full range of possibilities from our lovely organ. Most recently, Ryan Remington, our office manager and director of outreach, has discerned a need to move closer to his mother who’s experiencing some health issues. This will also facilitate his educational goals, as he begins seminary this fall.

Both Stephen and Ryan were the right persons for what we needed, when we needed them. We’re grateful for their gifts, and the relationships they formed here at High Street while they were here. We’ll miss them, but we rejoice with them in the opportunities ahead for them.

We also trust God to bring who and what we need to us now. We’ve been advertising for an organist, and interviewing candidates, since Steven told us he was leaving back in March. We’re hopeful we’re getting closer to resolution. We’re fortunate to have so many talented members of the congregation to contribute their talents while we wait.

With Ryan’s departure, we’re evaluating and re-evaluating our office structure and needs. We might not have done that at the present time if Ryan hadn’t decided to leave, but this has provided an opportunity not previously considered. We’ll be posting an updated job description soon, and if you know of anyone who might be interested in the position, please send them our way. In the meantime, some of the things Ryan did may not get done. Please be patient.

We look forward to who and what God has in store for High Street UMC. God is able. Always.