I understand how this must feel to many congregations when a new Minister takes over where another one left off. I know 3 such ministers I have known that fall into the catagory of sadness, but confusion, wishing that the circumstances didn't change. I know logically that not only would be a good move for the particular minister to continue his or her growth in his chosen calling. But the congregation as a whole also needs to have some growth as time goes on. Even tho the reason I am writing is off topic, it may have a some value to others in this situation. The problem we encountered as Lutherans, was the shutting the doors to our home church. As the time got closer, I noticed it was so many of us that shared the same feelings about how we felt about our church closing the doors for ever. Many of us were all in the same Confirmation class, and had moved on in our lives and we were all scattered around the US. But we all felt that OUR church was the stability we all felt. The reason they told us was that the church needed many updates, that wasn't possible. And it also ran out of money. It was a beautiful church, and to us a very big loss. Luckily at the end they didn't tear it down to make room for condos. Another type of Christian church has now taken it over. I personally believe that the last minister came in to liquidate the church. I can't put my finger on it for sure, but something maybe about this whole situation. My ancestors started the church. My Grandfather was the church organist and choir director. He also went door to door looking for members in the early days. Out of the 13 original members, most were my family members. The Pastor that closed the church moved on. My Mom, now 96, won't have a church service in the church in the end of her life. The Lutheran church will be in another town, she doesn't remember going to before done by a minister she doesn't see very often. This to me is the other side of the coin when you lose a minister that blends in well in your church and community. We lost out church that was the center of many lives through the years. Thanks for reading about what has come to my heart and mind this evening.