Join us as we celebrate the ministry of Christina McCord on her last Sunday as our Minister to Children & Families after worship on Sunday, October 31.
Monday, September 20, 2021
First Baptist Family:
As many of you learned at the close of worship yesterday, Christina McCord, beloved Minister to Children for the last six-plus years, has shared her decision to resign from her position at First Baptist Greensboro. This is news we receive with love and support for Christina and her family, but also sadness at the thought of this season of our life and ministry together drawing to a close. Christina’s last Sunday as Minister to Children & Families will be October 31. We will be making plans to celebrate her ministry and transition as smoothly as possible. More about that is at the close of this email. But first, please take time to read Christina’s heartfelt letter to the congregation, sharing her love for the church and reasoning for this decision. You can read it below, or view Christina’s reading of it in yesterday’s service here.
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Dear First Baptist Church Family,
I love this church. I LOVE the children and families that I serve. And while I love everything about my job, I’ve recently discovered that sometimes in life, you can step away from a job that you love because you’re needed somewhere else.
Over the past few months, I’ve felt a strong calling to better serve my family during this season of life. I desire to be fully present for Grant, Jake, and Jason. I long for more time with my boys in the summers and during the busiest seasons of children’s ministry, especially amidst these crucial teenage years. I wish for more concentrated time with my parents who moved to Greensboro several years ago. I want to give my best to my family.
So after much discernment, prayer, tears, and conversations with Alan about how to possibly make it all work, it’s become clear to me that my presence and availability to my family is where I am being called right now. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as the Minister to Children and Families at First Baptist Greensboro. My last day will be Sunday, October 31.
You all have been gracious in giving me the freedom to reimagine children’s ministry and to implement new ideas. My unconventional ways of teaching children about Jesus have been welcomed and embraced. Being the Children’s Minister has allowed me to have fun while teaching children how to love and live like Jesus.
I’ve been given the privilege of walking life with families with kids, forming close relationships, teaching and leading, and helping kids to know that they are beloved children of God. You’ve provided me the space to challenge children to think critically about what it means to be inclusive. You’ve helped me to welcome children just as they are, with their varying abilities and personalities.
I’ve been part of some of the most sacred moments of baby dedications, baptisms, and spiritual formation. I’ve grieved losses and rejoiced in celebrations with you.
I’ve done this work with amazing church members, children, families, and volunteers. And I get to do this holy work along side of the most gifted and supportive colleagues, people who I absolutely adore.
I never imagined leaving my job here at FBC, but God has given me a peace and confidence in knowing that sometimes, you can love what you do, but you can be called somewhere else. And right now, I’m being called to serve my family.
You are my church, this is my community of faith and this will continue to be where my family and I worship; and I will do everything needed to support the transitions ahead.
I don’t take for granted how loved and valued that I am at First Baptist Greensboro. Your kind words, encouragement and support during my time serving here have been a true gift. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.
Gratefully yours,
Christina McCord
christina@fbcgso.org
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I’m sure you can hear in this letter the heart and passion that characterize everything Christina does. We as a congregation offer nothing but our love and support to Christina and her family in this transition.
Still, this is hard news. I never imagined not working with Christina. In fact, at first, I resisted this decision intensely! It’s important you know that on your behalf, Christina and I considered every option that might be feasible for her to continue this work she loves, both because we love Christina and value her work, and also because we are committed to being an organization where a talented and committed working parent or caretaker can hold a healthy balance and thrive in all parts of life and work.
But ultimately, we understand, and we support our friend and her family fully in a decision that is clear, strong and healthy. And we believe that God is at work in the midst.
For our part, we will be working to transition well and to continue the standard of excellence in Children’s Ministry that Christina has led. And we’re grateful for the time Christina will give us in supporting that transition. Six weeks remain to do good and important work together in this formal relationship, and we are so grateful that Christina and her family will remain a vital part of the First Baptist Greensboro family for years to come. That means a lot to all of us, but especially our children, who need to know that they will continue to know “Ms. Christina” as a trusted friend, a fierce supporter, and an example of what it looks like to try to do what you believe God is calling you to do.
Amidst transition, the most important initial step is to celebrate and give thanks for what has been. We will be planning ways to do that in the days ahead, and on Christina’s final Sunday, October 31. In the meantime, as part of our expressions of gratitude, Personnel invites church members to contribute to a Love Offering for Christina and her family. Gifts may be made through our usual channels with “Love Offering” indicated in the memo.
Thanks for your prayers and expressions of support and love for Christina, Jason, Grant and Jake, and for your continued dedication to the life and ministry we share
Together in Love,
Alan
pastor@fbcgso.org
