A Farewell Letter

from Anne Altenberger Halloin

Dear Rye Presbyterian Church,

When Rev. John Miller asked me to become the interim Director of Children and Youth Ministries at Rye Presbyterian Church, I was excited to accept what was, in my mind, a temporary position. My husband and I had been members for the past year, and I was happy to help our congregation in a time of transition while I was working on my doctorate. I did not expect, however, for this job to change me in the ways that it has. I have felt eager and happy to come to work, grow in leadership and in empathy, and be more connected with our community each day. Little did I know that this decision to work at Rye Presbyterian Church would dramatically change my life for the better and help me further discern my call to ministry.

With the encouragement of Rev. Dan Love and Rev. Cari Pattison, I have accepted admission to Princeton Theological Seminary and will attend this upcoming fall to continue the ordination process, so that I might become a Presbyterian pastor.

It breaks my heart to say goodbye. I have loved getting to know the children and families of this congregation and to watch them grow. This congregation has been our home for the past three years and we will miss you all so much. However, we still have several months to grow in faith and fellowship together! More youth room dinners, Sunday School classes, and service opportunities await. Until then, I hope that my being here has – in however small a way – changed your life for the better. It certainly has changed mine.

God’s Blessings to You and Yours,