Mid-April finds us all continuing to navigate changes and establish new routines, asking questions about when closed spaces will reopen, caring for ourselves and others as best we can, living mindfully one day at a time. For me, this month is characterized by an additional, significant transition.
This week I started a new job as general manager of Perennial Yoga and Meditation, which has studios and vegan cafes in two locations (Agora in Fitchburg and Garver Feed Mill in Madison). I have been part of the Perennial community for several years, practicing yoga there regularly, completing my yoga teacher training with instructors there, and building strong relationships. After prayerful consideration and discernment about where God was leading me next professionally, I responded when this role opened.
I’m happy to share that I will retain several hours a month as a church employee in the role of Community Development Coordinator. This means I’ll continue to stay abreast of community needs and celebrations by serving in several capacities: as our church’s Adopt-a-School liaison with Leopold Elementary School, on the leadership circle of the Dane County Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response team, as a participant in Joining Forces for Families meetings, and co-leading the Fitchburg Faith and City Leaders network. I’ll communicate regularly with other church staff members to share ways our church, corporately and as individuals, can partner with and serve our neighbors.
My teammates here have graciously agreed to take responsibility for tasks I performed in the capacity of Staff and lifeServe Coordinator. Jess O’Malley will take over human resource responsibilities such as employee benefits administration and will serve as point of contact with our accountants and insurance companies. Amy Meyer will take over the lifeServe area, focusing on supporting and building our team of volunteers who serve here at church, and creating monthly Server Schedules. I’m also grateful to Pastor Jeff, Pastor Matt, Emily, Karen, and Tom, who will help with other tasks as needed. I hope you’ll join me in saying a prayer of thanks to God for creating each of these amazing human beings, including all of our Preschool teachers as well, in unique ways to serve on staff here, connecting people to life in Jesus.
I am so blessed to have been part of the church staff team since 2013. My time here has been characterized by growth, support, challenge, faith, transformation, and, most of all, love. In addition to working at church, I married Matt here, sought counseling here, participated in Maryke’s and Ceren’s baptisms, helped with Higher Ground, belonged to three lifeGroups, and served on the leadership board. I cherish all of these milestones and seasons, and thankfully my transition to a new job does not mean I have to say “goodbye,” as my family and I will continue in our church membership and participation in lifeGroup, lifeWorship, and lifeServe alongside you, our beloved church family. I put together a wordle to highlight the many ways I’ve experienced my time as a Jesus follower here in Fitchburg thus far; there are some heavy, difficult words interspersed with the more positive words, and for me that is a testament to how this place has (i.e. YOU have) truly cared for me and one another. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about my departure from my previous role at church or what’s next, so don’t hesitate to reach out: egumm@livelifetogether.com. Peace be with you, and I look forward to seeing you, virtually and in person, again soon.
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law
(Romans 13:8b, NLT).