Life, like each year, has its seasons. Mary and I have shared many seasons together: married without children, married with children in the home, and this last season of an empty nest allowing us to devote ourselves solely to ministry. We are now looking forward to a season with a focus on grandchildren and aging parents. Our grandkids are 9 and 10. Our parents are in their late eighties. It is clear that this season has a narrow window. In a few years, the grandkids will grow up and leave home, and our parents will no longer be with us. It seems to us that this a good and strategic time to invest in these relationships.

In April 2018 I plan to retire, and we plan to move to Austin, Texas, to be near our oldest son's family. There are many things that we will miss as we move on, and yet we are looking forward to what the years ahead will offer. Mary and I have loved our 19 years at Bethlehem. The relationships that we have formed have been precious, and the influence of this church has shaped us irreversibly. We will greatly miss many dear friends and those who have ministered faithfully with us over these years. One of the hardest realities is that we will be leaving our son Jake in the Cities, but it has been a huge blessing to watch him grow in his faith over these last 15 years.

We are grateful to all of you for the opportunity we have had to serve at Bethlehem and we now look forward to what God has for us in this new season of life.