Listen:
Dear Sanctuary Church,
The calling I have been discerning and pursuing for the past 10-15 years is to serve and shape the church through teaching, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. This is the calling that brought me to graduate school in Seattle, and eventually brought me here to Sanctuary two years ago when I was not only looking for a church in the neighborhood I had just moved to, but also for a place to continue growing in and practicing my calling through an internship.
When I wondered in here as an intern I never knew that it would eventually become an incredible workplace where I was able to work alongside Mark and Summer, helping to shape our liturgy and worship time. And not only an internship site and workplace, but a wonderful and welcoming community. You have all spoken such life and encouragement to me in my calling. You have all been witnesses to Katie’s and my relationship. Sanctuary has become a home and a family.
And all of that makes this update hard to share… A few months ago I was approached by a church in Federal Way for a full time pastor position. After a few months of praying and discerning this possibility, this invitation seems like the right thing to follow as I continue pursuing my calling. So next month I will transition out from my role here at Sanctuary and into a new role down in Federal Way. September 2nd will be my final Sunday here.
This has been a difficult decision for Katie and I to make for all the reasons I shared before. You have all been our community. And so I’m not going to say any goodbyes yet, because there is still the rest of this month of being here, serving you, and worshipping together. But what I do want to say is simply thank you.
Thank you for being our church home. Thank you for all of the opportunities you have given me to grow in my calling. Thank you for the gift of friendships. I love you all.
Grace and peace,
Drew Dixon