Dear Friends,
July 18^th marked the one-year anniversary of beginning in my service to Delafield Presbyterian Church. It’s difficult for me to believe that it has already been a year! The year has been full of many new experiences with you all and wonderful blessings flowing from you all. I am sincerely grateful to this congregation for welcoming me with open arms, for having patience with me while I learned new skills for being your pastor, and for being such an amazing example of God’s loving family.
In many ways, for the last year, I have felt like a baby, taking her first steps, chewing her first food, learning her first words, discovering everything for the first time. Each time a new holiday came up, I needed to figure out an appropriate way to celebrate it. Each time a new challenge arose, I learned how to deal with it from scratch. At times, being in a state of knowing nothing has made me feel vulnerable and uncertain. And in those times, someone has stepped up to help me, to offer guidance, or to let me know who would be able to help. At other times, it has allowed me to see the state of the church and various circumstances with fresh eyes. At those times, new ideas and ways of doing things have been embraced by you all. In all, as I have attempted to scale this steep learning curve of learning how to be a pastor, you have treated me with patience and grace. I always thank God for you because you have taught me how to be your pastor, and you have ministered to me more than you might realize.
In the last year, every one of you have helped me in countless ways, and have taught me what it means to be a part of a loving Christian community. I have witnessed how this little church does so much to show Christ’s love for our community, both locally and globally. I have seen the diligent labors of love of the little dresses group, the zeal for providing for the Knoll Crest kids, the abundance of volunteers at Loaves and Fishes, the wholehearted commitment of our Family Promise volunteers, the creativity and energy of our session, the care and concern of our deacons. And I have seen how this community rallies around when one of us is in need of help or companionship or care. And I recently have been the recipient of this care, at the death of my father. I am abundantly grateful to all of you who prayed for me, sent cards, made donations, and were present at my father’s memorial service. You have been a witness of God’s love and care to me.
Friends, thank you for letting me be your pastor. This year has blessed me, and has taught me new ways to be a follower of Christ. I pray that in the years to come, we will grow together into this calling more and more.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nikki