Beloved Church,

One of the joys of partnering with a seminary student is the time we get to spend together working and growing in faith. One of the sorrows is that they are only with us for a short time and then are called elsewhere. Last year, we were so blessed with Pastor Brandon. Brandon is graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary this month and I’m so glad….he’s written to us an update…please see below.

If you’d like to send Brandon a card or note of congratulations, the Church Office has his new mailing address in Colorado.

See you in church.

Christ is Risen,
Pastor Molly

**************************************

It feels both fitting and a little surreal to write to you at this moment of transition. Not long ago, I was walking among you as an intern…learning, listening, and trying to find my footing in the call God has placed on my life. Now, I write on the cusp of graduation from PTS, preparing to step into the next chapter of ministry.

My time with the congregation at Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church was deeply formative. You gave me space to grow, to make mistakes, and to discover more clearly who I am becoming as a pastor. For that, I carry deep gratitude.

As I look ahead, I will soon be relocating to Colorado, where I will begin serving as part-time pastor at Valmont Community Presbyterian Church in Boulder, while also stepping into a role as a part-time resident chaplain at St. Anthony’s North in Westminster. I feel both excitement and humility in this calling. It will be a busy year, but I’m grateful for the ways communities like yours have helped prepare me for it.

This season also holds personal joy. My high school sweetheart Deborah and I married last summer! We will finally be able to continue our journey together in Colorado, where our shared life with three bonus children will take root. But first, we plan on taking a vacation/honeymoon to Belize in July.

As I go, I carry with me the lessons learned among you: the importance of presence, the power of listening, and the quiet, steady work of faith lived out in community. Thank you for being part of my formation. I hope our paths will cross again. If you ever find yourself in Boulder, CO…please stop in and say hi!

With gratitude and peace,
Brandon