Dear Church,

Sunday at Town Hall we shared some news with you from Lindsay Dorman announcing her decision to leave her position on staff. At the start of Town Hall I read a letter to share the news with our congregation. You will find that letter below. Also below is a letter from Lindsay herself, which she asked to be sent out directly rather than read in person.

We will be sending out separate communication to youth families to share some of the immediate plans for our youth in the interim period. Please pray for the Dorman family during this season of transition, and for our church as we plan for the future in light of these changes.

We will be sharing more details in the coming days about how we will adjust to this staffing change, paying special attention to ministry areas most directly affected.

(This is the letter Pastor John Jay read at Town Hall on November 9.)

Dear Church Family,

The words of the writer known as Kohelet have been on my heart lately.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Appointed time arrives whether we are ready or not. I am writing to share that we are at one of those seasons of change here at First Baptist Pasadena. Formation Pastor, Lindsay Dorman, will be leaving us at the end of the month. I understand that this news will come as a surprise for many of you. Pastoral staff hold a special relationship with the congregation, and when a pastor leaves a role, it represents not just the loss of a professional minister but also the loss of a familiar relationship with its own history and meaning.

This decision was reached by much prayer, conversation, and deliberation. Lindsay and I have been in dialogue with the Board of Deacons for the last several months as the possibility of her leaving us came into focus. A lot of this internal resolution process between all of us involved is understandably private so we ask that you respect this step.

Today we would like to recognize the contributions of Lindsay as a member, pastor and friend. Lindsay has served in various roles here at First Baptist, from her early days as a volunteer to a part time staff with youth to full time pastoral staff with kids and families to preaching to pastoral care and the list goes on. Pastors wear many hats in a church like ours and Lindsay was no exception. During her time on staff, she helped us transition from a small children’s department to one that could weather Covid and come out worshipping in the park through masks sitting on pews made of blankets. We got to witness Lindsay grow as a preacher, taking the role of encourager to heart in her sermons. Lindsay didn’t shy away from painful pastoral care needs, diving in headfirst to meet people where they were. During her last couple of years Lindsay also undertook training to become a Spiritual Director, as well as celebrating her ordination through our church. Lindsay’s training as a pastor happened in real time at this church, with our church community investing in Lindsay as she has ministered to us.

Please pray for Lindsay and her family, for our staff and leadership and the congregation as we seek healing and renewal in the days ahead.

blessings,

Pastor John Jay Alvaro

(Below is the letter Lindsay wrote to the church announcing her departure.)

Friends at First Baptist Church Pasadena,

I had no idea when I began attending this church sometime in 2008 that it would become such an integral part of my life. This is where I met my husband Gavin and where our children, Brody and Emma Kate, first learned about God and what a loving, intergenerational community looks

like. Last year, many of you sealed blessings over me at my ordination service in this very sanctuary. You’ve delivered meals to my family, taken care of my kids, and inspired me with your unique ways of sharing God’s light in the world.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the congregation for giving me the opportunity to grow as one of your pastors and to walk alongside you during sacred seasons of life. It has been an honor to know you and to be known by you. Thank you for how you have demonstrated Christlike love and imagination by showing up, sharing your gifts, and allowing our families to belong to one another. You have been our village, and we thank God for the mutual trust we have shared.

To the youth in this congregation, I want you to know that I am proud of who you are and for the ways you have chosen to nurture authentic kindness and generosity; you give me hope for the future.

Though I am sad to leave, I look forward to what God has in this next season for me and my family. My prayer is that you will continue to grow in love and generosity as you seek after the way of Jesus. May you be filled to overflowing with the light of Christ.

With deep love and affection for you,

Lindsay