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This week's eNote
July 1, 2025 by pastor terry Mchugh
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (Colossians 1:3-6)
What a joy and privilege it has been to be one of Garfield’s pastors for 22 years! I have been overwhelmed- and humbled – by the love you have shown this past weekend at the Leadership Lunch on Saturday and the reception following services on Sunday, and for your generosity and all the kind words, notes, and cards! The truth is, if I have been effective at all as a pastor, it is because of all of you and your commitment to Jesus and to the work of God’s Kingdom.
It was amazing to see everyone talking and laughing with one another at the lunch and the reception. God has designed us for community and it gave me so much joy to witness all the connections across our services. Truly we are better together!
I will continue to pray for all of you as the people of Garfield Memorial continue to live out your faith in Jesus and fulfill Garfield’s mission & vision to widen the circle and connect diverse people who share a common brokenness, with Jesus. I’m excited for you all to get to know Garfield’s incoming Executive & Teaching Pastor, Pastor Joe Burkhardt. Pastor Joe is an amazing pastor & leader and I know you will give him and his wonderful family a warm welcome this coming Sunday and beyond.
As Pastor Chip and I have said, I’ll still be around, albeit in a part-time way as a Missional Consultant, so this is not “goodbye” – but I wanted to acknowledge and thank everyone for all your love and support.
Grace, peace, and love always
PS: In light of people traveling on the upcoming holiday weekend and welcoming our new Executive & Teaching Pastor Joe Burkhardt and his family and providing more time for fellowship and launching our new Teaching Series, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," on July 13, we have changed our communion schedule for this month only from the first Sunday, July 6th to the SECOND SUNDAY, July 13th at all services.
