Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian,

It is with deep regret that we enclose with this letter, one from Reverend Douglas Brouwer stating that he has accepted a call to be pastor/head of staff of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to the Book of Order, the Session must call a congregational meeting to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Doug as Pastor/Head of Staff and the congregation. The Session has therefore called a congregational meeting for Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary to act on the dissolution.

We are thankful to Doug for all his service to our congregation. His inspired preaching, leadership and reaching out to so many has been appreciated. In response, a reception to thank Doug and honor Doug and Susan’s time with us will be held in the Social Hall following the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, April 5. That Sunday will also be Doug’s last Sunday with us.

Upon hearing that Doug intended to leave, we, your Session, began making plans for the near term. Presbytery Executive Rev. Al Timm has met with us and outlined near-term staffing possibilities. We will be meeting soon to decide what model will serve our needs most fully, and will communicate these decisions to the congregation as soon as they are made.

The Session believes that we as a congregation are blessed with a dedicated staff whose capabilities and commitment to the church will allow us to continue to meet the needs of the congregation and prepare for our next pastor. We ask for your prayers for Doug and Susan, for our staff, for the leadership of the church and for our congregation.

In Christ, The Session

Dear friends,

On Sunday, March 15, I had the opportunity to preach for the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After the service, the congregation voted to call me as their next pastor, and I have accepted that call.

On Monday night, March 16, at a special Session meeting, I informed the elders of our church that I am resigning my position as Pastor/Head of Staff at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor in order to accept this new call. My plan is to begin my new position next month on Easter Sunday.

My years in Ann Arbor have been rich ones, and I am grateful for the many wonderful and life-giving friendships I have made here. As excited as I am about this new chapter in my life and ministry, I very much regret having to say good bye to so many people I have come to know and love.

As many of you know, I had hoped that I would spend the rest of my active career at this church, but that was not to be. I am thrilled by the possibilities of this new ministry, and I am also confident that Susan will at last be able to find meaningful employment and to put her gifts and abilities to work.

The Session of our church will be communicating with you separately, and so I will leave the details of the transition to them. Budge Gere, who has been a fine and trusted colleague to me, will be an excellent choice to manage at least the initial stages of the interim period. He has been through several pastoral transitions, and I hope you will find in him a good friend and wise counsel.

Our church will always have an important place in my heart and memory. Please know that you will all be in my prayers.

Grace and peace,

Douglas J. Brouwer

Pastor

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