Katie Gardner, Director of Youth and Family Ministry at BSLC, announced her resignation after worship on Dec. 22, and shared the letter printed below.
Katie has been part of the ministry team at BSLC since March 2022, first leading youth then expanding her role to include family ministry.
As the youth director, she led students through lessons on Sunday mornings during the school year and organized regular social activities and service projects. She also cheered on youth at their various sporting and musical events.
As the family minister, Katie organized games at Rally Sunday, facilitated Vacation Bible School, brought back the Easter Egg Hunt, shared Children’s Messages during worship services, joined the HOP Day leadership team, co-organized the Church Retreat at Camp Perkins, facilitated Game Night, and so much more. Whew!
We give thanks for Katie’s ministry among us and pray that God continues to guide and bless her in Logan, Utah. Please offer your words and prayers of gratitude for Katie, Phillip, and Amelia in these weeks leading up to their move.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A few weeks ago Phillip was contacted regarding a new job opportunity and was initially told training for the job would take place in July. On Wednesday December 11th he was offered the job, contingent on him beginning training January 3, 2025. We spent the beginning of this week in Logan, Utah touring facilities and meeting with company management to decide if this opportunity would align with our desires and goals as a family.
After much prayer and counsel from family and friends we have decided to accept this offer. I informed the Board of Directors on Thursday that January 26th will be my last Sunday.
My time and the relationships formed while at Beautiful Savior have brought Phillip, Amelia and myself unspeakable joy and for that we thank you. Thank you for coming alongside us as we entered parenthood and for trusting me to come alongside your families be it Sunday mornings, sport events, VBS or retreats, it has been an honor and a privilege. St Paul writes in Philippians 1 – and I echo today – “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…”
I have been in contact with Pastor from the very beginning of this process and am actively working with him to make my transition as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In Christ,
Katie Gardner
The Board of Directors will address Katie’s departure at their January 21 meeting, and what that means for the future of youth and family ministry here at Beautiful Savior. Pastor Dennis will recommend to the Board of Directors that a small committee be put together to perhaps formulate both immediate and long-range ideas and plans. If you would like to be a part of that planning process, please let Pastor Dennis know as soon as possible.
Until then, please be in prayer for the Lord to lead the way in this process and for us to see and follow. And if anyone would be interested in temporarily leading Sunday morning Bible class or organizing any activities for the youth while we work through this process, likewise, let Pastor Dennis know.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church is a member of