Shepherd's Heart 6/27/25
Beloved,
This has been a heavy week in the life of our church.
The sorrow is real. Many of us are feeling it in our bodies and our spirits. We've cried together, asked hard questions, and held silence that speaks volumes. There’s no bypassing the grief, we must walk through it. But we do not walk alone.
Over the past few days, several of you have asked, “How are you holding it together?” My honest answer: by grace alone. I’m held up by a faithful God, a strong and wise church council, and the constant love and support of my husband, Jeff, who, by the way, has been cooking my favorite meals and praying fervently for me and for all of us. God has us. That’s not a cliché, it’s a promise I’m clinging to.
I also want to say how deeply proud I am of our staff. On Thursday morning, we gathered together to read the letters, to pray, and to lament. And though the tears flowed freely, what I witnessed was courage. Resilience. Hope. They are not backing down from their calling—they’re stepping up with strength and compassion. They are carrying one another, and they are carrying you.
As part of our response to this moment, I want to share several updates:
I’ve been moved by the way our church is showing up, for one another and for Jake and Barbara. Many of you have already delivered meals or sent messages of love. One of our members is organizing more meals for their family. This kind of care is the heartbeat of the Gospel. I want to encourage you to continue showering them with grace, compassion, and prayer. We will not speak into the details of their situation, but we will speak loudly with our love. We are the Church, and this is what the Church does.
This Sunday, after worship, we will hold a brief time of prayer and lament, with space for a limited number of questions. I want to be upfront: we will not discuss personal details related to Jake’s resignation or family life. This gathering is not for answers, but for healing. It’s a time to lift up our sorrows, to name our grief, and to intercede for our church, for one another, and for those who are hurting most. Unfortunately, we will not be live-streaming this gathering. This is a private time for our church family, and to protect the Roberts family, this will remain in our “family room” alone.
Friends, I know this season is hard. But I also know this: God is not absent in the storm. In fact, I see Him everywhere. I see Him showing up through the right people at the right time, providing wisdom when we need it, and speaking peace into the chaos.
There is so much more to come for Good Shepherd Church. The story is not over. Not even close. We are a people shaped by resurrection and even in this moment of sorrow, new life is already rising.
I love you, Church. And I believe in what God is doing among us.
From my heart to yours,
Pastor Tara Beth
This has been a heavy week in the life of our church.
The sorrow is real. Many of us are feeling it in our bodies and our spirits. We've cried together, asked hard questions, and held silence that speaks volumes. There’s no bypassing the grief, we must walk through it. But we do not walk alone.
Over the past few days, several of you have asked, “How are you holding it together?” My honest answer: by grace alone. I’m held up by a faithful God, a strong and wise church council, and the constant love and support of my husband, Jeff, who, by the way, has been cooking my favorite meals and praying fervently for me and for all of us. God has us. That’s not a cliché, it’s a promise I’m clinging to.
I also want to say how deeply proud I am of our staff. On Thursday morning, we gathered together to read the letters, to pray, and to lament. And though the tears flowed freely, what I witnessed was courage. Resilience. Hope. They are not backing down from their calling—they’re stepping up with strength and compassion. They are carrying one another, and they are carrying you.
As part of our response to this moment, I want to share several updates:
- Pastor Greg is increasing his hours from 20 to 30 hours per week to help support pastoral coverage during this transition. I’m so grateful for his steady, shepherding presence.
- The church council has appointed three Lay Ministers of Word and Sacrament:
Elisabeth Lectka, Max Schiewe, and Ryan Hammer.
These are trusted ministry leaders with theological training and ministry experience, and they will begin assisting more visibly in worship, including serving the sacrament on Sundays. Their wisdom, presence, and gifting are a tremendous blessing to us in this season. - We are also grateful to be surrounded by a deep bench of gifted preachers, so our Sunday teaching ministry will remain strong and Spirit-led.
I’ve been moved by the way our church is showing up, for one another and for Jake and Barbara. Many of you have already delivered meals or sent messages of love. One of our members is organizing more meals for their family. This kind of care is the heartbeat of the Gospel. I want to encourage you to continue showering them with grace, compassion, and prayer. We will not speak into the details of their situation, but we will speak loudly with our love. We are the Church, and this is what the Church does.
This Sunday, after worship, we will hold a brief time of prayer and lament, with space for a limited number of questions. I want to be upfront: we will not discuss personal details related to Jake’s resignation or family life. This gathering is not for answers, but for healing. It’s a time to lift up our sorrows, to name our grief, and to intercede for our church, for one another, and for those who are hurting most. Unfortunately, we will not be live-streaming this gathering. This is a private time for our church family, and to protect the Roberts family, this will remain in our “family room” alone.
Friends, I know this season is hard. But I also know this: God is not absent in the storm. In fact, I see Him everywhere. I see Him showing up through the right people at the right time, providing wisdom when we need it, and speaking peace into the chaos.
There is so much more to come for Good Shepherd Church. The story is not over. Not even close. We are a people shaped by resurrection and even in this moment of sorrow, new life is already rising.
I love you, Church. And I believe in what God is doing among us.
From my heart to yours,
Pastor Tara Beth
Posted in Shepherds Heart