Hello dear ones, 

I’m writing to let you know that after Easter Sunday 2022 I will be resigning my position as Children, Youth, and Family Minister. I first started here at St. Columba’s on Epiphany 2016, the night of the tree burning in the parking lot. It was both spectacular and terrifying, seeing fifteen-foot-tall flames stretching into the sky. What an introduction to this quirky place, and the subsequent experiences I’ve had here have been equally unique and wonderful. 

What I’ve loved most about working with families at St. Columba’s is your adventurous spirit, over the past six years working here, we’ve tried so many things, hosting the homeless, opening our back garden to immigrant and refugee populations, having bees! We’re always up to something good in our community, and I love the example that St. Columba’s generosity and openness sets for our kids and youth. 

You may be curious what I am going to do with my free time once I’m no longer working at St. Columba’s. As many of you know, four years ago we welcomed children into our family, growing overnight to a family of five. While this has been a difficult journey full of mistakes and scares and big feelings, it’s also been just about the best thing I’ve ever done. In order to better support my children, and potentially help more children and families through foster care, I’ve decided to step down to become a stay-at-home mom to my kids. 

While I am leaving this position, my family and I do not plan on leaving the community. We will take a couple month break to settle into a new routine as a family and then we plan to come back as worshipping members of the congregation. You will likely see us around! 

I am leaving hopeful for the future of St. Columba’s Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, I expect in my absence, that our families will come together and vision a fresh start for these ministries. Children and Youth have always been a valued and loved part of our St. Columba’s community, and I have no doubt in my mind that this congregation is up to the task of nurturing their faith and caring for these beloved members. 

Yours in Christ, 

Elaine Ogden