This Sunday, October 29, marks the final Sunday in the minsitry of Jena Hill as Trinity’s Youth, Family, and Outreach Minister. She will begin her new job as Community Liaison on behalf of newly arrived migrant families in Gardner, Massachusetts on November 1. Please join us following the 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist for a Farewell Coffee Hour in Jeppson Hall as we say good-bye to Jena and wish her well in her new call. May God bless Jena and her family, and Trinity, in this time of transition and discernment.
Resignation Announcement Letter – Jena Hill
October 1, 2023
Dear beloved people of Trinity,
It is with many mixed emotions, gratefulness for the past and hope for the future that I write this to let you know that after much prayer and consideration, I have accepted a new position in Gardner, MA at the Gardner Community Action Committee (CAC) working as a Community Liaison on behalf of newly arrived migrant families beginning November 1, 2023. Between now and the end of the month, I will be away from October 15th-20th for a week of pre-planned vacation. My last Sunday with you will be October 29, 2023.
Please know that I have not actively been looking for a new job. Rather, God has been stirring something up! For the past year or so, I have been spending my days off in Gardner at the CAC assisting them in whatever ways they need. Recently, their work has evolved to include assistance for migrant families from Haiti. This summer, without any warning or preparation, thousands of migrants (mostly from Haiti) have been placed in communities across MA which is only adding to the strain that social service agencies are facing amidst a pre-existing affordable housing crisis. Gardner is currently housing about 50 families between two hotels. I am ready and excited to follow God into this work knowing how challenging it will be.
In my new position, I get to wear many hats just like I have done here at Trinity! I will be primarily responsible for communicating and building relationships between social service agencies, faith communities and other groups and organizations who have a vested interest in the well-being of the migrant families. My work will include community organizing, managing donations, advocacy on behalf of our vulnerable siblings in Christ, lots of talking, emailing, paperwork and generally supporting those who are committed to resettling the migrants. I feel so strongly that God is calling me to something new and I have to say “YES!”
It has been a privilege to walk with you through the ups and downs of life, death, challenges, decisions, a pandemic and lots of change. We have done so much together! I have been blessed by trips with youth, times with children, long chats and daydreaming about ministry, planning and organizing projects and events and laughing and crying with you as we have tried to figure out what God is up to in the world and in our lives.
“I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” -Philippians 1:3-4
God is up to something new in my life that requires change. Change is an inevitable part of life and it’s not always easy but when God calls us to new adventures, new opportunities and new seasons of life, we know that God is with us! I will miss you deeply but I know that God is with you. While I will be doing new ministry in a new context, don’t be surprised if you see BJ and Andrew at Trinity from time to time on a Sunday morning.
May you continue to trust God to lead you into a future full of newness, change, opportunity and possibility!
With lots of love, hugs, appreciation, hope and cheers,
Jena Hill