Month: December 2024

Dear members and friends of Westminster,

With much appreciation tinged with sadness, last Tuesday the Session of Westminster received Rev. Ann Hatfield’s plans for retirement in early 2025. We collectively offered to God our great thanks for Ann’s 14 years of faithful pastoral ministry among us at Westminster as she has guided our outreach, congregational care, and served as a faithful pastor and friend among us. 

In the time to come before Ann’s retirement from installed ministry in February 2025, we will have opportunities to celebrate her ministry, thank her for her leadership and service at Westminster, and pray with Ann as she moves toward this milestone. Please read Ann’s message below. 

In Christ,

Leah Hrachovec

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Dear Westminster Members and Friends,

After much prayer and reflection, I have made the decision to retire in early 2025.  It has been my great privilege to serve in ministry with you all for the past 14 years.

When I accepted the call to Westminster in January 2011, little did I imagine the amazing experiences I would share with you as an associate pastor with this congregation.   During our years together, I have had the honor of leading weekly worship, praying by bedsides, serving the community, and officiating at weddings and funerals.  We laughed and cried together.  Some of my favorite moments have been celebrating communion and baptizing babies – such sacred and joyful moments in the life of this faith community! 

It has been a great joy and blessing in my life to serve as a pastor of this incredible church.  As I say goodbye, please know that I do so with a heart full of deep gratitude to the staff and congregation.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve alongside you in so many ways.  I will always cherish the memories and friendships I have made during these years.

Isaiah 43:19 says, “I am about to do a new thing.”  I believe this verse is true for both Westminster and me.  In 2025, I will be joining the ranks of the retired, along with my husband, Jim, who begins the sixth year of his retirement.  Together, Jim and I look forward to welcoming our first grandchild in early March; so, an exciting “new thing” in my life is being a grandmother! 

And I trust God also will continue to do new and wonderful things in and through Westminster next year and beyond.  As I embark on a new chapter of my life, I pray this congregation continues to be a vibrant and active expression of Christ’s body.

Thank you again for your expressions of love, support, and prayers throughout the years.  May God’s grace and peace be with you all!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ann Hatfield