Dear beloved people of Arlington Community Church,

It is with mixed emotions that I write to share some news. My family and I will be moving back to Massachusetts this summer, to raise our children closer to our families. My last Sunday at ACC will be either July 4 or July 11.

As some of you know, both sets of our parents live in the Boston area, and Kit and I have always imagined raising Zoe and Gwendolyn closer to their grandparents. The stress and uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic encouraged us to make this a priority sooner rather than later.

While I’m excited for what our move will offer, there are so many things I will miss about Arlington Community Church. You are a congregation who has found ways to love God by supporting one another, by working for justice, by celebrating music and the arts, by welcoming all people…the list could go on. The Holy Spirit is present in a unique way here, and I will always treasure what I have learned from you. I’m especially grateful for the way you’ve embraced my family, and your patience and good humor as I’ve balanced ministry with parenting responsibilities. ACC has been a home for me.

Looking ahead, planning for the second half of the summer is getting underway. Linda Young, our Moderator, has already been in touch with the Conference staff. I encourage you to join our Zoom Social Hour this Sunday, May 16, at 11 am, to hear more from myself and Linda about next steps for ACC, and share any questions and thoughts you might have about the upcoming time of transition.

As we begin the process of saying goodbye over the next two months together, please know how special it has been for me to serve as your pastor.

God’s peace,

Rev. Nate Klug