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To my Tabernacle Baptist Church family,

For the past five years, I have been a part of this incredible community of faith. I have spent time watching your children, visiting in your homes, praying at your bedside, and walking with you on this journey we call life. We have laughed and cried, celebrated and mourned, butted heads and grown closer. We have lived life.

Two years ago when I was a seminary intern, I originally thought that at the conclusion of my internship and seminary program, I would move on from this place. At the time, we as a church did not know if a residency was the next step. But sure enough, we answered the call to continue to be a teaching congregation. When I was offered a two-year residency at Tabernacle to begin in May 2015, I was confident that God was calling me to stay in this place; to grown in my identity as a pastor; to live into the vocation I have been called to since I was fifteen years old. I said “yes” to being molded and shaped by you.

I am just as confident now that as my residency draws to a close this spring that I am ready for the next step. The goal of the residency is to equip and prepare young ministers. You, my friends, have down this well. You have allowed me to lean and grow. I have made mistakes along the way, and you have extended grace in each of these situations. There have been times that your words of affirmation have gotten me through the tough dates and reminded me why I do what I do. You have made me a better person and a better pastor, and I will never be able to thank you enough.

I have been equipped. I have been prepared. and now I am ready for the last piece of the residency: to be sent. After months of prayer, discernment, wrestling, and soul-searching, I have decided to begin searching for associate pastor positions at other churches. Just as I was called here, I know fully that I am ready to be called to the next place. You have helped me get to this point, and now I ask that you send me, and send me well.

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go?’ And I said, ‘Here I am, send me!” As I begin this search process, I am praying this prayer daily. I carry it with me everywhere I go. I am allowing myself the freedom to be sent wherever God is calling me to. Because I know that I am ready for that place, because you have gotten me this far. The rest is up to God.

If I may, I have some requests as I enter into the last few months of my residency:

1. First, I ask that you help me end strong. There will be a time when I need to disengage, but that is not right now. We still have good work to do! Let’s do it together, because that is a lot more fun.
2. Second, I ask that you not make the months ahead a long good-bye. We both know how exhausting that will be. So let’s avoid it as long as possible, shall we? There will be time to say good-bye. But that time is not right now. I promise to let you say good-bye when the time comes.
3. Third, I ask that you begin to pray now for whoever is called to this place next. Begin lifting her or him up now. God has a plan for them, just like he has a plan for each of us. Pray for their next steps and the journey they will take to get here.
4. Finally, I ask that you remember who you are as a church. Because it is great and beautiful place. I know that God has a plan for Tabernacle. But don’t let go of what makes you, you: your love for people, you ability to welcome the stranger, your willingness to take risks (on new ministers, on hard decisions, on each other); your passion for worship; and your ability to be a safe place for the children of God. The world needs more places like Tabernacle. Keep up the good work.

You are good and faithful servants. I will be forever grateful for my time with you. It will always be a part of who I am. Thank you for being you.

With love and a full heart,

Kristen Koger

Ten years ago the congregation made the wonderful decision to pull Ryan Corbitt out of the pew and put him on the piano bench on a regular basis. The previous occupant of that bench, Mark Andrist, had left for a full time position in Northern Virginia. Ryan had served alongside of Mark for The
Tabernacle, the Sunday evening worship and sang tenor in the choir. It was a delight to move his considerable musical talents to our staff.

Ten years with Ryan has meant Sundays when the offertory reflected a song or theme mentioned in the sermon. “What was that song” has been a constant question as people leave worship. Ryan has taught the choir how to walk in faith as they sing to his accompaniment with his admonition of “there will be an introduction and you will know when to sing.” Many of us wish that “you will know the right thing to do” was as easy as knowing when to sing! This Advent we will be singing one of his compositions as we light our Advent Candles

Ten years with Ryan has meant never worrying that a piece of music is too difficult for the accompanist, not in the correct key or simply not written down.   His talented ears and fingers quickly solve those problems. Need guitar instead of piano—problem solved, in fact, need accordion instead of piano, problem also solved. His considerable talents make the creativity of our worship service possible on so many levels.

Ten years with Ryan has meant the realization of a dream of a piano teaching school at Tabernacle. Grove Ave. Piano has taught many aspiring pianists from the church and neighborhood to play. Ryan also keeps the pianos at Tabernacle and in many of our homes in good tune.

Each of us can tell of times when we have been delighted and inspired by his beautiful work at the piano or guitar. Please take a moment to share a memory or thought with him as we celebrate Ten Years with Ryan Corbitt! May the next ten years be as creative and inspirational.

“I experienced Christ’s love when we were all eating dinner together and talking and having fun. My favorite part was when we went hiking in the rain. It was good to experience nature while walking with friends. I learned that no matter what you do, God will always forgive you. I also learned that there are times when you will feel like things are too tough for you to handle but God always has a plan for you.”

– Monica Iang

 

 

You may remember that our TCCC Pre-K Teachers, Brittany Kaufman and Catherine Chop, realized a dream by going to China this summer to teach English as a Second Language (ESL).  Thanks to all of those who supported them in making this dream come true.

In our last edition of the TAB, you read Catherine Chop’s story of her memories of this amazing opportunity.  Below is Brittany Kaufman’s description of what was truly a monumental experience for her.

     It’s been two months since I returned home from China, and I still think to myself how lucky I was to have been chosen to embark on such an incredible journey. Along the way I got the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing, kind, and generous people.

     I first met a group of 12 women with love in their hearts and a strong desire to help make this world a better place.  These teachers worked so hard every day to educate the children not just about English, but also about love and compassion. We shared our teachings and struggles with each other to continue to learn from one another every day. 

     Max and Hannah, the owners of the extraordinary school, are inspiring leaders and such a caring couple. They introduced us to countless friends who took us under their wing to show us their culture and Beijing.  It was clear that the children at the school had such a craving for knowledge and curiosity for who we were. While language was a barrier, we found other ways to connect with the kids through games, art projects, stories, and of course laughter. 

     Lastly, I was so fortunate to be alongside my co-worker Catherine. We shared moments of laughter that still make me giggle, and other memories of being in complete awe over what we were seeing and experiencing. Even now she helps me remember to above all else explore my appreciation for life, and to not sweat the little things. I’m so grateful I had her to share this adventure with.

     Now, I am left with more friends than I had before, memories to last a lifetime, and an intense craving for dumplings! 

Our Children’s Ministry is a big part of who we are as a congregation.  What you do to support that ministry is greatly appreciated and has a true impact for the children, as well as for our instructors.  We are forever grateful!