To: Members and Friends of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church 
From: Rev. Traci Smith 
Re: Pastoral Transition 

January 3, 2024 

Dear Elmhurst Presbyterian Members and Friends, 

New Year’s Greetings to You! 

I’m writing with important news to share that affects the life and ministry of our congregation. Last night the session approved my request for a voluntary dissolution of the pastoral relationship between me, the congregation, and the Presbytery of Chicago.  

I will be leaving EPC to take a job as Program Director for a new initiative my publisher is launching, based on my work. I look forward to sharing the details with you about that ministry after the announcement is made next week. 

This transition is bittersweet for me, as transitions often are. Serving as your pastor has been my true honor, pleasure, and delight. I’ve learned so much from you, and I will carry you in my heart always. 

I’m so proud of the Session and their bold, courageous, and rock-solid leadership. Believe me when I say there is not a better group among you to lead you through to this next chapter. 

My last day with you will be Sunday, February 4th. Between now and then, the Session and I will say much more about the process for transition, details on the covenant of closure between us, and what comes next. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. 

With love in Christ, 

Pastor Traci 

To: EPC Members and Friends
From: Patti Berner, Clerk of Session
RE: Pastoral Transition

Dear EPC Members & Friends,

So what happens now?

If you are a long-time Presbyterian, then you probably have seen one or more pastors leave to minister to other churches, to retire, or to make changes in how they follow their calling.

No matter how long a minister has been with a church, or why they are leaving, the natural question to ask is, “So what happens now?”

Here is a quick take on what is going to happen …

• Pastor Traci will be here for another month or so, and will be focusing on helping us make a smooth transition to a new pastor — as well as on talking personally with as many of us as she can. 

• The church leaders you have chosen, the committee members who pitch in to make things happen at EPC, and all our volunteers will keep things moving forward. Mission, worship, faith formation, fellowship, membership, buildings & grounds, treasury, the church office, and others have a lot of experience. We are blessed with so many talented, caring people. 

• We’ll begin immediately to look for a new pastor, with the help of the The Presbytery of Chicago, which will support us through their Committee on Ministry.

The great news is that our church is attractive to potential ministers for so many reasons. For instance … 

• We’re outward-looking — pursuing innovative missions that touch the local community and even reach across continents. 

• We’re welcoming and affirming. 

• We don’t have a mortgage and we do have money in the bank. 

• People continue to join EPC and bring their remarkable gifts to our community of faith.

• We’re in a prominent location in town, right on a busy corner.

• You’ll be hearing a lot more. Communication will be so important — and it works in two directions. You’ll receive news … but the church needs to hear from you. If you have questions, concerns, and ideas, please raise them. 

Pastor Traci is taking on a once-in-a-career opportunity that has been made possible by a special grant from a foundation. It took something really special to draw her away, because what she has been a part of at EPC is so remarkable. 

Please watch for more communications. Please join us in wishing Pastor Traci the best. And please look forward to the next chapter in the life of our congregation!

Sincerely,

Patti Berner, Clerk, on behalf of the Session