February 24, 2023

Dear First Prez ‘Ohana,

Both Roz and I are grateful, and honored, to have served at First Prez for 28 years and 30 years, respectively, so this is not an easy letter for us to write.

The Lord has spoken to us (separately) that His plan means a change for both of us— to continue our respective life journeys to serve Him, though now outside of First Prez. We have dedicated much time for thoughtful prayer and discernment over the past months, and are trusting in the Lord’s calling to transition.

Roslyn will move forward on June 1 and I will retire from the pastorate on September 30, both of this year.

I will continue to be involved in Hawaiian Islands Ministries, an organization that Pam and I started 40 years ago, and I am looking forward to pursuing other ministry opportunities within Hawaii and beyond. Roz’s next season will start with an extended stay in Italy, and she looks forward to being more involved with local and national theater productions.

While we won’t have official roles at First Prez, we look forward to opportunities to continue to fellowship and, of course, are open to any meals with you (ramen for Dan, broccoli for Roz!).

Know that we love you dearly! This was not an easy decision because we hold you in our hearts so closely. We are trusting in the Lord’s plan, and will move forward with thanksgiving and immense gratefulness for you all. We are so happy for all of the good memories we have shared and anticipate more delight as we see the Lord’s hand in blessing our beloved First Prez in more extraordinary ways in the future.

Our Session has formed and commissioned a “Transition Team,” and our Elders & Deacons had a wonderful retreat a few weeks ago to discuss and organize FPC’s upcoming changes. Our church leaders have a strong plan in place and are coordinating our transition processes in partnership with our denomination, including the future selection of a new pastor. This will happen at a time when First Prez will also be expanding its staffing.

We will speak more about this in this coming Sunday’s worship services on February 26, and will continue to openly communicate FPC’s plans and timings in Sunday services, emails, and a new website which will centralize information about our next season.

We believe our church is in good hands as our members and FPC staff remain capable and dedicated. Our church is healthy. We have an excellent team that has brought us to this point and will lead our faith community into the next phase of our exciting future.

God has amazing adventures in store for First Prez. Great is His faithfulness.

Warmly in Christ,
Pastor Dan and Roslyn