Dear Westminster Family,
I am writing to share the news that I will be leaving my position on the Youth Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church. I have accepted a new position downtown at Room In The Inn providing supportive services and spiritual care for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. I will miss leading Confirmation, trips to Montreat, bagels with my small group, and games of Grog with the middle schoolers. However, I am excited about this new role, and I believe that this change is what is right for me, my family, and for Westminster.
I first came to Westminster in 2013-2014, volunteering with the youth ministry. I returned to Westminster in May 2015 to work full-time with Claire Harris Kramer, Whitney Booth Lockard, and Keith Maddin on the Youth Staff. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of talented faith leaders in our youth ministry setting: Sophie Maness, Margie Quinn, Katie Gossage, Kirsten Fox, Ryland Wheliss, Hannah Norris, and Adam DeVries.
I’ve been here many seasons, and God has been ever-present and steadfast through it all. I do not take for granted that you’ve been with me, too. You were with me when I became an inquirer in the ordination process and when I received my MDiv. You were with me through a pandemic. You were with me when I got engaged. And now you are with me as I head out. I’ve learned a lot from you all, and I will be taking that with me.
With the leadership of Adam and Hannah, the administrative skills of Anna, and the support of the Youth & Families Committee, it’s safe to say that the Youth Ministry is in excellent and capable hands. We will be working closely in the coming weeks to ensure a strong transition. As someone who has been through approximately 1,000 youth ministry transitions at Westminster, please remember this: even though you are in the most excellent and capable of hands, it’s still a transition. Be kind to each other, be gracious to your Youth Staff, and be ready to jump in to help.
I know it’s Fall Break (womp womp), but if you have questions or want to talk to me, I’m around in the coming days and weeks. My last Sunday at Westminster will be October 27, 2024—which is intentionally not during Fall Break—so hopefully I can see you then.
It’s been real, Westminster. I’ll see you soon.
In Peace,
T.J. Piccolo
