Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Dear friends,

Last night at the Presbytery of Waterloo Wellington a motion was passed giving me permission to retire from the position of Lead Minister at St. Andrews effective October 31, 2024.  It is time.  I have only been at St. Andrew's for a very short three years.  I had hoped to be here for at least another two, possibly three.  But, to be honest I am tired and it is time to go.  I am an admitted workaholic and my time at St Andrews has been filled with meaningful opportunities of work and service.  Sometimes I don't know my own limits.  I have always thought I could do more and even when people over the last three years told me I was working too hard, I thought I had things under control.  It is now apparent that I didn't.  I am suffering from burn out.  

I shared my decision to request the presbytery allow me to retire with the session a couple weeks ago.  It is something Barb and I have discussed since Easter.  Immediate reaction seems to be that St Andrews was responsible - that St Andrews burned me out

I don't blame St Andrews. Not at all.  Yes it is a lot of work here but I am the one who overestimated my capacity.  I take full responsibility.  I wish I could stay longer but physically I can't.  I am utterly exhausted.  My body will no longer sustain my working habits. 

This is a bittersweet moment for me.  St Andrews is in a good place. We have made some good decisions. The future looks bright as we develop partnerships and work together to meet the needs of the community which has always been in the DNA of the congregation.  I will miss working with the congregation and the partners we have developed and are developing.

But it is time.  My grandkids and my entire family needs me and I need them.  I ask for your support and your prayers in this decision.   St Andrews has always had a place in my heart and that will never change.

Although my retirement is effective at the end of October, my last Sunday at St Andrews will be on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 13.  I have two weeks of holidays remaining that I will take from October 16 on.  My prayers and my love are with all of you.

Marty

Rev. Marty Molengraaf (he, him)
Minister, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church