Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian,

Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I write today with a heart overflowing with gratitude and excitement, because I have wonderful news to share. Just this past week, the presbytery voted to move me from the inquirer phase into the candidate phase of the ordination process. Glory be to God! This is a big step on my journey toward ordination, and I want you to know that I could not have made it this far without the constant prayers, encouragement, and love I have received from this congregation. You have walked with me, supported me, and cheered me on. I am especially thankful to the Rev. McNamara, the session, the deacons, and the entire church family for being a home that nurtures and believes in God’s call upon my life.

At the same time, I want to share some bittersweet news. My work at the Presbyterian Church in Geneva is ending. Serving in Geneva gave me the opportunity to grow and learn so much through youth and children’s ministry. What a gift it has been to partner with such dedicated volunteers, caring parents, energetic young people, and a loving congregation! In just about a year together, we planted seeds of faith, built friendships, and created memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. One of the greatest lessons I learned in Geneva is that God often works most powerfully through simple acts of care, listening, laughing, and sharing life together. For that, I am forever grateful.

But God is always doing a new thing! By God’s grace, I have been called to serve as the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at Third Presbyterian Church, Rochester. This full-time position carries with it the exciting possibility of becoming an Associate Pastor for Children and Youth once I am ordained. I am thrilled about this opportunity, not only because Third Presbyterian has already extended such a warm welcome, but also because of their deep commitment to justice, inclusion, and the gospel lived out in community.

In this role, I look forward to cultivating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children, youth, and families can grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Our ministry will focus on providing meaningful opportunities for young people to deepen their faith, explore the richness of Scripture, and discover the joy of belonging, both within the church and in the wider community. I truly believe God is preparing something beautiful, and I am excited to be part of it!

And there is one more piece of good news (yes, God has been busy!): my green card has been approved! This is an incredible blessing that opens doors for me to continue serving God and the church here in the United States without fear or uncertainty.

This fall is a season of new beginnings for our family! Jennifer will be starting her RN program at Monroe Community College (MCC), an exciting step forward in her nursing journey. At the same time, our little Eliora will be stepping into a big milestone of her own as she begins kindergarten in September. We are so grateful for your prayers and support as each of us continues to grow in the paths God has set before us.

When I look back on my call and theological journey in this country, I am amazed at God’s faithfulness. I am deeply thankful to God for the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church, you welcomed me, encouraged me, and gave me space to grow into the person God is calling me to be. Truly, you are part of my story, and I will carry you in my prayers as we continue to walk this journey of faith together. Even though I may be away physically, please know that my spirit will always remain with you. From time to time, I would love to return for a visit and share in fellowship once again.

With love, gratitude, and joy,

Alfred Appiah