October 13, 2004

Dear Members and Friends of The Congregational Church of Brookfield

On Sunday October 10^th, I was formally offered and accepted the call to be the next senior pastor of First Congregational Church (UCC) of Hudson, Ohio.  First Congregational is a quintessentially New England church gathered in Connecticut’s old Western Reserve in 1799, just south of Cleveland.  While the decision to leave the church here in Brookfield was truly one of the most difficult decisions of our lives, Amiee and I are confident that God is calling us to this new ministry.  And yet, to leave Brookfield and all the people we have come to love over these years will be one of the most painful things we have ever done. 

In the spring of 1990, when I received the call to Brookfield, Amiee and I wondered whether or not we would ever have a child old enough to play on the town’s newly constructed Kid’s Kingdom.  Like most associates at that time, we assumed we would be here for two to four years.  How could we predict the changes that would take place over the next fourteen years?  We know (and have been giving thanks on an increasingly regular basis) we have been immeasurably blessed by our time with you.  While we will be concluding our time in Brookfield on December 31^st, we will always cherish the relationships developed during our time here and give thanks for the incredible privilege of sharing in ministry with the people of this church.

As I prepare for leave taking, I do so confident that God holds much good for the people of the Congregational Church of Brookfield for the years to come.  You have been formative in my ministry and will always be a part of my future work, and for that, I give you deep thanks.  The people of this congregation will always hold a very special place in our hearts.  Not only have you made an indelible mark on Amiee and me, you have been one of the most significant shaping influences for Sarah, Katherine and William.  In the weeks ahead, Amiee and I look forward to a continued ministry with you.

May God’s blessing continue to rest upon the people of the Congregational Church of Brookfield .

Always,

Peter Wiley