April Newsletter
It is interesting to note that when God told Moses and the nation, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one! Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and might,” he also told them these words:
“You shall teach them diligently to your children.”
Thus, at the beginning of God’s relationship with his people, he establishes an expectation for the entire nation, the whole community to teach the Love of God to all of the children. This is not just for parents and their immediate family, but for all of the adults to teach all of the kids. And it is hard to find someone who has spent more blood, sweat and tears doing this for our church family than Tosha Funderburgh. However, God has moved Tosha and her family to make a change. Please read Tosha’s letter below:
Hello College Heights Family,
I would like to officially announce that my time as the Elementary Minister at College Heights has come to an end and my last day will be July 31st, 2022.
It is such a bittersweet decision for me because I truly love my job. I love the kids I get to see every week, I love watching them learn to trust Jesus when things are happy and sad. I love reminding kids of the love of Jesus when they have made poor choices and also when they have served selflessly. It has been my greatest joy to love and serve the “challenging kiddos” and remind them that Jesus loves them too, even if it is hard for them to sit still. ;) I love my volunteers, some of which have been with me since I began almost 6 years ago. Children’s ministry is not possible without them and their selfless giving of their time, energy, knowledge and love of Jesus. They have supported me, encouraged me and ran through some hectic seasons with me; to them I am so so grateful.
Being on staff at College Heights has been the community and support that I have needed over the years. They are some of my best friends. I am forever grateful for the time they gave to laugh, cry, pray and encourage me.
I can’t thank Ann Wolfe enough for the literal HOURS of time she has spent listening to my heartaches both personally and professionally. She has led me, supported me, prayed for me and alongside me for almost 5 years now. She’s the best boss I’ve ever had.
Families, It has been such a joy to get to know you, walk with you, and learn from you over the years. I pray you will keep seeking Jesus and talking to your kiddos about Him. You are their best teachers! Pray with them honestly and vulnerably. Show them what a life sincerely following Jesus looks like, in the good and bad.
Kiddos, I am the saddest to leave you all. Seeing you each week has brought me joy and reminded me of the deep love of Jesus. Loving Jesus and having a relationship with Him is the BEST decision you will ever make.
The reason for my leaving is simple. I need more time home with my family. The Lord has graciously allowed me to serve in the Elementary Ministry here at College Heights while also being a wife and mother, and he has now made it clear that my season of being a full-time Minister has ended. It is with no frustration or bitterness that I am leaving, only with joy that my time at home will grow.
So that kids love Jesus,
Tosha Funderburgh
We are sad to see Tosha leave her role as our Elementary Minister and pray for her and her family as they enter into a new season that they feel is best for their family. We will have a specific time to honor Tosha and say thank you to her for her faithfulness these last several years.
We also ask you to pray for God to bring the right person to take the baton from Tosha and build upon the great foundation she has laid for our Elementary Ministry. We believe that if God has a plan for Tosha, that He also has a plan for us.
There are several updates from our staff that we want to make you aware of this Spring. Below you will find a brief overview of each change that has occurred with each staff member listed. As always if you have any questions, feel free to email Sy Huffer at shuffer@chjoplin.org.
Sarah Beck has been hired as our part-time Children’s Ministry Assistant. She is working with both our Early Childhood and Elementary Ministers in our Children’s ministry in order to plan special events, recruit, train and empower volunteers; all so that kids love Jesus. Please welcome Sarah when you see her!
Taylor Brown has accepted a full time ministry role at Christ in Youth, meaning he will be transitioning off of our preaching team. Taylor stepped up in a big way, on a part time basis, in order to assist our preaching team. We are so grateful for Taylor’s willingness as one of our members to jump in during a tough time. Please say thank you to Taylor when you see him around our church family for his impact and ministry these last 18 months.
We announced earlier in the year that was Titus Neuenschwander transitioning off of our staff in order to follow God’s calling on he and his family to work with families in a more intensive environment. His time with us will end in May, so we are asking our church family to bring a card that expresses our gratitude for Titus’ faithful ministry on Sunday, May 1st. His ministry responsibilities will be transitioning over to Ann Wolfe and our Care Team.
In 2019, Alec Ward began talking with our Executive Team on what it would like for him to become Bi-Vocational. We were interested in the concept and began a journey of moving him in that direction. Yet even during the pandemic, and staff reductions, Alec faithfully went above and beyond the call of duty in order to ensure we had great worship services each Sunday. He and Kaele decided to move to Bentonville, AR, which means he will be ending his time with us as a bi-vocational worship leader. Please express your appreciation to Alec by emailing him at alecwardd@gmail.com.
Brittany Walker was hired in April to serve as the Ministry Assistant for our Student Ministries. She will be working with Middle School, High School, and College Age in order to help lead our church’s pursuit of raising up youth to follow Jesus. Please welcome Brittany when you see her!
