Submitted by Admin2 on February 6, 2008 - 1:45pm.

Dear Spirit Garage,

I write to you with sadness to inform you all that I will be stepping down from my staff position as Minister of Community Life at Spirit Garage. This decision was not an easy one.

In early January of this year I was approached by Luther Seminary and was asked to come on staff there as the Instructional Designer in the online Distributed Learning Program. I was quite honored and surprised by their invitation and after long consideration, I have accepted their invitation. My new role at Luther will be to partner with professors to adapt and develop their courses for teaching and learning in an online environment. The job is an exciting convergence around my research and interests in media and faith and has the added benefit of being a full time position.

I count myself blessed to have been a part of the Spirit Garage staff for the past 6 plus years. I have learned an incredible amount and have had many opportunities to stretch and grow. Most of all I am grateful for how you have all shared your lives with me. Thank You!

Even though I will be leaving my staff role, Rob has invited Kari Ann and I to remain a part of the Spirit Garage community. I was touched by his invitation and as long as our presence does not cause difficulties for others, we would be overjoyed to remain a part of the Spirit Garage community which has been our church home for more than eight years and is the best church I know.

Transitions can be difficult and change can be scary, yet I am confident that God is at work in all of this. I am hopeful that the time ahead can be an opportunity for Spirit Garage to dream new dreams and travel new paths.  Spirit Garage has experienced significant change in the past and has grown stronger in the midst of it and I am sure that Spirit Garage can continue to grow in the midst of this change. My prayers are with all of you in continuing Spirit Garage’s calling to be ‘the church with the really big door.’

Lastly, I would like to invite you to join me for my last worship gathering as a staff member on Sunday, February 24th 10:30 AM at the Music Box Theatre. There will also be a reception following worship, Noon - 3 PM at the Brit’s Pub third floor Clubhouse, three blocks north of the Music Box, at 1110 Nicollet Mall. There will be music, an appetizer buffet, and soft-drinks served free of charge. I hope to see you there.

God’s Peace,

Ryan Torma

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