Dear First Church,
This is my last week as your director of communications. A lot has happened since January 2017 when I first walked through the doors of First Church as one of your staff. While it certainly wasn’t always smooth sailing (global pandemic anyone?!), I end my time here with so much that I’m deeply thankful for.
- To Rev. Sharon Moe and Eric Liljegren, for their enthusiasm, and confidence that I was a good fit for First Church, even in our very first meeting.
- To Rev. Jeremy Smith, for all of his care, encouragement, and well-timed memes.
- To Jean Ferguson, for her copyediting wisdom.
- To Darrell and Nancy Dudgeon, for all the holiday cards.
- To everyone who gave my family new baby gifts on not one, but two occasions. Thank you, it meant so much (and made a big difference for my boys).
- To Isaac Pruden, for all the help on big projects, and for the much needed levity.
- To SPRC, for their care and advocacy. A special thank you to Teresa Canady (you make the best drop off dinners!) and Ruby Amegah (coffee in challenging situations is one of my love languages!)
- To Melinda Waggoner, for the listening ear and friendship.
- To Dana Birkby, for always volunteering.
- To Sue Porter, for all of your help organizing years worth of office supplies.
- To Jonathyn Kraig, for your kindness, and dedication to our shared work.
- To Elisabeth Ellis, for your commitment to making things happen, even in the most challenging situations.
This list could go on and on.
To each of you that I’ve worked with, attended meetings with, or who answered my calls for volunteers over the past six years, know that I’m thankful for your presence at First Church, and your commitment to being a refuge of inclusive Christianity here in Seattle.
I’ll look forward to seeing all you do in the coming years, and to hearing someday soon that the church directory has FINALLY launched!
Alicia Choi