December 8, 2022
Dear Carmel Presbyterian Church,
It is with mixed feelings that we announce the resignation of Amanda de la Vega Tovar effective February 5, 2023. We say mixed because we are sad to see her leaving CPC. She is clearly loved by so many of us and has strived to move kids into deeper relationships with Christ through her ministries at CPC. Her work has surely been blessed by God. At the same time, God rarely seems to keep his disciples in one place. And when He moves a disciple to another place, it is so His will can be accomplished. For this, we are very excited to see what God has in store for Amanda in the future.
We have included a letter from Amanda below so that she can tell you directly what God has placed in her heart. In the meantime, your elders will be in constant prayer as we work to find the right person to replace Amanda. As Pastor Singleton noted in his recent sermon, “God is taking us to a place that we have not been before.” So instead of relying on our own understanding, we will seek His will, we will seek His timing, and we will seek His Spirit in guiding us not only for Amanda’s position, but also for our transitional pastor and for our staff team.
We ask that you continue in prayer for our journey together into God’s preferred future for our church. We will be working to create a clear plan and a smooth transition for our next youth minister. We will keep you informed as our process moves along. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at session@carmelpres.org.
In Christ,
Matt Bell Dean Gray Hans Hess
Susan Kuhlman Jun Mabul Linda Masten
Greg Ogden Greg Quiring John Scherer
CPC Elders
December 8, 2022
Hi Carmel Pres. Church Family,
After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is time for me to step away from my position as Minister to Students and Interim Family Ministry Director. As I have been praying about my role at CPC, I sensed God releasing me from CPC and asking me to take steps of faith out of this particular ministry. While I do not yet know exactly where God is leading me, I am prayerfully expectant for how He will guide me forward.
CPC has been my home church since I was little and it has been a privilege to serve in ministry here for the past eight years. During my time here, I grew as a follower of Christ, a leader, and a minister. I am appreciative of the many ways CPC has invested in and developed me. In doing so, our church has helped me do the same for many young people in our community.
This was not an easy decision for me to make. However, I am confident that God is doing a new thing in my life and at CPC. All He asks is obedience in following Him wherever He leads. I truly believe God has good plans for the future of this church, and this generation of students. It has been an honor to live life alongside students of all ages on the Peninsula. They are bright, hopeful, and hungry for Truth and it’s been beautiful to see many of them find Truth in Christ!
My last day at CPC will be February 5th. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to talk, I am available - amanda@carmelpres.org.
And as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, I too pray for you and CPC,
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Blessings,
Amanda