A New Chapter for the Panda Family

It is with great joy we can share the newest chapter for the Panda Family! After seven amazing years serving as the Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MO, today marked my first Sunday in the pulpit as the new Senior Pastor of Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, MO.

The first half of 2024 has been a whirlwind of discernment, prayer, and all the stress that comes with a major move. The word I find myself coming back to time and again is bittersweet. We are thrilled to be back in KC, to be much closer to family and long-time friends, and especially to be part of the Pine Ridge community. At the same time, this move brings so much change -- and even good change is stressful. We will miss our Trinity family, the many friends we had formed during our time in Springfield, and the places and activities that made the Ozarks a special place to raise kids.

Chris offering the Benediction at Pine Ridge on his Candidate Sunday service. Standing next to him is the Rev. Buzzy LeCluyse, the longtime Associate and then Interim Pastor at Pine Ridge (and a seminary classmate and friend of Chris!).

If you aren't familiar with Pine Ridge, they are a vibrant and mission focused congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) serving the Northland of the Kansas City metro area. During my conversations with the PNC (Pastoral Nominating Committee) it became clear that their vision as a congregation and my calling as a pastor were in good alignment; plus their love of good music and dedication for mission and justice work made it a natural fit. It has been a true joy over the past months learning how many personal connections I have in the Pine Ridge community already, and we are looking forward to the new friendships that will mark this chapter of our lives.

Another major change for the Panda Family has been the purchase of our first home! Prior to this call, we had either been living in a church-provided home (a manse) or a rental house. The home buying journey has been a roller coaster to be sure, but it is wonderful to have a place of our own. Once we get the boxes unpacked and life a bit more settled, I hope you will stop by if you're in the KC area.

The whirlwind isn't likely to slow down anytime soon, as two oldest make the transition into a new school and school district and our youngest shifts into new therapy programs. While there are wonderful resources here in KC, we have been learning that one of the great strengths of the Springfield community is their amazing number of early-childhood and disability support services.

As always, if you're reading this note, thank you for being invested in our family. Whether we've seen you recently or not, if you care enough to read about us it means there is a connection there - and we sincerely hope you will make plans to come visit us in person soon - or at least drop a line to update us on your own adventures! Until next time,

Peace!
Chris and the Panda Family