Dear Prince of Peace,

It is with a heavy heart…

that I write to inform you that I will be stepping down from my position as Director of Technology and Social Media at Prince of Peace. This decision was not an easy one, but it is one that I have felt deeply compelled to make. Due to the current staffing transition our church is experiencing, I have decided it is my time to go in a new direction as well.

Serving this congregation…

has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I have been honored to serve in this role for over a decade. For over 30 years Prince of Peace has been my home in every sense of the word. I was baptized here as a child, went to Sunday School and Confirmation here, and participated in our high school ministry. So many of my life’s greatest milestones have been marked in this sacred space. My first job was here. I even have the church’s cross tattooed on myself as a constant reminder of the community that shaped me. I married my soulmate here—a number of staff were a major part of our wedding, and it has been my great joy to begin raising two beautiful children in this beloved community.

When I reflect…

on the road that led me to this point, I can’t help but think back to that meeting with Pastor Jim so many years ago. I was asked to fill in temporarily during our Senior Pastor search in 2011—just for “three or four months”. Little did I know that those few months would turn into more than 13 years of working alongside the most amazing staff and congregation. What started as a short-term role grew into a journey I will always be deeply grateful for, one filled with love, growth, and a deepening of my connection to this church and all of you.

The relationships…

I’ve built here, the work we’ve done together, and the moments we’ve shared have been life-changing. This community has been a constant source of support, especially during some of the hardest times in my life. Whether it was facing health issues or other personal challenges, I have always felt the love, and strength of this congregation lifting me up. The support I received was a powerful reminder that we are never alone—people are placed in our lives for many reasons, and I am so blessed that I was placed here, among all of you.

What I cherish most…

about my time here is the friendships we have cultivated together. Every Sunday service, every conversation, every staff meeting, every community event—it was all built on a foundation of love. From the boisterous joy of Easter celebrations to the quiet reverence of Candlelight Christmas Eve services, we have worshiped and grown together. Over the years, we’ve experienced many changes together—new staff, new challenges, and even pandemics. With each change, we’ve adapted and grown, and I hope that this will continue. That you will continue to guide this church forward with wisdom, grace, and a heart for loving others. My love will always be with you, and I will always be grateful for the ways this community has been there for me.

I wanted to thank all of you…

but words could never fully capture my gratitude. From the staff members who have become my family, to the volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to serve this church, to the congregation members who have shared their lives with me, and especially to pastors Chad and Natalia—thank you. The two of you have shaped who I am today more than anyone. Thank you for seeing me, for loving me, and for allowing me to be myself, and a part of this incredible community. You have touched my life in ways that I will carry with me forever.

My final day…

at Prince of Peace will be Sunday, November 24th, but Prince of Peace will always be a part of who I am and this community will always be in my heart. As we move through this season of transition, I ask for your prayers, not just for me, but for the church as well. Change is never easy, but each of us is heading toward new opportunities, new growth, and new ways to Grow Deep and Reach Out. And I hope that Prince of Peace will continue to be a beacon of love, hope, and faith in Brooklyn Park.

with love,

Nikk VanLiew