Dear Friends,
 
Yesterday, the Session voted to call a meeting of the Congregation for Sunday, June 20th, immediately following the 9 a.m. service (which will probably be in person) for the purpose of voting to concur with Eric Corbin’s desire to terminate his call here at First Pres Champaign so that he can accept the call of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock, IL.
 
Steps are coming together to discern next steps for us (including having a goodbye party for Eric and his family) and that timeline will be shared soon. Eric’s last Sunday with us will likely be in July.
 
Eric’s letter follows here.
 
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to phone me. Join me in praying for our flock and our brothers and sisters in Woodstock as Eric prepares to become their next pastor.
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
Matt@FirstPres.Church
864386.9138
 
Eric’s pastoral letter is here:
 
June 6, 2021 

Just over eight years ago, three Corbins entered the doors of First Presbyterian Church of Champaign for the first time. We were new to the area and looking for a community of faith in which to worship, serve, and fellowship. We found many opportunities for each of those in this congregation, and found this a great place for our family to follow God’s call. A few months later, two more Corbins joined the family, and you welcomed them with loving arms, too. All five Corbins became part of the life of this congregation, and over time, two of us joined the staff. Kristi was first, becoming Mission Coordinator in January 2015. A few months later, Eric was invited to join the staff as Covenant Associate Pastor.
 
In those six years that I have been on the staff, we have continued to worship, serve, and fellowship together. We’ve celebrated together and grieved together. We’ve grown together through study of God’s word, as we’ve embraced new ideas and new ways of being the body of Christ together. We’ve stood together at the sides of graves and at the sides of the baptismal font. We’ve gathered for worship in the sanctuary, Westminster Hall, Centennial Hall, and the Chapel. We’ve learned together in Sunday School, Confirmation Class, VBS, and Adult Education. We’ve met at swimming pools, parks, picnic tables (turquoise and otherwise), area ministries, and Habitat for Humanity homes. We’ve traveled to presbytery meetings from Sparta to Danville. I’ve been in your homes minutes after the death of a loved one, for sharing Holy Communion, for meetings, and for lovely Christmas gatherings. We’ve discussed big issues of how to follow Jesus and how to reach out to our interfaith neighbors. I’ve sat in meetings throughout the buildings and now in my basement via Zoom. I am grateful for all that we’ve shared, and the ways that you have invited me into your lives. I treasure the moments of deep connection, of tears, and of cheers. 

When I became your Covenant Associate Pastor, the church was in a time of transition. Rick Snyder had retired, and Chuck Carlson had become your Interim Senior Pastor as the Pastor Nominating Committee began their diligent work. As a “Covenant” Associate Pastor, I was hired by the session, rather than called by the congregation. My ministry here was originally conceived as a two-year position, while the PNC sought your next Senior Pastor. As time went on and the PNC continued their work, my position was extended for another two years.

A few months after Matt Matthews arrived as your Senior Pastor, he and I, along with the Session, began discussions about my tenure here. Per Presbytery rules, my position as Covenant Associate Pastor could not be extended again. As we all felt God leading us to continue our relationship at that time, the Session called a meeting for the congregation to vote on calling me as your Associate Pastor, dropping the “Covenant” portion of my title. My position has gone through changes and adjustments over the years.

From the beginning, however, my ministry here was defined as temporary and so part of me has always had an eye to the future. Now, the congregation is on a solid footing, ready for ministry for the future as in-person worship and meetings emerge from a long season of pandemic life. 
In God’s timing, the people of First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock, Illinois, have called me to be their next Pastor.

The congregation has a similar long history in its community, having been founded in 1846. Like you, they are committed to worship, service, and fellowship, and I am honored to join them in that ministry. My ministry there is tentatively set to begin on August 1st, so I will be here, ministering alongside you until mid-July. I look forward to finding ways to say our farewells as we reflect on how God has led us together in ministry. 

I am and will always remain grateful to God and to you for the ministry that we have shared together during the eight years my family and I have been part of this congregation. You have entrusted me with important moments in your lives and in the life of this community, and I will always carry with me your love and support. My favorite mug says “Ministry is serving God by serving others.” It has been an honor to serve God with you. 

With my thanks and praise to God for you, 

Eric