“Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
~ Jeremiah 17:7-8
Photo: Nicole Soriano
Those magnificent trees on our campus have witnessed the collective life of our community longer than any one individual has. For the last five years, I have watched them shed leaves in the fall, only to grow new ones in the spring and bear fruit in early summer. To me, they symbolize the Menaul School community that is like the tree planted by water, of which Jeremiah speaks. It has been my privilege to be part of this community, weathering heat and drought and bearing fruit together with you.
After a season of discernment, however, I have come to the decision to conclude my time as the Menaul School chaplain at the close of the current academic year and return to serving the pastoral needs within the Presbytery of Santa Fe. It’s been my great privilege to serve as your chaplain.
Thank you for letting me be your traveling companion on this journey. I cherish all the twists and turns we’ve traversed together, because they made us grow. One thing you’ve helped me discover is my Pastor’s Heart, which grew a lot in this “Menaul season” of my life.
Menaul School is God’s beloved garden, bearing fruit in due season. I have full trust in God who provides all that you need to continue thriving and being fruitful, including a new Chaplain in due time. In June, I start as the pastor of the Jemez Springs Community Presbyterian Church, where the door is always open to welcome you!
I have come to appreciate our students’ capacity to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) just as deeply as I have been inspired by the dedication and passion the faculty and staff bring to the table every day. So touched by you all, my support of Menaul School goes beyond my role as your chaplain, and I look forward to contributing to the life of this community in new ways.
Our trust is the Lord; we need not fear nor be anxious. We shall continue to thrive and bear fruit. For no one individual is the whole tree but we are all part of it, sending out our roots by the stream.
With deep gratitude for each one of you in this beloved community, I remain,
Your Sister in Christ.
Takako Suzuki Terino Chaplain, Menaul School