Beloved Saguaro,

I continue to give God gratitude for the faith that we share together even during these unprecedented moments. As we say in Kentucky, this year has been something. I am humbled by the courage, compassion and creativity of our church during this season of life. It gives me such hope for Saguaro in the future as a vaccine is within sight. It reminds me of the story of Moses as he came upon the river Jordan after such a long, difficult time in the wilderness.

But…I need to talk about the future with you. Like Moses, I will not be crossing with you into the promised land of 2021 and beyond.

I am being activated by the Army. I will be deploying to the Middle East again next year with an active duty unit. I will be part of a very similar mission as the one I served in during 2016. Unlike last time, this set of orders is accompanied with a transfer from the Reserve Component to the Active Component. As a result, I am resigning as Senior Minister of Saguaro Christian Church effective after the new year. The Army will be relocating my family to Fort Stewart, just outside of Savannah, GA.

There are a few important reasons for the Army’s rare decision to create an exception to policy on this matter:

There is a dire need for experienced professionals to help shore up the perpetual toll of multiple wars, a continued suicide epidemic and a fractured society, especially due to racism, sexual assault and the culture wars (LGBT inclusion).
The Chief of Chaplains specifically requested the recruitment and retainment of unrestricted (O&A) chaplains to serve in the Army’s pluralistic operational environment.
I am a solid chaplain with a wealth of experience who is willing and ready to serve when called upon by our country.

In 2020, we have all experienced the peculiar reality of competing truths. The pandemic has been both the most stressful of times while also being some of the most blessed of times too. The same is true with my departure from Saguaro. Whereas I am immensely honored to serve our country during a difficult historical moment, I am heartbroken to leave you, my partner in ministry (Kelley), our team (Keith, Fran and Tanima), our church leaders, our home in Tucson, and congregational ministry. My family and I are heavy-hearted as we prepare for a new journey. I imagine this is what Moses felt like as he bittersweetly watched the Hebrews begin to move ahead without him.

I need you to know that I love you. I always will. I literally have a saguaro tattooed on my chest as a testament to my love for the ministry we have shared together. As many of my family and personal friends will attest, I never ever wanted to serve another church but Saguaro. It is a surreal feeling to get your wish granted.

Over the course of the next month, we will figure out a way to say goodbye. Until then, pray for your leaders, especially Kerry Swindle, Tony Gonzales, Patricia Holmes, and Dave Coatsworth, as they discern a way forward with you. Fear not, I know you will cross the river Jordan soon.

If you have room left in your hearts, my family and I welcome your prayers too.

Peace,
Owen R. Chandler

Crossing Rivers