** Dear friends,
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In 2025, changes and challenges abounded. Despite my hair graying at an alarming rate, I am entering this new year with a bright hope in my heart. Our Christmas lights here at home blaze ‘HOPE’ in an ever-changing rainbow of colors from nightfall to early morning!
Marquee letters spelling 'HOPE' shine purple, pink, blue and white from Mitch's window at night. In June, right before I was named Associate Director of Room for All, I became a member of the 30 Under 30 Young Leaders Cohort of the Henri Nouwen Society ([link removed]) . My mentor, Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Edman came into my life just as the leadership transition took place. Her accompaniment, experiences, and our exploration of Henri’s writing have taught me to ground my day in prayer.
Associate Director Mitch Leet is pictured smiling with Rev. Liz Edman at the NYS Fair in August 2025 What has worked in solidifying the practice of slowing down and bringing my anxieties and hopes to God has been finding a rhythm. As I’ve reframed my daily work as devotion, I’ve been making what Henri called “the effort to create some space in which God can act.” It takes my breath away to look back on this year and see how ever-present the Holy Spirit has been, especially in the moments that felt the most uncertain.
As January unfolds, I want to hear from you! (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Connecting%20in%202026) Room for All is planning an in-person presence and worship service at General Synod in Nashville in June 2026. Will you help us bring opportunities to connect and open affirmation to those who gather to determine the future of the Reformed Church in America?

From behind, Associate Director Mitchel Leet has his arm around his mother, Joy Leet in the Sanctuary at Hope Church In the next months, the Board and I hope to revive and bring to fruition the drafting of an overture calling on denominational leadership to include people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. As the RCA changes structurally, and envisions itself “embracing our diverse world and striving for a multicultural future freed from racism,” we believe the time is right for a Reformation of intersectional inclusion!

Whether it’s sharing a physical gathering space with us or sponsoring staff or board member travel, with your support, we intend to gather in person regionally throughout the year to offer education, connection, and spiritual care. I am actively looking for collaborators, and trust that God will use this community to do great things.
On the virtual end, faithful attendees of RfA’s Advent and Lent devotionals are dreaming up possibilities for ongoing gatherings with me. We hope to create visible and accessible opportunities for connection to sustain us all during these fraught times for LGBTQIA+ people and their loved ones. May this new year bring us closer to one another, in solidarity and collaboration. Each day, may God act through us to bring love and care to those who need it, as God’s unconditional love for all continues to be made known to us through Christ Jesus.
Faithfully yours,
Mitchel Leet, Associate Director (he/him)
[email protected]
Get in touch with Mitch Here (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Collaborating%20in%202026)
Explore Ways to Support RfA Here ([link removed])
Associate Director Mitchel Leet is pictured smiling with Outgoing Board President Victoria Karssen


** Thank you, Vic!
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Please join me in thanking our outgoing Board President, Victoria Karssen, for her leadership and consistent work this year. She will remain on the RfA Board in 2026, a blessing to the whole organization! Well done, Vic!

From the front of the sanctuary, a centered rainbow bouquet stands in front of the pews of the Hope Church sanctuary


** With gratitude to all who made 2025 a success
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On behalf of RfA, thank you again to the team at Hope Church in Holland, Michigan, our conference steering committee, volunteers, preachers and presenters for making our 20th anniversary gathering so meaningful.

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