Pastor’s Page

Saying goodbye is never easy. My last service of worship will be at 9 a.m. on June 27th. There we will gather around Christ’s table, as Christians have done since Christ sat with his disciples that Maundy Thursday evening. For almost 2000 years, faithful people have been parting from one another with words of Christ’s peace, and we will do the same. “Go in peace, thanks be to God.”

At that last Sunday service, on June 27, we will take the time to say good-byes and to release each other from our covenant in ministry. You will always have a place in my heart, but after I leave here for the last time on June 27, I will not be able to baptize or officiate at funerals or weddings for members of this church; that is the practice in our faith tradition.

We have journeyed together in our faith for 23 years. Now, our journeys take us in different directions. I pray that you will continue your journey of faith, day by day. In doing so, I pray that you will find new and exciting ways to live out your faith.

Paul wrote the book of Thessalonians when he was anticipating an unpredictable future. Paul writes, And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12) Like Paul, I wonder how things will develop for the people I can no longer see. I have hopes for your future together. I pray that God will be with you in all that you do and that you will share your abounding love with the hungry and hurting in this community and in the world. I pray that you will be spiritually nourished by your work on Christ’s behalf.

Your next chapter will unfold without me, as mine will without you. Whatever comes next, know that you do not face it alone, for the God who made you and the Christ who redeemed you and the Holy Spirit who comforts you will always be with you. As God has blessed you, may you be a blessing to others.

Blessings to all of you and to God be the Glory! Pastor Sue