A little over a month ago, I went to visit Rev. Carroll Doggett. He was weak and needing more care, but still alert and he had much on his mind. He wanted to know about Calvary Church and the people here. He asked about my family and my health. And we spend some time together reflecting on pastoral ministry and serving God across the years. He told me that he missed his wife Nan very much, but he was grateful for a rich and fulfilling life. We had a time of prayer together and he told me he was ready for what lay ahead. I was grateful to have had this time with him and other conversations from time to time across the years. When I left him, I said goodbye to a friend.
This last Sunday, we heard the Rev. Helen Smith, a retired pastor, share her perspective. I appreciated how much she shared her story and encouraged us to live out our call from God.
Over the last two weeks, I was honored to participate in two installation services for other pastors here in Frederick. The Rev. Catherine Thompson was installed as the new rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, and The Rev. Chance Martinez was installed as the pastor of Grace United Church of Christ. Both of these pastors had their pastoral leadership and ministry affirmed and celebrated by their congregations and the church hierarchy.
I have been friends with Chance and Catherine since their arrival in Frederick. We are part of a group of pastors from the churches in downtown Frederick. The Rev. Eric Myers at Frederick Presbyterian Church, Rev. Paul Baglyos at Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the interim pastor at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, Rev. Marvin L. Morgan, meet together regularly for mutual encouragement, fellowship, and the sharing of ideas.
In a short period of time, I witnessed both the wisdom and insight of a well-seasoned pastoral leader and the energy and approaches of two pastors who are freshly entering this community and sharing their many gifts. I consider myself richly blessed. God works so often through the people who come into our lives and the ways we see how they live out their faith.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve