Back in the fall of 2016, I found I had some thoughts that might be of interest to the broader congregation. It might be something I came across in my reading, a peek behind the scenes in the life of the congregation, or something that I didn’t make its way into the weekly sermon. I decided to offer a weekly “pastor pondering” that would be included in the weekly e-news sent out from the church office each week. This will be my last one.
I hope you have found these entertaining, insightful, or illuminating in some way. Each week, I hoped to extend the faith we share on Sunday morning into the other dimensions of life throughout the week.
It has been a great honor to serve as your friend and pastor. I have done my best to listen and to pray, to learn and to teach, to step in and lift up. I have modeled the faith as best I can, and I have been inspired by the ways you have been a witness to me. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi when he wrote:
8 From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Your next pastor will bring her own temperament and talents. She has skills and insights that she can use to build up the church and nurture the faith in each of you. She will learn from you, and you will learn from her. Calvary United Methodist Church can continue to thrive and offer a vital witness in this community for many years to come. And may the God of peace be with you.
With love to you all,
Pastor Steve