Post Seventy-One

 ENTER THE JOY

May 13, 2018

My year as interim pastor for Lexington United Methodist Church will soon be over. Soon I will return to my home at Lake Louise. I look forward to regaining my retirement. I look forward to projects, pontoon boat rides, and attending Teddy Bear Camp with grandson Theo. I will also miss my connection with the people of this congregation. I will miss them more than I anticipated.

It would be fair to say that I accepted this interim appointment because I thought I still had something to offer in ministry. I am in fact proud of the work I have managed to accomplished here. Working with the remarkable leadership of this congregation we have prepared the church well for the next chapter of its ministry. I have great hope for the future of this congregation. Rev. Susan Youmans, my successor, is eager to take my place and journey forward in Christ's name with this church. 

My easy "yes" in accepting this interim appointment did not take into account the many gifts I would receive from my connection to this church. That is the source of my reluctance to leave. This interim appointment has put me back in touch with the joy of pastoral service in the context of a congregation ready and eager to serve God and be of service to its community. My time here has renewed my faith in the ability of a local congregation to re-present Jesus the Christ. This church has redirected my heart away from the troubles we face and turned my attention to the possibilities within our reach. This year has been a spiritual Holy Saturday for me turning me away from the despair of the crucifixion to the promise of the resurrection. It has been a Holy Interim for my heart.