From the Pastor’s Pen
From the Pastor’s Pen
I
am now what is known as a “Lame
Duck”. You have heard the
announcement that your new pastor will be Vince Rohn,
who currently serves as an Associated Pastor at
With
that announcement, we now find ourselves officially in a period of transition,
though we knew it was coming because I had already announced my retirement.
Your
prayers for discernment by the Cabinet in the selection of a new pastor have
been answered. Now it is time for your
prayers for a smooth transition and direction for the future life and ministry
of this congregation.
During
Lent, I will be praying through the church directory once more, lifting up a
different group of families and individuals each day as a part of my prayer
time. Over the years I have received letters from Bishops and my district
Superintendents letting me know that they will be praying for me and my family
and the community of faith I serve (that’s you) on a certain day. I am always grateful for that kind of prayer
support.
I
kept one of those letters. It was from
Bishop Christopher. She wrote:
“Specifically, I will ask God to lead the people of your congregation
into the suffering of your community and our world so that God’s love and
justice will be made visible through them.
I will pray that the community in which your congregation is located
will with open heart receive God’s blessing that will come to them
through the witness of your congregation.”
Now
that may not be the prayer you had in mind for your church. In fact, it is kind of scary. It certainly would change the focus of who we
are and what we do if God said, “
My
impression is that we would rather run the other way, saying, “No, Lord,
let this cup pass from us. We are
comfortable just like we are, though we could use a few new members and a bit
more financial stability and maybe a tad more spirituality.” Like the disciples we would rather flee,
because our view of the church does not include a cross and sacrifice. Yet that is what Lent is about. Jesus came to heal a broken and hurting
world. He sacrificed everything that this could happen. You and I are called to
be extensions of his love, mercy and grace
My
friends, be in prayer.
Use the next four months, not as a time where you put things in neutral
until the new pastor comes, but as a time of active preparation. Wrestle with
what God’s vision and purpose is for this church. Discuss your
stewardship, your commitment, your witness, your service honestly and openly
with God. What changes need to be made
as you ready yourselves to begin a new chapter in the life of this congregation?
Pastor
Bruce
P.S. Don’t forget to pray for Pastor Vince,
Leanne, Benjamin, Megan, and Kyleigh. Betsy and I also covet your prayers as we
continue in ministry with you and as we prepare for retirement.
