By my count, this is the fifth congregation to whom I have said farewell in the last two and a half years. The first was the congregation from which I retired in 2008. The next two were to two churches I served as Interim in the fall of 2008. The fourth was to a congregation I served as interim in the Spring of 2009. And today, to this congregation I have served as Interim Associate Pastor for the past nine months. Nine months is enough time to form a very strong bond.
I feel like no one deserves the kind of love that gets bestowed on me as pastor (especially not me)! There were so many many expressions of gratitude for my ministry today, in the form of prayers, gifts, cards, flowers, hugs, words. To tell you the truth, I'm always a little embarrassed by the love which people express toward me. I do hope I am able to accept it graciously, because I am truly and deeply honored. It has always been hard for me to grasp---- that there is something that I am able to do, offer, give, generate, embody, say, share---as pastor--which is deeply meaningful to others, which evokes a love response.
I received so much love today! Words like: "I am going to miss you more than you can ever imagine." "You have brought so much joy to our church and especially to me personally." "You will be greatly missed." "I love you."
I can't say what it is exactly that causes people to love me as pastor.....but I am humbled, amazed, and greatly appreciative!
I made a decision to do Interim ministry when I retired. Whether I will continue to do so or not, I don't know at this point. Perhaps I'll just have to follow where my heart (spirit) leads. That has always served me well. I trust that will continue.
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