Going Back

As a child, I was a preacher's daughter.   At that time in the history of our denomination,  it was normal  for pastors to stay in their parishes around four years.  Earlier in the 20th century,  appointments actually were limited to two years.   I cannot imagine what the thinking was behind that.  Nowadays,  the length of a pastorate is ever growing, and currently could easily extend to fifteen years.

Part of the "baggage" of frequent moves as a child was the emotional tug of "going back".  At first, following a move, the child in me always longed to go back and visit the former friends.   The hard lesson learned from all of that was---once you have left that community,  that church,  that role [pastor, preacher's kid, pastor's wife, etc.]  then going back is never the same. They have moved on (as well they should).  Relationships are different.  A new pastor has been embraced.  New friendships among children and youth have developed.  Eventually I learned that "going back" was really not the emotional treat that I expected it to be.

The same thing does not apply for me in going back to a former congregation.  Yesterday, I was the guest preacher at my former church, from which I retired.  I really enjoy "going back" under those circumstances, because I know that I can do what I love  (preach)  but leave without having to carry the responsibilities that go with the role.  That is the joy of retirement.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the folks with whom we were formerly Christian Community and shared so much.  I also enjoyed the reaction of the newer folks to my preaching.  As an occasional preacher,  I can work for a long time on my sermons, and always do.  I was actually very surprised by the invitation because that congregation has between six and eight retired clergy right there on site from which to choose. Needless to say, I was also quite pleased.

 Going back to preach is just downright fun.  It is not the same as going back to a former congregation as a child.

There was much affection and appreciation for both me and for Gerry.

(However, several people did not recognize me because of my much lighter hair color!)