A famous cartoon shows a caricature of a well known painting of Adam and Eve fleeing from the garden driven by an overarching angel with a flaming sword in his hand, gates closing behind them. Adam is saying to Eve, “Eve, we are living in a time of transition.”
We all know that transitions can be bad, as for Adam and Eve, but transitions are also good. Transitions are a time for moving forward, accepting new challenges, and growing in Christ.
Above all, for Lana and me, it is a time for remembrance as we fondly look back to all our times together.
The Apostle Paul once wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-5)
What memories well up within us. The first visit, the first sermon, the first Christmas, the first Living Nativity, the first Easter, the Passion Play, the special events, the laughter, the celebrations, the tears, the presence of God in our midst as we worshipped together. Most of all I think of each of you.
Your support, friendship and prayers for us throughout our 34 years at Christ Church have been overwhelming and words cannot express how we feel. You have certainly spoiled us as our experience has been richly rewarding and a true blessing. From the very beginning, Christ Church was the church we were meant to be. Each of you are and will always be most dear to our hearts.
As I ponder this transition into retirement, I find myself thinking, I hate the last shows of television series. I don’t want them to end.
In a similar fashion, June is my last month as your pastor. I don’t want it to end. It only seems like yesterday that we came together. The time has passed too quickly and it’s hard to step down, but again — what a joy and blessing it has been.
In pondering this time of transition, I think of Elijah who departed this world and left his mantle for Elisha. A particular time of ministry had come to an end but a new ministry was begun.
And the good news is that GOD DIDN’T DEPART.
Ministry continued on, life continued on, and the stories of the past became the encouragement of the present. I am confident that fruitful ministry will continue on here at Christ Church for years and years to come because it is God who is at work among you, and God is faithful. You love each other and you love God.