January 8, 2012
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Changes
Something rather sad happened recently within my church. I know that ultimately it is a good thing, and they are trying to follow the will of God, but my Pastor and the worship director both retired. Today was their last Sunday at my church. They have both been there and they started the church together 27 years ago. They felt that it was time for them to retire and that they were no longer effective in leading and growing the church. They are right, and they are wise to make this decision so that the church can continue to move forward and grow, but it is so sad and today was such a bittersweet day for them . The Pastor is 73 years old and he is retiring, and the music director is in her late 60's. She is retiring also, although I kind of think that they will both end up in different areas of ministry somewhere else. Either way, it was sad and touching and a very emotional Sunday. They are both wonderful, wonderful people and I'll miss them. Of course I will stay in touch, but it won't be the same as having them there 2 times a week without fail. It is a change.. and sometimes change is necessary, and I know that...but sometimes it is still hard! Prayers for them and for their peace as this is also a major change in their lives and the lives of their families.
Comments (2)
Even though, unlike yours, our church is a very small one, I know exactly how you feel. Our minister also retired, with his last Sunday being Christmas Day. The Methodist discipline says he can't come back into that church for two years. He and his wife were personal friends of mine, BEFORE he became my minister, so we too, will keep in touch. I'm so glad for them to be able to relax a bit, even though he's still one of the chaplains at Bigger Town Hospital, but I agree....it's gonna be different on Sunday mornings.
The good thing is they will still be out there doing something church-related. It's always good to see people retire from any vocation and be able to enjoy those years.
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