This will be my final Weekly Word to you. I want to take the opportunity to thank you all for the lovely and kind words, cards, and blessings you have shared with me, and a special thank you for the generous cash gift, the chalice and rice bowls (thanks to Tom Roach's artistry!), and prayer shawl. My leaving is bittersweet - I am excited about new things to come for myself and for you, and I also will miss you all.
In worship on January 20, we offered one another gratitude
and forgiveness, and we released each other from the pastoral
relationship. It is my hope that you will warmly embrace and support your
new Interim Pastor and other pastors who will come to partner in
ministry with you. So that you can freely do that, it is common ministerial
practice to have some shared understanding of boundaries as I depart. I
am grateful for your encouragement in my continued ministry, and I offer
my support to the interim minister and all your future ministers. Part
of that support means that I can no longer be available for pastoral
care or to help you process the goings-on in the life of this church. I
have no doubt that the Caring Committee, Stephen Ministers, and
future pastors will provide excellent care.
Healthy goodbyes help us be open to the new things that God
has in store for all of us. Syed and I will no longer attend worship or
other church functions for at least a year (and after that only at the
invitation of the current pastor). I will also be limiting my Facebook and
online interactions with the members and friends of this church.
This is all part of my intentionality and love for you, and though it
can be difficult, it is important. We may run into each other
around town (as this is a small town!), but it will be important
for us to avoid talking about your feelings and experiences related to
this congregation.
I hope you will take the time to read the annual reports
that have been carefully prepared. In my final annual report, I have
reflected on our two years of ministry together and shared with you some of
my wishes for your future. I will hold you in prayer and trust that God
will continue to nurture, sustain, and challenge you as you live into
God's future.
Blessings and peace to you,
Manda
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
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