Two years ago, I wasn't looking for a full-time ministry. I had retired as the COVID pandemic was subsiding in the fall of 2021. Providing pulpit supply in a regular rotation to nearby congregations of the United Church of Christ was enough for me. I was prompted to do this as I remembered retired pastors from my youth who continued to serve after they had officially retired. Those pastors felt some obligation to the church that had ordained them. They brought a wealth of pastoral experience when they came to serve in the little village church where I grew up. Two years ago, I wasn't seeking to serve as an interim pastor in a full-time ministry.
Even so, the members of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in New Haven, Missouri sought me out. They were persistent in asking me to "pray about it." And I discerned this to be a setting where my gifts might be useful. So, from June 16, 2024 - February 15, 2026, I served as the interim pastor and teacher of this congregation. It was a blessed time for me. My leadership was received with enthusiasm. I served as a consultant in the interim process, relying often on the wisdom of others who have navigated through this type of specialized ministry successfully. The members at St. Peter's UCC and I grew to love one each other. The church, which had known great sadness and some deep disappointments, began to flourish. But, after twenty months, I discerned that it was time for me to go--to retire again. We were settling in. Things were becoming too comfortable. The church needed another pastor for the next leg of the transition. And so, we said goodbye a week ago. It was truly a "good goodbye."
I feel a bit lost now without the relationships I had enjoyed. I miss these people--these brothers and sisters, siblings in Christ. I am grieving. The same has been true in every setting when I have left over the forty-four years since my ordination. Some might say I'm too legalistic about endings, that my boundaries are too rigid. Some might think I never really cared about the members, but that's not true. I cared (and still care) deeply; but for the good of the church and its future, I leave and move on.
I give thanks for those with whom God has called me to share life and ministry. I remember them in my silent prayers. I ache when I discover that former members are going through a difficult time. I grieve when I read of those who have died. But, it is not my place to be engaged as I was before. I go, so that God may raise up others with other gifts to serve with Christ's church.
I am retired (again). I'm finding my way. I'm resting. I'm reconnecting with old friends. I'm waiting for spring, so that I can be outside. And, through it all, I am carrying in my heart many fond memories of ministry with God's people. I am praying in the words of the United Church of Christ's farewell liturgy, "that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God."
God is present in every season of life--including this one; and I am blessed!
