…beautiful in its own time
In 4 weeks from today, I will be on a plane to return to California; to close a chapter in our ministry together and begin a new one. This will be the sixth time in my career that I have had to say “Goodbye” to a church, with all the bittersweet feelings of accomplishing so much and leaving the connections I’ve made. It is a difficult time for both the pastor/a and the congregation.
But, a new pastora is coming! And I take comfort in knowing this flock will be well-cared-for and loved by another shepherd.
Together, we’ve accomplished many things in building the Kingdom of God in this place at this time:
When I arrived in February 2022, we were offering in-person worship services twice a month and we worked hard to re-establish the 9:30AM service.
Since 2022, we have added 21 new members to our church family, making our community more diverse, more international and more ecumenical.
Since 2022, we’ve added 7 new elders who have helped us move into a new season. I am so grateful for their help and support throughout this time, especially the service of Gordon Newlands, our senior elder.
We’ve continued our support for compassionate causes: local charities like Age Concern, as well as support for our missionary Tracey Williams in Mozambique and Friends of Padhar Schools, funding a water cooler for Felix Convent School in Paratwada, India and funding school supplies, books and notebooks for Panchsheel School in Bahiram, India.
Our relationship with the Spanish Protestant Church (Iglesia Evangélica Española) has developed into one of trust and understanding, with gratitude to Jose Raúl Cueto for serving as our liaison, for translating and for being a good companion for a pastora who does not speak Spanish.
We’ve experienced losses, too: those who’ve moved back to the their home countries and those who’ve gone on to glory. And each parting has been a challenge. But we are grateful for this period we’ve had together and grateful for the movement of God in our lives. As the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:11 wrote, “God has made everything beautiful in its time.”
In 4 weeks I will cease my role as your pastor, but I will always remain your sister in Christ.