As my time as the East Winds District Superintendent is drawing to a close, I want to celebrate what a wonderful journey these last two years have been. Over the next several weeks I ask you to pray for the new East Winds Superintendent, Rev. John Kasper and also Rev. John Hice.
As I begin to pack up my home in preparation for my next move, I am reminded of the words of one of my mentors. When he was appointed to a new faith community, he shared that books, furniture and even clothes were easy to move. These are the items we bring with us which will fit comfortably in a new house and a new place. Then he stated that trust was the one thing he couldn’t just transplant from one place to another. It would take time for him to learn peoples’ names, how they answered God’s call upon their lives, which missions and ministries were important to them, and how they expressed God’s love in their lives and in the lives of everyone they met. Building new relationships, not for ourselves, but for our Lord is something all of us are invited and encouraged to do.
Even though we have only journeyed together for two years, I want to express my gratitude for how you have trusted me to be your Superintendent. Together, we have had some difficult, but honest, discussions about what it means to be part of God’s church. We are beginning to look toward the future and how we can make a difference in each other’s lives, whether they are people who regularly attend worship in person, or online, or they are the stranger we want to welcome into our church families. We are building new relationships with and for one another.
As we reflect on how we can be God’s instruments in and for the world, I hope and pray that we can continue to sow seeds for mission and ministry. May we continue to embrace the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16-20), making disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world. May we be inspired and encouraged to create new spaces for new faces, as we support one another on our journeys of faith. May we dedicate ourselves to seeking the least and the lost among us, so they know that they have value and worth.
It has been an honor and privilege to share this time with you and I will continue to pray for you and all that you do now, tomorrow and beyond. And Amen.