Time to Say “Good-Bye”

When Jesus prepared to leave his disciples, the twelve disciples likely experienced what most of us experience
in times of change – some fear and anxiety. In that moment, however, it is interesting to me that Jesus doesn’t
let them dwell long in their fear of what will happen to them. He immediately assures the disciples with three
promises:

• First, Jesus promised to make a home in his disciples’ hearts. “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.
  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23).
• Second, Jesus promised to fill the disciples with a spirit of courage and comfort. “The Holy Spirit…will teach
  you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26).
• Finally, Jesus promised to sustain his disciples with a special kind of peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

While Jesus’ words of assurance and promise may not have made his departure less difficult, the words do give hope in the midst of change. Jesus’ words lift the heavy weight of finality that is often felt when someone says “good-bye.” In fact, the word “goodbye” itself is really a contraction of “God-be-with-you” – a reminder that when we say “good-bye” to people we love we need to also remember that God will be with us in the time of transition.

I’ve been reflecting on this passage a good bit lately, because June 6th will be my last Sunday leading worship with all of you and June 30th will be my last official day as your pastor. Between June 6thand 30th, you will be blessed by those who will lead you in worship while I will be taking some time with my family to pack, move and hopefully get in a little vacation time before joining the good people of Washington Street UMC in Columbia. Between June 6th and June 30th, I will, of course be available for pastoral care needs you may have during that time. But, as of July 1st, The Rev. David Taylor will begin serving as your pastor and I will no longer be able to relate to you in the same way as I  previously have as your pastor. He will assume the privilege of being here with you to provide pastoral care, talk about church business, perform baptisms, preach, teach, and serve in ministry with you. So, while I won’t be here for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and your celebrations in  the future, and I won’t be on call as your pastor any longer, please know that I am praying for you, and you will always have a special place in my heart.  You need to know that my  heart is filled with gratitude for the many ways you have extended mercy, grace, and love to me and to my family while I have served as your pastor. I will miss you and I am grateful for the time I have been allowed to serve as your pastor, so I would like to close this, my last pastoral note to you, with one of my favorite Scripture passages from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians: 1:3-6, 9-11:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your  partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you  will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Love Always,