Last night I informed our Session (ruling elders) of my intention to retire in September of this year. On the 26th of April I turned 69, so my decision was hardly surprising, and it opens up an exciting new chapter in the lives of the people who attend (and are) this church. By the time I leave, I will have been here nearly 8 years, and that's not bad for a man who was 61 when he arrived.
More important than time served, however, is what we accomplished during these 8 years, and I can report that God blessed us in many ways! We didn't accomplish everything that I wanted to accomplish, but we accomplished some important things. The church, which had undergone a lengthy period of instability... enjoyed having one "called" pastor for a reasonable period of time. Also, relationships that were frayed and tattered- inside and outside the church- were healed, and a congregation of people who were in some ways "a gathering of strangers" ... began to have fun together and build relationships. Our youth group, which had not taken a Mission Trip in years, has taken several in a row now, and our Children's Ministry is much more vibrant than it was a few years ago! Our choir is sounding much bigger than they are, and we have several new faces in the congregation... and in leadership positions. We have three adult Bible Studies per week and we have two successful small groups, in addition to an active "Dinner Bell" program. We are building new relationships with our neighbors and we purchased a new electronic sign to tell our story.
I am pleased with the steps we've taken to grow in faith, serve others in Jesus' name, and love one another as He loves us. It's been a blessing, and I love each and every member of this church. However, even as God calls us to a vocation, He calls us to move along. And that time has come for me. Over the years my wife has given up many things for me. She has made my ministry possible, and now it is time for me to make her my number 1 priority! She has a number of health issues and 14 physicians- all of whom we see on a regular basis. It takes a lot of time to be an effective caregiver and Sherry deserves my best effort. Knowing this... and knowing that this church needs a pastor's best effort as well-especially at this time- it was easy for me to let go.
Besides, it's sort of exciting to open the door for a new pastor, who will lead these wonderful people into the future. Keep South Park Presbyterian Church in your prayers. Pray that they will continue to grow as Christians and that God will bless them for years and years to come. Most likely, Sherry and I will be returning to the Joliet-Plainfield area, and you are invited to pray for us as well. Pray that we will sell our home here and find a community of friends there. Amen.
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