The reality of retirement is starting to sink in--you'd think that it would by now, as much as I've talked about it. But there is nothing like selling unneeded furniture, giving away unneeded books, carting all manner of "stuff" to Northeast Focal Point's thrift store, cleaning out files and "someday I'll get to..." items to make real what I am about to do--not to mention the events that now have "last time I will do this" in front of their names.
I know emotionally, it will become pointedly real for Leah and me on March 2 at the retirement luncheon the church is giving at Royal Fiesta. We are both looking forward to it and are so grateful for all the hard work by so many.
Some comments about the future: Sunday, March 30, is my last Sunday to preach and lead worship. After March 31, I will no longer be your pastor, but Leah and I will be your friends. We will pray for you. We will follow the church through the Beacon, and will enjoy hearing from you.
There will be someone else to lead worship, conduct baptisms, weddings, funerals, and visit those in the hospital. In God's time you will come to love and support that person just as you have me.
Guest preachers are scheduled through the end of May, and the session will be securing others until the arrival of an interim minister who will bridge the gap between the end of my pastorate and the beginning of the next pastor God is calling to this church. As with our last interim pastor, Don Lagle who was here 1985-1987, this interim may be here for up to two years.
What we will be doing: We are moving to northern Florida where our sons live and own businesses. We will be living in a small townhouse one block from the beach. I will be occupied for some time with building bookcases, re-shelving closets, possibly some furniture making, landscaping, and the usual homeowner tasks. I look forward to having a place where I can do some woodworking.
Besides working on the townhouse, we will do some traveling, get reacquainted with each other as retirees, and soak in our close-by family.
It has been our joy to be pastor and wife to this congregation for over two decades. We have grown and changed greatly in that time, and you've been instrumental in all of that growth as well as part of it. We leave you with sadness and reluctance, but also with anticipation for what God has in store for us and you.
May God bless you as you have been a blessing to us.