Another Goodbye

I haven't written to this blog in way too long, sorry. I intend to get into a more regular rhythm of collecting my thoughts here soon. If I don't, you are welcome to remind me!

I am writing this morning because tomorrow (June 24, 2007) is our last Sunday as co-pastors of Sardinia, Brownstown, Mowrystown & Fayetteville United Methodist Churches. We are being moved to Belmont UMC where I will be the Associate Pastor and Steph will be the Director of Christian Education. This is a good opportunity for us. I have been aware of a need to develop my administrative and leadership skills for some time. I tried to seek out a mentor at nearby UMC's, but coordinating schedules, traveling to their churches, and serving in different contexts proved to be too great a divide to cross. I did learn a lot from the people I talked with, but not enough...not directly--I am constantly translating the wisdom from these pastors to my context. Now, I will be in the same context as the leader I am learning from!

For Steph, her role will be much more focused and hopefully this will mean she can have more time and energy as she finishes seminary (3 semesters to go after this summer!). We will also have offices at the church, separate offices. We will each have a specific place to study away from family. I know this will help. We both have been known to make the 1/2-hour trip to Starbucks in order to get some work done. We will still escape to Starbucks from time to time, but it won't be such a long drive!

However, not everything is sunshine & roses...we are leaving a familiar place. We are leaving the closest thing to a home we have in the state of Ohio. As a pastor/preacher I grew up in Sardinia. I would not be the man I am without our times here. I have learned so much from all 4 churches, and I have friends in all of them. This will not be easy, but God is good. We have to trust that God can and does work through the Bishop and cabinet. For all its faults, I believe in the Episcopacy & in itinerancy. This move is scary, exciting, bitter and sweet.

May the power, peace, and presence of God uphold, sustain, direct, and keep you always.

Amen.

Blessings ,

Rev.Kev