In last month’s Disciple Express, I wrote about Pentecost Sunday and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are so blessed by the active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is reassuring to know that as we go forward from this point in our lives we do not go alone. As you welcome a new pastor into the life of this church, as Jerry continues to serve the Woodbine UMC, and as I relocate to Philadelphia to be near my daughter and family the Spirit of God is with all of us. Whatever it is we need to navigate these changes in our lives, God will provide. Thanks be to God!
I have been blessed in more ways than I can express since I came to serve this church five years ago. The friendships that have developed over time are priceless. The ministries we have been able to be involved in have been a blessing to many. I am confident that as you go forward you will do great works in the church and the community and the world through the Spirit of God who lives within each of you.
I sincerely thank God for each and every one of you. Through the years, the love and support you have given to me have helped me to feel God’s love in an even deeper way. Thank you for sharing the love of God with me. You have enriched my life. I can’t pretend I won’t miss you, because I know I will. But as you have heard me say many times, love is eternal. The love fellow Christians have for each other does not end because we are no longer physically present to one another. The love of Christ we have shared with each other is part of us. We are bound together for always through the unity of the Spirit. I know as you share the love of God with your new pastor you will be a blessing to him and his family just as you have been a blessing to Jerry and me.
I pray you will always believe in God’s unconditional love for you, I pray, through the power of the Spirit, you will continue to share the love of Christ and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
And All God’s Children Said,
“Amen.”