Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
Asante Sana is Swahili for “Thank you very much!” and it is the phrase that comes to mind as I write my last Ministry Moment as Lead Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church. I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the years of ministry that we have shared.
A single email, letter, or even book, could not name all the names and recount all the experiences for which I am thankful. Indeed, there are many joys to recall and reflect upon.
Though I cannot fully capture the scope of my thankfulness, I feel like I must try.
So here it goes…
For the past four thousand, nine hundred, and twelve days, God’s Spirit has linked us together in Christ’s love as pastor and people. Through uncountable interactions, we gave witness to Christ through our words, actions, and silence. We laughed and we cried. Some of our witness aligned with God’s grace, hospitality, kindness, inclusion, and joy; some of our witness was disconnected from the life Christ offered for us.
Together our living bore both the life and the death of Jesus. We have cause for both celebration and confession. As God’s forgiveness embraced us throughout the journey, God’s forgiveness remains our present gift. Let us wrap ourselves in God’s abundant goodness and share liberally in this blessing, expressing our joy.
Around many tables we feasted on Christ’s life. At times is was messy; we got some crumbs on the floor and wine stains on the linens. But, we learned and grew in faith through experiences. By God’s grace we built and deepened loving relationships with God, with each other, and with our neighbor. Across generations we told the story of God’s love in Jesus.
Though the memories
are too many to recall
let us be thankful.
For each swatch of cloth
in the quilt of “together”
is a precious gift.
Now the time has come
for us to say our goodbyes;
May we part as friends.
Treasuring moments
as the lasting gifts they are
from a Gracious God.
Thank you for the mission we shared together. Even though after Sunday, July 31, I will no longer be your pastor, I will continue to offer praise and prayers to God when I think about you. I trust that God will bless each of our journeys going forward.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt
p.s. If you ever find yourself in the Naples area (Florida) on a Sunday morning, be sure to stop in for worship at Christus Victor Lutheran Church. My friends, it would be great to see you again and catch up.