For the past several months I have been walking you through the process of Pastor Dan’s retirement, and Pastor Justin White’s appointment to our church. May is the last full month that Pastor Dan will be with us, since he will be at conference mid-June and taking his remaining vacation time the second half of June as well. I know that this is a time of sadness for the church congregation. Our world is about to change, and the years of faithful service that Dan has given us will be no more. Some people take this time to re-evaluate their role in the church, and step back. Some feel the vacancy approaching and feel the need to step forward. Both of these are reasonable and normal responses to the change taking place. God encourages us not to worry about tomorrow, and be thankful for the blessings that Pastor Dan has brought to this church, reflect of all the last twelve years, and know that although this part of the journey is coming to a close, that God is with us during this transition from the old to the new. As you reflect, pray for our Pastors, both outgoing and incoming. They are both starting a new chapter in their lives, just as we are, and they need our prayers now more than ever. Let’s thank Pastor Dan for his service and look forward to welcoming Pastor Justin.
Karen Fix Curry, SPRC Chair