July 12, 2007

Dear Friends,

As my time to depart closes in, I have been thinking about what the life and messages of Jesus are regarding the goodbyes in our lives.  One thing that stands out for me is that the Bible tells us he knew what it was like to go through those painful times.  He, too, had many moments when he felt pulled apart, knew the hurt of leaving behind, felt the emptiness that comes with loss.  Not even Jesus was spared the ache and struggle of letting go.

At about 30 years of age, his ministry began with a goodbye to the security of his home, his family, his friends, his work, and the people & places he spent his time of leisure and fun.  Despite what he was giving up, somewhere inside of him was a tug that said, “It’s time you move on.”  I believe that “tug” for Jesus was God—as it is for all of us at certain times throughout our lives.  And it certainly wouldn’t be his last goodbye.  His three short years of ministry took him to many new places and faces.  Yet, everywhere he went, he took with him all the gifts that others had given him.

Please know that my future ministry, wherever it takes me, will include all the gifts this church has given me.  First Congregational Church of Sharon will forever be a part of me and the ministry I bring to others because of all this congregation has done for me.

Sunday June 3^rd was a most memorable day for me.  I was touched by the honor given me in the farewell commendation.  I thank Pastor Condon and Rev. Dale Hempen, our UCC Conference Minister, for the gift of their participation and for making this part of the service so special.  I thank the choir for the gift of their wonderful and heartfelt anthem “How Beautiful the Feet of Those” and their benediction “Irish Farewell.”  I thank the deacons for their gifts of the Revere bowl with its beautiful and touching inscription “Seminarian, Pastor, Friend”… & for the unforgettable and appropriate step stool!  (I will never step upon it without thinking you & God are raising me up.)  I hold a special appreciation in my heart for Nancy Welch and her outstanding artwork…  the gorgeous bouquet of flowers and the corsage only added to the beauty of the service.  I thank the Christian Education Committee for the gift of their laughter & lightheartedness, and the generous gift certificate they so graciously presented to me after the service!

And I especially extend my gratitude to you—the parishioners of the FCC of Sharon.  You have given me many gifts during my time here.  The gift of accepting me into this church as I began my seminarian position.  The gift of calling me as Pastor to this church.  The gift of a wonderful Ordination service.  Gifts of your kindness, instruction, and mentoring as I ventured into the many areas of ministry, service, worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals.  Your gifts of support and encouragement that helped me to build my confidence.   Your gift of entrusting me to cover for Pastor Condon during the summers enabling me to experience ministry “on my own.”  The gift of kind words, encouragement, and advice as I grew into these many rolls while ministering with you.  The confidentiality you entrusted me with in the gift of sharing your life concerns, joys, and sorrows.

I also thank everyone for the letters, gifts, emails and personal conversations that we have shared both in these last couple of months and through the last 5 years.  I thank the many committees I served on, and individuals on those committees, for your listening and embracing new ideas.  And though not on a committee, I extend a special thank you to Susanne for her gift of “people skills.”  Words cannot properly express how much I appreciate all she has done and all the ways in which she has helped me each day…  even when it had nothing to do with church!

As I mentioned earlier, please know that my future ministry, wherever it takes me, will include all the gifts this church has given me.  You will all forever be a part of me, and the ministry I bring to others, because of all you have done for me.  Please except my apologies if I have forgotten any thank you’s.

The life and message of Jesus witnesses to us that when goodbyes come we can grow through them.  We can be changed, transformed, and raised from our empty places of loss to experience something new within us.  May blessings of the wonder and fullness of life shine through you till we meet again.

God Bless & Godspeed,

Pastor Deborah