My last pastoral letter to the good people of Sewickley UMC.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I sit and write this letter, the words that come to mind are those very familiar words found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “A Time for Everything,” is a cherished Bible passage often quoted at funerals and memorial services.
Tradition tells us that the book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon toward the end of his reign.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (New International Version)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
After 14 years the time has finally come for me to say goodbye. Nothing lasts forever. Church members come and go, pastors come and go. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (as Romeo lamented to fair Juliet).
In the 181 year history of the Sewickley United Methodist Church, I have the honor of serving this great church longer than any other pastor.
So much has changed since our arrival in 2006. Many aspects of the church building have changed, the theology of the church has changed to a Reconciling Congregation, the ways in which we do ministry has changed, the makeup of the church has changed.
So much has changed.
In my 14 years of serving alongside of you, we have received 235 new members into the life of the church: 100 through Profession of Faith, 50 through Confirmation, 69 by transfer from another UMC, and 16 transferred from another denomination.
I have had the joy of 107 baptisms, many of whom were babies. You know how much I love babies and so appreciate the honor of walking them through the church family. I have performed 76 marriage ceremonies. I also conducted 127 funerals.
So much has changed.
Personally, my family has changed. Since our arrival, you have witnessed the growth of my family by six wonderful grandchildren. My family and I have been so enriched by your love and support over the years.
Change is inevitable. If we do not change, we do not grow.
There is, however, one thing that will never change: Jesus has been here from the beginning, and will be with us for the rest of time.
I want to thank all of you for the many ways you allowed me to be your pastor. As the years go by, I will look back fondly on our time together; the many dinners… we did so much eating… the decorating… oh the decorating (I know some think I am over the top), the various ways in which we engaged in worship of our mighty God, the numerous ways we have served in being the face of Christ to the community and to the world.
I can only pray and trust that you too will look back over our years together and smile. Please know you will always have a special place in my heart.
Since I am only human, I pray that you will forgive me for any mistakes I have made, and I pray that the good times and the work we have done for Christ will be what lasts in our hearts and minds.
Blessings,
Pastor Russel