Minister's Corner

The most difficult Minister's Corner newsletter article for me to write was my very first one when I started as the part-time minister here at Jefferson Presbyterian Church. I just didn't know what to say because I was new and didn't know you all very well.

The second most difficult Minister's Corner article for me to write is this one; my last one. And again, I just don't know what to say. I have been struggling with it for days now, and I have put it off until the last hour. (Just ask Lillian!) Perhaps in part this is evidence of my own difficulty saying goodbye to all of you and my reluctance to let go. I have always had trouble with goodbyes, and I don't like to let go of things that have been meaningful to me. So there you are!

I do want to say a heart-felt "Thank You" for the very excellent Farewell Party you held for me on my last Sunday in the pulpit with you. The Waterford Crystal clock looks great sitting on my desk in my office at home. And the Gift Card was very thoughtful as well. I haven't spent it yet, but I'm sure that won't be a problem. And thank you for all your kind words and expressions of gratitude and best wishes. And being able to perform Matthew's baptism was a perfect ending!

I am very grateful to you as a church and congregation for the time we have together in ministry. Despite the rockiness of circumstances and my own imperfections, you have loved me and supported me in many significant ways that I will always appreciate. And I hope that, despite being just an ordinary person on the journey of faith with you, I have been able to provide you with some moments of good leadership and guidance, as well as teaching you something about the Christian faith as I know and experience it.

I keep thinking about Oswald Chamber's imagery of Christians being called to be broken bread and poured out wine in the world and for each other. That pierces my heart. While I agree wholeheartedly, I find it very difficult to do. Like I said, I have difficulty letting go. So that means I have difficulty letting go of control and wanting things to happen my way. But even my good intentions are not always God's intentions. What I want is not always what God wants. I must always seek God's will, God's calling, and God's guidance. “...seek everyday to be broken bread and poured out wine for Him in your part of the world.”I must be willing to be broken bread and poured out wine. I must pray to God for discernment and insight about what that means in every situation, circumstance, and relationship.

Jefferson Presbyterian Church is full of great people, with a great heritage. My prayer for you as you continue to discern God's vision and calling for you in ministry, is that you will seek everyday to be broken bread and poured out wine for Him in your part of the world.

Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Garry