My last Sunday with you will be World Communion Sunday, a Sunday I hold near to my heart as we celebrate the Lord’s supper with Christians across the Globe, reminding us not only of the breadth of our community but also its depth.
Along with my leaving you, there are two important celebrations on the calendar. Thanksgiving and Advent. This is a time when there is so much to be thankful for. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the Lord’s church for almost 25 years. It has been a time of growth for me in my faith in God, and joy in serving God and God’s people.
However, I have to say that Advent is the season that I most look forward to this year. When I think of Advent, I think of all the things that the advent wreath talks about, hope, peace, joy and love, things that I wish for you. Advent also means that we are anticipating the revelation of Christ. The season I look forward to is those times when Christ will especially be near to me in my life.
Things will be different for me as they will be for you, and for FPC. There are certainly a lot of unknowns that we are both facing. I know that I will miss designing worship services, worship, preaching, practicing and singing in the choir, fellowship after worship and especially being part of the congregation that cares so much for the community. I know I will look back with Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving for being invited into your lives as your pastor, and for the joy and friendship this has brought me.
Though there are many unknowns, the one thing I do know is that the Church of Jesus Christ has been around for 1000’s of years, it is what makes the unknown not just hope filled but actually exciting. I wonder what the new year will bring. I wonder what God has in store for me and for you this thanksgiving as we give thanks for the blessing God has bestowed on our lives and for this Advent as we anticipate the birth of Jesus and the coming year.
In moments like these a song always comes to my mind. This time it is my favorite song, “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” especially the refrain. “O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me, and while smiling have spoken my name; now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me. By your side I will seek other seas”.
May God bring purpose, thankfulness, joy, and a wonder filled new season in our lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Karel