Gather To Worship.
Remember To Study.
Open Ourselves To Service.
Witness As Disciples of Christ.
Today was a very different day in church at Eagle UMC (my current appointment until June 30th). The announcement making of my leaving Eagle and moving to Lake Mills was met with a somewhat predictable response. Some were sad and a few were shocked. Many were quiet and could not quite look me square in the eye. It was a happy/sad sort of day.
They were happy for me, knowing that I wanted a greater challenge and opportunity in my life. The time has come and it awaits me at Lake Mills UMC. For this I am glad. They saw my excitement about Lake Mills and wanted to congratulate me for what I was receiving, that they could not possibly provide. I sense they are sad to
see me go. I saw in their looks, an affirmation for my ministry to and with them for these 4 years. They too, like I suspect the Lake Mills congregation, are already wondering about their new pastor.It was for me a time to begin to say goodbye. I am really glad we celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion today. This act always gives me a chance to share and serve them in a high and holy moment. This was especially true today.
At times like these one realizes how much one has invested in the well being, spiritual growth and care of others. I find myself, with one foot still in Eagle but with the other foot and my forward viewing spirit already anticipating Lake Mills. I have been waiting and seeking this moment of an appointment with faith and prayer. But now that it is finally here and I am preparing for “there”, I feel a sense of strangeness and newness envelope me. I never really rehearsed the goodbyes. I always seek to live in the events and challenges of today.
I look forward to July 1st when I will really be “there”. But I am still “here” and have much to do to wind things down and complete my work.
As I was listening to my Staff Parish Relations Chair announce my move, I thought about Lake Mills UMC and how Pastor Jeff was doing as his committee went public with his move. I am trying to picture you, the congregation at Lake Mills listening today and now wondering what your new pastor, what’s his name; Rev. Bill McBride will be like? I hope this blog gives you some help in getting to know me and in understanding that in how much I love my Eagle congregation I too will grow to love you at Lake Mills and settle in and be the best pastor I know how to be.
Let me ask you today; What do you hope for in your new pastor coming to you on July 1st?
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