Like Mary Poppins, it's time to say good bye.
Dear Sisters and Brothers at St Andrew’s Lutheran Church,
Grace and peace in the name of Jesus!
The last weeks have been filled with mixed emotions. Along with you, I am delighted by the movement of the Holy Spirit among the congregation and in the life and ministry of Pr Doug Givan that has brought you together for this new chapter. The future holds much promise for the proclamation of the Gospel through St Andrew’s.
It has been my joy to journey with you through this time of transition. We have all joked about the length of time it has taken. I believe that it has been necessary and helpful. But, it has been two years. Two years! And, I’ve grown quite fond of you and am sad to see this come to an end, even while I rejoice at God’s new thing.
It is not possible to thank everyone personally. Each of you has blessed me in some way, and I am thankful. But, I will mention St Andrew’s Staff. I am so grateful for the partnership in ministry, the support, and the friendship that Ed, MJ, and Kelli have extended to me. They are all assets to the ministry of St Andrew’s. Which is actually secondary to the fact that they are each exceptionally fine human beings and beloved children of God. And I treasure the time that they have been my colleagues.
Interims are a lot like Mary Poppins. We show up when we are needed, pull helpful things out of our bag, and when things have settled down, we raise our umbrella and float away. It’s time for me to leave.
Do you have questions about what to do with a former interim ministry leader? Many people do. Here is list of Q&As that you might find helpful:
Q: Can we expect to see you occasionally on Sunday mornings at St Andrew’s?
A: No. I’ve already begun a new interim, so Sundays are booked for a while. Who knows how long I’ll be there??? (But, with my record, they are worried!)
Q: Will you be the supply worship leader when Pr Doug is on vacation?
A: No. See above. And, I only have one sermon written for each Sunday in the lectionary cycle. You’ve heard two-thirds of mine. Better not take the chance of having to listen to one twice.
Q: Can we come to worship at the congregation where you are an interim?
A: Well, you could. But I’m not sure you want to. See above.
Q: Will you come back for special congregational events?
A: Maybe, but only if Pr Doug and the Council think it’s OK. But, generally, no. You have a pastor now. One is all you really need.
Q: Will you come to our family events and gatherings if we invite you?
A: No. I do love a good party. But, invite your pastor. He probably does, too.
Q: Will you come to my funeral?
A: Only if I had a relationship with you before I arrived at St Andrew’s. Otherwise, no. I will grieve. I will pray. I will send a note to your family. But, I will not come to your funeral.
Q: Can we come to your funeral?
A: Absolutely!!! That would be swell. My family will appreciate that. If you can’t make it to the worship service, do try to make it to the wake. I’m leaving instructions that I hope are followed. It should be a good time. Yes, come!
Q: How can we express our appreciation to you?
A: 1) Show up. Show up for Sunday worship (when conditions allow). Show up for special worship services. Show up for worship services that are a little different. You might not “like” it, but it’s not about you. Show up for events - critical mass is important in keeping things moving forward. Show up and stand around even when you don’t have a “reason” to be there. Welcome each other. Welcome the stranger. You can’t welcome anyone when you aren’t there.
2) Be kind to each other. And be really kind to your staff. Do more for them than you think you “have” to because they are doing more for you and your community than they “have” to. Surprise them! Express your appreciation. Give them a high-five (when conditions allow). If you do this, people will see cars in the parking lot. You’ll start to mention St Andrew’s and why you were there and what happened there and how you are blessed to be there. Word will get out. Pretty soon others will want to be part of what’s going on, too. That's how the Holy Spirit works. Give her something to work with.
Thanks to all of you, to the council members, and especially to Lisa McKibban. May the love of God in Christ Jesus be with you now and forever.
Love,
Deacon Marilyn