First Christian Church

A Life-long Journey, Learning to be Faithful...

 

 

"Goodbyes" and HELLO!

 

Pastor's Log: June 23, 2009

 

It's my first official day as the lead pastor of FCC, Casper, Wyoming. The morning begins with words of greeting from Paul Hallock and Ted Grooms, friendly faces I've come to know from the search committee. My desk is brightly decorated with fresh flowers, a sign of welcome from caring parishioners. A stack of mail awaits my attention, including farewell cards from friends in central Illinois.

 

What a whirlwind of time the last few months seem... April 5 (Palm Sunday) this congregation voted to call me as lead pastor. May 5, Charles and I were in town for a house-hunting trip and heard Mike Ward, chair of elders, in the pulpit. May 31 (Pentecost) was my last Sunday at FCC, Bloomington. Worship included pictures of life here at FCC Casper, as a sign of being ONE in God's Spirit. (Sunday morning, we'll see photos that FCC Bloomington sent in return.) Tears flowed as we departed our church family of ten years. We took some much needed time to visit family in Arizona and New Mexico. Now, we move from goodbyes to the excitement of this new beginning!

 

There are boxes to unpack, both here at the office and at home. New routines to learn, and many relationships yet to be formed. I appreciate the warm welcome of both the congregation and the community. I sat in on a study of Hebrew Scriptures today at Grace Lutheran Church, at the invitation of Rev. Lynn Williams (pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church). Henry (our dog) is already daily greeting the neighborhood canines. Every day Charles and I look at Casper Mountain and sigh the contentment of souls at peace. In many ways, this already feels like home.

 

Thank you God for calling me to this place, to serve Christ alongside these caring people. Thank you for the journey behind me - for the call to ministry and my ordination, for opportunities to serve your people in Kentucky and Arizona and the past decade in Illinois. Thank you for the journey ahead! Amen.