And so, many, many, thanks are in order!

Dear MBPPC Friends and Family:

Last week, I wrote that the end of my contributions to this blog had arrived. But that was before the most incredible, joyful send-off you all provided for Lisa and me. And so, many, many, thanks are in order!

First, I want to thank the committee members who planned and carried out our send-off dinner on Saturday night. They were very sensitive to the needs of this introverted pastor (when my last day in Michigan came, and there was a formal send-off line of about 600 people, I almost fainted). The evening’s schedule was perfect. Lisa and I were able to spend time with almost everyone in a one-on-one way as we mingled and visited tables.

The gift of the memory book created by Joan Stob, and filled with personal words and photos from many of you, will be a treasure for years to come. It is beautiful, and so unique. And the cards and notes we received augment all that is contained in the book.

Second, I want to try to express what our last worship service together has meant to me. Thank you to everyone who joined in. And thank you to Tim and the choir, to Megan our worship assistant, to Christine and Ben our Communion servers, to Grant our candle lighter, to Janann and Patti our greeters, and to all of you who joined Janet and Jim Scroggs to set up our coffee hour.

I was very apprehensive about these last two events. I worried that I would be overwhelmed — by memories, by the emotional intensity, by the grief of parting. The main person to whom I recited the oft-repeated Scripture, “Do not be afraid; only believe” — was me! All of those fears proved to be unfounded. As with other “lasts” — Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and so many weekly routines — I felt fully alive in the moment, and filled with joy and gratitude.

So, thank you all once again. You are, and will be, in my prayers for God’s presence, power, and peace as we all live into the next chapter.

In Christ,

Lee