my relationship with MBPPC after my retirement

Several people have asked me about my relationship with MBPPC after my retirement. Let me share a few things in order to clarify how such a relationship works in the Presbyterian Church (USA), our denomination.

My last Sunday in worship is scheduled to be September 7th. I will continue to be the installed pastor until Tuesday, September 30th. However, Lisa and I will be out-of-town from September 13th on. The Seattle Presbytery has arranged for guest preachers on September 14th, 21st, and 28th. The Rev. Andrea Chaumont will officially begin serving as transitional pastor on Wednesday, October 1st.

During the first year following my end of service (so October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2026) I am excluded from any pastoral role or services at MBPPC. The rationale for this rule is to allow the congregation and Pastor Chaumont to establish clear and constructive relationships. This does not mean that if, for example, we see each other in the grocery store or at a ballgame, etc., I cannot say hello to you. It simply means that, on any occasion where we see each other, I cannot discuss church matters with you or impinge in any way on Pastor Chaumont’s role as your current pastor.

I will remain as a member of the Seattle Presbytery, as an honorably retired pastor. After October 1, 2026, at the initiative of Pastor Chaumont and the MBPPC Session, I can be available for occasional pastoral duties such as preaching and presiding at baptisms, weddings, and funerals. To be honest, such things will depend on my schedule after I retire. That is something I look forward to finding my way into in the coming year!

For my part, I am enjoying serving as your pastor through these last weeks of my tenure. I am focused on providing meaningful worship services through September 7th, and hope to see you in church!

With gratitude,

Lee