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A Fond FarewellI have accepted a new ministry as the pastor at the Mission Hills United Methodist Church. I'll be starting there in the beginning of March; my last Sunday at PB will be February 20. April will stay here to be the full-time pastor to the PB UMC; only I'll be going to Mission Hills. We'll continue to live in the parsonage on Vickie Drive in PB. Usually pastoral changes in the UMC take place in July. In this case, the current pastor at Mission Hills, Sue Farley, is leaving that church to take over for a pastor and friend who is stepping down due to illness. Because of that, this move is being made "mid-year." It's a bit of a shock to me how quickly it's coming about, but the move doesn't come as a complete surprise. Though we both love it here and I've often imagined staying at PB forever, April and I have discussed at times what the next step in our ministry might be. There are two factors that have led me to believe that serving in separate congregations is the right way for us to go, and the way that God is leading us. The first factor is the challenge of job sharing. We're both looking forward to being able to come home in the evening and talk about our day with a supportive spouse rather than a concerned co-worker. The second factor is in my calling and development as a pastor. Serving at Pacific Beach has given both April and me the opportunity to develop our skills and abilities as pastors. We've reached the point where we both feel ready to accept the responsibility of being the primary leader and pastor for a congregation. I'm convinced that we'll best be able to use our gifts in God's service by being pastors to separate congregations. It's hard to imagine leaving PB UMC. We've done many great things together; we've engaged in many significant ministries; we've worked hard and made this a beautiful place; I've felt joy and sadness when I've shared important life experiences with many of you; I've had lots of fun; in short, I've come to love this church. I'm not exactly sure what being the pastor's spouse here will mean--that's a new role for me. But I do know that I won't disappear. I'm glad that, with April continuing to be the pastor here, I'll have a good reason to come and enjoy special programs and social events. I leave this church in a position of growth and development, and I know that it will continue to thrive and do great things in ministry. So it's with hope and anticipation that I look to the future of this church and to the future of my ministry in Mission Hills. Paul provides appropriate closing words: "Finally, brothers and sisters: Good-bye. Aim for perfection, be of one mind, live in peace. And may the God of love and peace be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11) Peace, Andy |
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