Tonight is the last night of me being at home. As most of you know I have been living at home since I moved from Chicago. I did my internship and have been looking for a church. The last time that I wrote in this blog, which was almost 2 months ago now. I said that I would have some big news and I do! On August 6th I will be the pastor of two churches in Michigan. This is the realization of following a call that I have not always been sure of where it would go. I now know that tomorrow it the realization will come true when I leave home for my new home in Michigan.
That leads me to my hiatus from this blog. The last month and a half have been nothing but a blur as I have prepared and packed to go to Michigan. I had to quit my job, which I really will miss because of my enjoyment of woodworking. I have had to say "good bye" to many people that I will not see on a regular basis and to be certain that I may not see again on this side of heaven. Today I said "good bye" to Salem Covenant Church, my home church here in the Twin Cities. A church that is a refuge in this dark and fallen world. A church where I learned the faith and took it to be my own. A church that has supported me in both the good times and the bad. Only after 6 months of ministry the new senior pastor wanted to be able to pray over me and my new endeavor. Our friendship is something that will continue on long into the future, but not just as friends, but as colleagues. Nonetheless good byes are always hard to say, even when there is the possibility of going home, such as at vacations or other times.
However, I have been reminded again and again throughout this process that even though we may say our good byes our roots always are attached to our homes. I will always be welcomed home to my parents home, to my friends homes, and to my church home. Even though I consider the senior pastor at my church a friend and a colleague, he is my pastor, and all who follow him, whether on staff or whatever their position, they will be my pastors and home will still be home. Changes will come to family, friends, and church to be sure, but I will always know that I am welcomed at home.
Well, the next time I write here I will be in Michigan. Unpacking and setting up a pastor's house (whatever that means), and I will be back here to be sure on a more frequent basis as I again begin to talk about those things which really got this blog started in the first place. So, until then, Peace.
The words of Andrew about life as a Christian and life as a person.
3 comments:
Nothing but blessings on you Andrew from your former pastor. Your churchmanship shines brightly and will be a gift where you go and serve. Keep the blog up and running.
hey andrew, i saw on one of those infamous "pastoral changes" lists of your call to Michigan. That is great news! Blessings on you! I look forward to hearing more about your experiences.
hey andrew - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I found your blog through paul corner's and it's great to see you're still alive. :) Hope you are doing well. I hope you are having a good transition to your two parishes in Michigan. And also hope you'll still be able to do woodworking once in a while... peace, Johnna (from NPTS)
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