Small Church Farewell
At the end of the service today, after the closing hymn but just before we passed the peace (our practice just before the Benediction each week), the leaders of Small Church came forward to say a few words and to present me with this beautiful image of the sanctuary, created from fabric scraps used in a series of banners over the past two years. I wish you could see its full, three-dimensional beauty. The circle over the altar is a beautiful stained glass window portraying the young Jesus. The little squares of blue on the pews in the foreground are the new hymnals dedicated just a few months ago.
The goodbye was sweet. The Conference staff person who met with the church council this past week affirmed our years together and spoke with great and convincing hope of their future. I suppose a person could say a few things about the burden on smaller churches to meet the standard for paying benefits and wonder why such a progressive denomination couldn't be a little more cooperative in making it possible for smaller churches to afford fulltime pastoral coverage.
But today we truly shared a love feast as people came forward for Communion, each of us called by name, just as Jesus in the gospel lesson this morning. They are surely God's Beloved Sons and Daughters, those wonderful people at Small Church. I give thanks for the time we had together and pray that God will bless them on the way.
(You can find my parting words here.)
The image is lovely, and so is the sermon.
Hugs, Songbird. And blessings as you take the next steps on this journey.
Posted by: Jane Dark | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 07:46 PM
It's beautiful! I would have bawled and bawled.
Posted by: ppb | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 07:53 PM
I love you. We prayed for you and for Small Church today at St. Stoic.
Posted by: Cheesehead | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 08:04 PM
How lovely it is! A gift that says much about the recipient, I think.
((((Songbird))))
Posted by: Phantom Scribbler | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 08:08 PM
I am so glad that it was a good day... It sounds like someone has taught them well...
Posted by: Listing Straight | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 08:13 PM
I love the image. That was definately a labor of love.
Posted by: LadyBurg | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 09:10 PM
It's so beautiful. What a wonderful gift, just as you have been to them.
Posted by: Linda (FM) | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 09:17 PM
So glad the farewell was a good one. I hope your transition continues to go smoothly. And the gift is lovely...
Posted by: revdrmom | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 10:21 PM
That is beautiful and a symbol of how much you have meant to them. Blessings to you as you venture into your new ministry.
Posted by: Cathy | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 10:26 PM
I haven't commented here for a few days, but I'm so glad they gave you such a lovely sendoff. I'm excited for, and proud to know, you!
Posted by: reverendmother | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 11:04 PM
tears and hugs - I know it is so very hard to leave. Blessings on your new journey - can't new be so very frightenting and exciting all at the same time!!!
Posted by: thankyadarlin | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 11:27 PM
so beautiful! thanks for sharing it...
Posted by: juniper | Sunday, January 07, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Oh, that's just wonderful. When my dad left the church he'd led for more than 12 years, he was given a painting of the sanctuary that still has pride of place in their dining room. I love looking at it ... it brings back so many happy memories.
Posted by: Ruth | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Love you, and your words. Well done. Now prayers and blessings for the new phase of your ministry which begins today. xx((Songbird))xx
Posted by: Kathryn | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 05:20 AM
I am blown away by the image! What meaning it must have for you....and the labor of love that went into it. I know they will miss you so much.
Posted by: Mindy | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Amen Songbird.
I'm thinking of you today as you begin your new call in another small church. What does God have in store for you?
Posted by: Pastor Peters | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 09:20 AM
So beautiful!
Posted by: ccw | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 10:00 AM
wow :)
Posted by: Lorna | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 10:28 AM
How beautiful!
Posted by: Iris | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 12:01 PM
What a beautiful good-bye to you and to your congregation. Goodbyes are often difficult but laced with grace.
May God walk with you into your new ministry.
I hope you've taken a bit of time off to transition and catch your breath.
Posted by: St. Inuksuk | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Wow even without the 3d we can tell it is gorgeous.
I am glad that the congregation said 'see you later' well.
Posted by: will smama | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Just gorgeous. What a wonderful gift for a wonderful person.
Happy New Job Day! Wooo!
Posted by: Mary Beth | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Best wishes to you and your new flock.
Drew
Posted by: childhood friend | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 01:58 PM
Your sermon is beautiful. I'm so glad I could read it.
Blessings to you on your new adventure.
Take time for yourself, remember.
Posted by: St.C | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 03:23 PM
How beautiful. Good, good luck on your new job.
Posted by: spookyrach | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 04:04 PM