Dear Immanuel Friends:
As I leave Immanuel and six and a half years of doing interim ministry, the one thing I will not miss is saying goodbye. It's hard. I don't like it. It's painful. You'd think I would get used to it or better at it, but I don't.
My last word to you on June 14th will be a benediction, like at the end of every service of worship. A benediction is more than just a "fare thee well" word upon taking leave of one another. Just as sharing "The peace of Christ" during worship is more than a "Howdy", so too the final words of worship are more than "Have a nice day!" or "See you next time!" They are words of blessing.
As I say "May the Lord bless you and keep you," I look at your faces. Some eyes are closed. Some of you return the eye contact. Some of you are deeply reflective. Some are anxious to leave. I see your faces as I send you out with God's grace. I see some faces of pain. I see faces of people whom I have failed. Behind some faces are confusion and crushing decisions. I see faces of some who have grown careless in their faith and life and who suffer burdens of guilt. Some have cheated. Some don't care enough. Some have been hurt by too much caring. Some faces seem strong and committed, and I pray their good intentions will bear fruit. And I see the reflection of faces that are no longer in the congregation, but many of us remember them and where they sat.
Our final song together will end this way: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. Amen!
