A Note from Dean: A Bright Future
Dear Friends,
I feel like Yogi Berra, for I “have déjà vu all over again” writing a goodbye note as I prepare to leave after another several months here at Western. Little did I know last August that I would be back again in December!
The living of our days is not linear, though, is it? Just as the planets rotate, we also have cycles.
During the First World War, Hugh Kerr, a Presbyterian pastor from Pittsburgh, wrote these words in a hymn we will sing on Sunday:
God of our life, through all the circling years, we trust in you;
in all the past, through all our hopes and fears, your hand we view.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil, we own your mercies, Lord, which never fail.
Through all the circling patterns of light and dark that make up our lives, the divine design of our lives is surprising and beautiful to experience. Unforeseen events happen and we encounter people we would never expect. My career in the church has been one surprisingly wonderful gift after another. (Of course, there have been some not-so-great times and relationships, too, but they pale in comparison to all the positive ones.)
Being a Bridge Pastor twice here at Western has been a blessing because you have been warm and welcoming, supportive and kind. The Session is an impressive group of dedicated Elders who deeply desire Western to thrive. The Deacons are striving to respond to the needs of the church at this particular time in its history. Pastor Irene has a heart for the Deacons’ mission, and ministering to and with the young families and the children here; not to mention the online community of Zoomers.
All of these leaders put in more time than most members are aware. Without their encouragement and engagement, the pastor’s work would be much, much more difficult if not impossible.
This congregation’s life is circling around. It’s possible to look back on your highs and lows over the years; your celebrations and challenges. Like the hymn says, we can see God’s merciful hand throughout, and therefore we can trust in the future. If each member will contribute his or her energy, imagination and love, your future is sure to be bright.
In Christ,
Dean
P.S. People have asked about my plans. Jim and I are taking a long-anticipated hiking tour of the Cotswolds at the end of May. In late June and early July, I am a commissioner to PC(USA) General Assembly in Salt Lake City. We’ll be at the Jersey shore for a week in August with some of the family. And then there are my little tomato seedlings and roof garden to tend. I hope each of you will have a fine summer, too.