Hello friends. Again this week, a different pastor is “pondering”. Along with all of you, I give thanks for Mandy’s ministry here. She has been a treasured colleague and friend to me, and I will miss her.
And God has sent another servant leader to Glen Mar. We rejoice in God’s call on the life of Rev. Chris Dembeck. I hope you will pray for him and do what you can to make him welcome as we all work to make Glen Mar’s ministry and witness an even brighter light in a world that desperately needs it.
It has been said that United Methodist pastors are not called to be called, but called to be sent. My own experience as a pastor is that there have been times when I asked to be sent somewhere else to serve, and more times when the sending came without any prodding by me, sometimes with angst.
The consistent thing has been the undeniable presence of God. In each new place, I have found precious Christian companions that I would never have met had I not been willing to go where I was sent.
Mandy and Eric feel the call of God to be sent to North Carolina to care for aging parents. Truly, this is living out one of the 10 Commandments. I believe that the commandment to honor father and mother is less about getting children to mind (which I imagine has been told to lots of us as reluctant or rebellious kids) than it is about continuing to offer care, respect, kindness, and yes, honor, to our parents as they age. It’s way too easy to be dismissive of our elders as their strength and abilities fade.
Pastor Chris feels the call of God to serve this community at this time, and Bishop Easterling has sent him to do just that. We honor that decision as well.
I know that there are several among the congregation who are anticipating moves at this time. I am trusting that God is in your decisions; that you feel called to a certain place and situation and understand that God is sending you to be a blessing in a new place. We, your companions in worship and service, in small-group settings, and as a part of this segment of Christ’s body, will miss you, and will pray that your new home will be a fitting launching pad for your new ministry.
Blessings+
Pastor Gayle
