On Getting Gone

I’d really rather not.

Yet one thing an intentional interim minister knows from the beginning is that an end will come within two years. It does not matter what remains to be done, nor how nobly I have served, nor how much I have come to love the congregation and the staff. (Quite a lot.) This good thing now comes to an end.

Other than brief remarks at the party on Saturday evening (do come!) and at the Flower Communion service this Sunday, this is probably my last formal communication with you. No words could be adequate to express my appreciation for all your kindness. I depart with a heavy heart, filled with admiration for the courage and resilience of those who gather at First Church. I would love to stay and watch the children grow up, and watch you all grow in spirit and service. I shall have to watch from afar.

After a summer at home in San Francisco and visiting family hither and yon, I’ll move my road show to Eliot Unitarian Chapel in Kirkwood, Missouri. Yes, the very church now served by your senior minister-elect, Daniel O’Connell and his wife, Bonnie Vegiard. They will be much missed there, and I’ll be ministering to grief and anxiety as the congregation undertakes a process of discovering what lies ahead.

Reverend Adam Robinson has arranged some wonderful summer services for you, and will be on duty to guide the pastoral care program of the church until Daniel arrives. When he does, my parting request is that you embrace him fully. He will be your minister, and it is right that I be no more than a faint memory.

With thanks to all, and to each who has gifted me, lauded me, or challenged me, my very best wishes.

David