Special Message >

Special Message

This note is an attempt to express publicly the gratitude that my family and I feel for the most incredible evening that our church provided for us last night, Sunday, June 22nd.  The attempt will probably fall far short of what we genuinely feel, but here goes.

The evening had been set aside as a time of farewell for us as we prepare to shift gears and become the pastoral family of the Glassboro: First United Methodist Church on July 1st.  We had no idea what to expect.  All we knew was that we were to be at the church by 5:30 for dinner, and then enjoy a program at 7:00 PM.

As we arrived at the church, we learned that everyone was being directed to enter by the main entrance (as opposed to the fellowship hall, where the dinner was to be held).  The first thing that met all who walked into the narthex was a huge quilt made of 80 squares, each one custom made by someone or some group or family related to the church.  What an incredibly creative way to help us remember so many people!

From there, the guests were to find a place in the sanctuary until their table numbers were called.  My family (children, grandchildren, Evelyn, and I) were seated at two tables on the stage of the fellowship hall, the hall being cleverly and wisely decorated in a beach theme, the very theme of this year's Vacation Bible School, which begins this evening -- a well-thought out blending of the two events!  Dinner consisted of barbecued chicken and a huge number of homemade salads of all kinds; rolls and beverages.

Once everyone had had their fill, we returned to the sanctuary for a retrospective of the UMC of Mantua's past 14 years.  Opening with a hymn sing (during which Evelyn, Karlyn, and I were given the chance to select our favorites) and prayer, the evening progressed to a time of gift-giving.  The women's Sunday School class presented the quilt to us, and the chairwoman of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee gave us a (startlingly generous) cash gift on behalf of the congregation.  But probably the most moving gift of all was that of a new bicycle to daughter Karlyn: pink and purple (her favorite colors), complete with helmet and pads!  I hope that the video team got a good shot of her face as the lay leader brought the bike down the aisle -- it was as though she thought it was too good to be true!  It took a few moments for the reality to sink in, that this was really for her!  At the urging of the congregation, she rode the bike down the aisle and back up again (somewhat difficult in her frilly dress), but no one could have appreciated a gift more!

As a way of summarizing to some extent the past 14 years, a video montage had been produced by a member of the church who is a professionally trained editor.  Talk about some great laughs!  Starting from the time I had hair and taking us to the present, the video captured many of the memorable moments we spent together as pastor and people.

There was also some time set aside for the gathering to share their personal memories, comments, and wishes.  Let me tell you, you never know how you are impacting people until something like this happens.  I learned that oftentimes, the simplest act of listening or responding or guiding or acknowledging can leave an impression that lasts for years.  It's probably a wonderful lesson for all of us.  Taking even a moment to listen to another's concern is an act of affirmation -- of saying, "You matter to me."  I think that that became clear as people made their comments.

Toward the end of the time we were in the sanctuary, Evelyn and I were given a chance to greet everyone with some comments of our own.  I was very impressed with Evelyn's eloquence, especially for someone who claims not to feel comfortable speaking in front of large groups!  Before I shared my comments, I took a "family portrait" of the congregation, and then tried (not very adequately, I'm afraid) to express just how grateful I was to serve as the pastor of this church.

The evening ended with dessert in the fellowship hall.  But it will continue in our memories and hearts as a highlight of our time in Mantua.  It's great to be leaving with so many good feelings, and having made so many wonderful friends.  It's been gratifying to watch people grow in their love of the Lord and the church, and to find their place in the Body of Christ where they will continue to serve effectively for many years to come.

As we've come to realize, this may be a parting of sorts, but it's not as though we'll never have any opportunities to keep in touch.  So, instead of good-bye, it really is just "bye for now."

On behalf of my family, I thank everyone who had any part in making our evening so special.  We'll never forget our time together or the people who brought us to this point in time, and I just wanted everybody in and out of the church to know that.

Grace and peace --

Karl  :o<)=<><  "PHD"