Setting Sail

I feel the winds of God today
Today my sail I lift
Though heavy oft with drenching spray
And torn with many a rift
If hope but light the water’s crest
And Christ my bark will use
’ll sail the seas at His behest
And brave another cruise
It is the wind of God that dries
My vain regretful tears
Until with braver thoughts shall rise
The purer, brighter years
If cast on shores of selfish ease
Or pleasure I should be
Lord, let me fell thy freshening breeze
And I’ll put back to sea

This morning I announced that I am leaving St. Paul's and accepting a call to Bridge St. UC in Belleville. During the week I met with key laypeople in the congregation (board chair, ministry and personnel chair) as well as staff to let them know of my decision.

By the time I leave at the end of April it will be nearly ten years that I have been pastor of this active, hard-working, vital congregation. Leave-taking will be very difficult, as I have already discovered in sharing this news.

Are we sad? Of course. We have shared so much with individuals within this faith community, the joys and the sorrows. We have worked hard together as a congregation, and while we have felt the effects of a changing culture which just doesn't value the church, we have been remarkably resilient. This is largely due to the people of St. Paul's because without the cooperation and commitment of the folk in the pews, clergy and staff can't accomplish much.

At the same time we had to consider the shape of ministry in these last years before retirement (I am 58) and what I would like to accomplish. There is also the practical reality of where we live. We have lived in the manse -- the congregation's house-- for all these years, and we need to be in our own home, from an investment standpoint but also as a place we can call our own.

Am I excited about Bridge St.? I wouldn't have accepted the call without a sense of God's possibilities within that community.  I'm nervous about a change at this stage of my career, but don't we all experience the flutter of the unknown when we set out on a new venture. I like the people I have met so far, and what they hope for in the time ahead.

There is the old saying, attributed by some to Thomas Aquinas, that ships are safest in the harbour, but ships are meant for sailing. I'm trusting that Christ will be our pilot as we leave, and will continue to be at the helm at St. Paul's.

Thanks for everything folks. And yes, I will continue with my blogs and hope you will read and comment for years to come.