"Are you awake?" asked Ruth. "oh ya" was my reply. This groggy exchange occurred just after five this morning. Knowing that this was our final worship experience at St. Paul's, the "last hurrah" as I have tagged everything created for this day had us awake far earlier that we would have wished.
We already made our way through an emotion-filled event yesterday. Despite the miserable weather the hall at Trinity church was filled to overflowing and we had fun together. The whole afternoon was so well planned and executed. There was the serious stuff and the silly stuff and for us it was a wonderful combination of both.
There were lovely and thoughtful gifts of two paintings showing scenes from within Killarney Provincial Park, an area which was "holy ground" for us during our Sudbury days. Then there was the gift of the rolltop desk in the manse. There are only a few items in the manse which belong to the congregation, and just one which has caught our fancy -- and now it is ours! Ultimately the most precious gift was the presence of so many people, including those who came to town for the party, and a big contingent of colleagues from other congregations.
Today. I am here before eight this morning, dashing off this blog entry, heading soon for the sanctuary to do the "pre-game warm-up" I have done for the past ten years at St. Paul's. I will preach my message to the empty pews of the church, then wait for the true church, all of you, to arrive.
Lots of music today, maybe a few tears. I will try not to blubber, but I'm not promising anything. And I hear Christ will be with us, once again.
Thank you!
10 comments:
And a beautiful sunny day it is.
Thank you for your spiritual gifts, your faith in all of us, sharing the last 10 years of yor lives with us, and your friendship. Both you and Ruth will be missed, but we know you are on a new adventure. God bless and we'll see you every other Chrisrmas in Belleville!
God's richest blessings on your ministry - the one you are leaving today and the one you begin in Belleville. You will be missed.
Knock it out of the park, big man!
Emotional Sunday, wanted to hold on to our time together for as long as it would last. Another spirtually filled sermon delivered by David. Touch hands the climax of saying goodbye.
I made it until Touch Hands. So beautiful especially coming right after the closing prayer and remembering all the times we have touched hands over the past ten years. It has been a wonderful weekend and blessings to you both as you begin the next step on life's journey.
David, that was really hitting below the belt today. I'm referring to your proudly reminding us that the Leafs beat my Habs last night. I was going to yell out something like "wait til the playoffs", but I didn't thinking heckling would be appropriate.
All the best to you and Ruth in Belleville!
That was a beautiful, bittersweet service this morning. Best wishes to both of you in your new jobs and home. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, compassion and your wonderful sense of humour!
The past seven years that I have been at St. Paul's have been so meaningful for me because I have matured from a kid how came to church with my parents to a person of faith. I want to thank you for being such a fantastic leader, role modal, teacher and cheerleader for young Christians. You have helped and inspired me to build the foundation of my faith and now I can continue to build onto that as I move forward on my faith journey. I wish you and Ruth all the best in Belleville and I hope that you have the opportunity their to inspire and guide more people as you have inspired and guided me.
Dear Brydge St United...Please take good care of our dear friends, David and Ruth. You are blessed.
Love and prayers...SPUC
Sunday's service will be one of those memories that shape our collective and personal faith stories....
It was lovely to have members of your family with us....we will miss them all. Special joy came for me witnessing your Mom absorb (what she "probably" already knew) what a great "kid" she had.
We are looking forward to welcoming David and Ruth to Bridge St Church in Belleville, and to beginning a new chapter in our Christian journey with them. We also wish you well at St. Paul's as you search for a new pastor to help you continue on your path ... blessings and prayers!
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