Our last Sunday as your appointed pastors is this Sunday, June 14. As Cathy and I come to this milestone in our lives and the life of the church, I contemplate the words of Fanny Crosby’s hymn, “To God be the Glory.” “To God be the glory, great things God hath done!” Amen. As we end this part of our life’s journey with you, and continue our journey into a second retirement, Fanny Crosby’s words have been on my lips, and in my heart.

In the Service of Farewell to a Pastor (United Methodist Book of Worship) we read,
“We thank you, the members and friends of Christ Church, for the love and support you have shown us while we ministered among you.” Indeed it has been a joy and privilege to serve in ministry with you over the past 2 years.

We give thanks for the many ways in which you have enriched our lives, and we give thanks for your passion for God’s transformative work in the world. Although this is our last Sunday, we will work remotely through June 30 (available by email and phone). The Christ Church staff will help facilitate the daily work of the church and help meet needs as they arise.

As we bid farewell, we leave you with the following prayer of Saint Patrick:

“Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ behind us,

Christ in us, Christ beneath us, Christ above us,

Christ on our right, Christ on our left,

Christ where we lie, Christ where we sit, Christ where we arise,

Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of us,

Christ in every eye that sees us,

Christ in every ear that hears us.

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of the Christ,

May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.”

“Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord,
praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!” (Fanny Crosby) Grace and peace to you,
now and forever!

Through Christ,

Pastor Doug