Our Minister

This will be my last Trinity Times to you- although many emails  will follow I'm sure,  this is the one where I must sign off.  I like you- have so much to say and find the words hard to form.
Thank you for taking time out of your Saturday to come and sit in a line up longer than the Tim Horton's drive- through. It was heartwarming to see your faces and laugh, to cry, to see all the kids who have grown up, the babies we baptized, and all the four-legged friends. 
Thank you for the cards- the words you did find and the love that held within.  This past week- I tried to sort and clean my office for days.  Larry took the recycling to the dump today- can you believe there was almost 100lbs of paper?  100lbs of paper doesn't include the papers I kept. (nor the 12 boxes now in my basement)
I looked at it all; meetings- minutes- grant applications, camp registrations, old sermons, dreamed up liturgies and worship themes.  Newsletters, reports, and agendas.  Retreat notes, team binders, evaluation forms, and so many gifts from over the years. I found notes- and drawings, and old photos of what we shared.  I reviewed the books to make sure they are up to date- yes- over 50 funerals while I was here- and 48 new members- Earl hung 5 confirmation class photos in the narthex of these new members.
It has been a ministry review in many ways- with so many 'remember whens'-I have had a chance to grieve and to smile, to think about those whom I miss dearly, and those who have challenged me-shaped me- and trusted me.  I have honestly laughed out loud remembering some of the crazy stuff we/I did because you made it safe to try and gave me permission to have vision- and be creative and lead you.  
 We have all grown so much.  My children were just that - children when we arrived.  Now they are all adults and on their own.  You welcomed us - and you were our family when ours was so far away.  You loved our kids, you celebrated them with us- and you watched them grow.  Thank you for the respect you showed Larry- the way you welcomed him and celebrated him as my partner and team.  He is grieving this goodbye as well.
It's generally understood that once a minister requests a change in pastoral relationship their ability to influence the congregation is done understandably, however I will ask you to indulge me one last time- if I may.  Reviewing my ministry with you these last months and weeks- there are a few things that continue to bubble to the top of the list of things I wish to say to you- and remind you of that I hope sticks- like glue to each of you.If you remember anything I said- at all - please remember these things; 
1) Come Holy Spirit Come2) Be still and Know3) God is good- all the time!4) Reckless love pursues you5) Say thank you often- generously-6) You are not alone- ever
Thank you Trinity for all that you have given and shared.  Keep your eyes focused on the author and protector of your faith- resist fear and scarcity- God has all that you need- provision for the day ahead as the shepherd guides you to pasture. In all your steps forward- may prayer be first on your agendas- and thank-yous always the last.   Blessings Trinity- you're an amazing little church with a big heart, trust in how much God has invested in you- great things are in store.

Peace and Grace, Rev Kathy