August 26, 2010
Last week marked the beginning of our new relationship together. God is calling us to work side by side, pastor and people, to reach our world for Christ. We will share times of joy and victory. We will also endure times of pain and loss. This is all part of living life together. Similar to marriage, we won't give up when times are difficult. We will endure, seek the best in each one, and express love one to another.
In a bit more than a month, Carol and I should be settling into our new home in La Center. When settled, we are looking forward to having many of you over to share a meal or dessert. We look forward to developing some great friendships with you.
Further down the road, as a congregation we will explore God's design for our church and develop a clearly focused vision and strategy for ministry. I envision what we might call "Our 20/20 Vision," a blueprint to guide our development as a church.
I covet your prayers during this transition time. Also please feel free to drop by the office and visit.
Pastor Mike
August 12, 2010
This next Sunday, August 15th, will be my last Sunday to serve as the interim pastor at La Center Evangelical Free Church. What a blessing this church has been to me and my family! Although we will miss each of you deeply, Nancy and I are confident that God is doing something good and that He has led us to step aside so that Mike Kirkman can take over as your new full-time pastor. I am confident that Mike will serve this church well and be a blessing to this congregation.
Saying "good-bye" is never easy. It just sounds so final! So I will do what is done in Israel. Instead of saying "good-bye," people say "shalom." The word "shalom" is Hebrew and means "peace and well-being." It can be used to describe physical peace and well-being or spiritual peace and well-being. In the context of a farewell, the word is used to say, "May you enjoy God's peace and blessing until we meet again." The farewell greeting "shalom" implies that the parting is only temporary and that there will be a reunion in the future.
I am confident that we will see each other again and again. So instead of saying "good-bye," I will say "shalom until we meet again." I have found in my experience of being interim pastor in ten different churches that an interim opportunity like the one at La Center is a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friends. I count the members of this congregation as my dear friends.
So shalom . . . until we meet again! The peace and blessing of Jesus our Savior be with you all!
Carl
