Recently, I had cause to reflect upon the question: “Why do I even want to be a pastor anyway?” Instantly, what flooded into my heart and head is the deep desire to be an instrument of God’s love in the world. I want to be a pastor, because I want God’s people to experience and know how deeply loved and cherished they are by the Creator, by Christ, and by the Spirit. What I have found in this place, among the people and community of Grace Lutheran Church, is the beating of God’s own very heart bursting forth with love and care and compassion for all people. Just when I thought I knew about God’s expansive love and thought I would be the one to share that gift with this community, the Spirit has turned the tables and I have been the recipient of so much love and joy from this community. My heart sings a song of gratitude and thanksgiving for the work and presence of God among you and within you. I have learned from your love. Thank you.
I will cherish so many things from my short time with you: Sunday worship, fellowship in Hope Hall, GLOW, praying and learning together at prayer retreat, greeting the steady stream of visitors we receive during non-COVID times, and even enduring the strain and stress of living in a time of pandemic and great uncertainty. Over the course of this year, I have been given permission to learn, to stumble and get things wrong without feeling berated or belittled for my growth areas. Thank you for journeying alongside me, for accompanying me during this intense time of formation and discernment as I seek to serve God and the world through ordained ministry. I have learned from your grace and kindness. Thank you.
In high school, I was cast as an ensemble member in the Stephen Schwartz musical, Children of Eden. This show tells the story of God, creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and his family and the relationship between the Creator and all of creation. It gets some of the biblical details right and embellishes others, but there is a poignant line sung by God that has never left me: “The hardest part of love is the letting go.”
I will grieve the end of internship, because I have grown to love and appreciate you in all your particularities and giftedness. A part of me wants to remain at Grace and continue in the joyful work of serving here, but I know that the appointed time for letting go and looking forward has come. For me and for you. Thank you for making space for me here at Grace, for being my teachers of faith and for being a stop in my journey of experiencing the love and grace of God.
I will miss and pray for you constantly in your communal life as people of God. I will pray for this neighborhood and for the relationships God is extending through you to reach and connect with the broader community for the sake of Christ. I pray for the next intern who is being prepared by the Spirit to come to Grace to be formed among God’s faithful, grace-filled people. It has been a deep privilege to learn and serve with you in this corner of God’s vineyard.
With a heart full of joy and thanksgiving for this time and for you, farewell people of Grace. May God bless and keep you in God’s care.
With love and gratitude,
Vicar Beth