Grace
and Peace to you all,
I am
writing this to let you all know that I have decided to retire at the end of
this year 2020. My last Sunday will be December 27, 2020. For the last year or
so I’ve watched seminary classmates announce their retirements one after
another. It is time for me to move on to the next phase of my life’s journey
and for Faith UCC to move on to its next phase as well, trusting that we are
all in God’s hands.
It has
been my great honor and a true blessing to serve Faith UCC for what will be 15
years. I have served four churches since graduating from seminary and Faith UCC
has been by far the best of the four.
In the
last 15 years Faith UCC has been a faithful, progressive witness here in New
Braunfels. As I look back there are so many highlights. Here are just a few.
Voting to become ONA and the choir singing twice at the SA Pride event were
milestones in the life of this church… In the area of mission and outreach:
giving away our Christmas offerings to a whole series of mission projects near
and far; starting LEAP; our continuing work at the SOS Food Bank and being a
host church for Family Promise. In the area of building and grounds we
refurbished the fellowship hall and narthex and installed the computer
projector and updated AV. Developing the vision statement and becoming a more
diverse congregation. Marching in the local MLK march and other witness
events. Then there are all the confirmation classes, adult study programs
during Lent and the recent class on Buddhism & Hinduism. We have shared many
deeply moving worship experiences in the over 725 services that I have been
here for. We’ve often sensed the movement of the Spirit in these. We have
shared much in worship, mission and fellowship and I cherish all our time
together.
As the
church moves forward it will be a time for discernment and prayer about the
future of the church. As with any change there will be some anxiety and
sadness, but I pray that there will also be a sense of excitement and
hopefulness about what God has in store for Faith Church. Faith Church has gone
through such times of transition numerous times since it was founded in 1966.
As in the past, with God’s help, it will do so again. It has always come
through such times stronger and with a renewed sense of purpose. It has gone on
to do God’s work here in New Braunfels and beyond in new and creative ways.
Know
that you most certainly will have my prayers for you individually and for Faith
Church as a whole. I would invite your prayers for me as well as I transition
to retirement. I am mindful of Paul’s words to the Philippians… “I
thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying for all of you,
because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am
confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it
to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:3-6)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Scott
Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at [email protected]
