Dear Friends:
As I searched through old newsletters looking back over twelve years to the first newsletter article that appeared on the Pastor’s Page, I found the wonderful passage printed above. The prophet Jeremiah reassures God’s people in a time of crisis. The words of the LORD are steady and sure: “For I know the plans I have for you . . .” In this time of transition, it is good for us to remember these words.
The twelve years that I have spent in ministry with you all have flown by and John and I are deeply grateful to you for allowing us into the sacred space of your lives. For us it has indeed been holy ground.
Saying goodbye to you is one of the most difficult things I will ever do. You have touched my life deeply. You have nurtured me and loved me and allowed me to make mistakes. I have grown tremendously in my faith, walking along side of you in ministry.
In these last few weeks we will celebrate our life together in significant ways. My last Sunday with you will be June 13 and the Worship Service that day will be filled with some wonderful surprises as we remind one another of the gifts that define the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Temple, Texas.
I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the aspects of goodbyes. They are difficult at best. I have found comfort in remembering that our timing is not God’s timing. In the Greek, time can be expressed using two distinct words.
Chronos time is the time that we keep . . the calendars, the appointments, the seconds, the minutes, the hours, the days the weeks, the years. . . our way of measuring life here on earth.
Kairos time is God’s time. It is the right time . . the perfect time. . . the time when things happen because we are listening and paying attention to God’s claim on our lives.
I believe that in this kairos time, God will provide opportunities for us all to grow in spirit and in truth. As we make this move into the unknown, you and I, it is good for us to remember that change is part of the rhythm of Gods’ plan for us, and that the God who created us and accompanies and sustains us through all things will not let us go.
In September of 1998, I wrote these words: “I want you all to know that you will be in my prayers daily, please pray for me as well.” After 142 months and countless days and hours and minutes in chronos time, this is still true. You are in my prayers, and even as our roles change and a new pastor comes to share in ministry with you all, you will still be in my prayers.
May the Peace of Christ be with you all!
Shalom, Margaret