“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you...” Ephesians 1:16-18
Thanks and hope. These two words flood my mind as I write this last article.
Thank you! It’s something I probably haven’t said enough. As I reflect on my time at Hope, my heart is filled with gratitude. Just over 8 years ago you welcomed me into this congregation as your pastor. I’m grateful for all the ways we worked together, and I’m grateful for all the ways people step up to make things work. Most of all, I’m grateful for you—each of you. I’m grateful for the chance to get to know you. You’ve shared your stories and your very lives with me, and that is a tremendous gift. You’ve let me be with you for moments of joy and sadness, and we’ve trod on holy ground together. I will forever hold the people of this congregation in my heart.
Hope… Of course, I think of the word “hope” as I think of you, the People of Hope. But I also think of the most central story of our faith, the story of Christ’s death and resurrection. The Easter story reminds us of the pattern of moving from death to life, of letting something go so something new can emerge. As we say goodbye, I know I will grieve. At the same time, we enter an exciting phase of new beginnings. If God has the power to bring Jesus from death to life, God surely has the power to walk with us through this transition. I have hope for Hope’s future. I leave you in good hands. The synod staff are full of wise and caring people who know how to guide congregations through this process. I also have full confidence in the gifts within this congregation. You, the people of Hope, are some of the most resilient people I know. And most of all, I know that you always have been and always will be in the hands of our loving God.
Peace and blessings to you!
Your sister in Christ,
Pastor Beth