One door closes … one door opens

Today was our beloved pastor's last day as our official pastor. The service is nothing less than what I expected. Jerry spoke on "Remember These Things". He reminded us that we are Christ's ambassadors and that God has set apart Gateway and we would fulfill our mission. We sang some of Jerry's favorite hymns and songs and then He spoke of the fine man God has chosen to lead us into the future. Then I experienced one of the classiest acts I've ever seen in a church service. Jerry and Beverly and the kids walked around the church while Alex played and they shook hands and hugged everyone. The tears flowed so freely from everyone that I started a "Kleenex" committee (of course we are Methodists) and actually ran through two boxes. Jerry and Beverly hugged everyone and you could see the love everyone has for this Godly man and his most wonderful family. While I can't speak for anyone else, I can say this for me. I will always remember this day and the image of God's love and grace as this small congregation of believers and their beloved pastor said goodbye to each other. The emotion flows as I think of it even now. I stood in front of the church and watched as Beverly walked under the cross with her hands held high in praise to God as she left the building. My good friend and our former lay leader Joseph Slife closed in prayer reading most timely and appropriate scriptures with tears in his eyes. Saying goodbye is so difficult. A door has closed.


Next Sunday Joseph and Becky Dye will be in the pulpit. I am so excited. For just as God called Joshua to follow Moses, I believe God has called Joseph to follow Jerry. Just what the future holds, I don't know. I know as a congregation we prayed earnestly about the minis
try Joseph and Becky bring to our congregation. Saying hello is exciting. A door has opened.