Saying Goodbye
This week I am working on my final message to give to Northwest Community Church on Sunday. Now, I’m admittedly no stranger to transitions and actually do appreciate change, but it is indeed a weird feeling to say goodbye to so many people that we have bonded with through so many shared life experiences. I have to say that the people at NCC are some of the most genuine, non-pretentious people on the planet, and I consider it a privilege to get to have known and served these lovely people for the last three years as their pastor.
As I prepare this sermon, I have also been reflecting on the memories we have made together and have laughed and cried a little as I recount them. There were some funny moments that we shared such as the time my staff turned my office pink because they know it’s my least favorite color and the time they gave me an “office survival pack” complete with hand sanitizer and toilet seat covers because they know I am such a germiphobe.
There were the silly skits we performed and crazy costumes we wore each summer at our KBX camps and the soaking water fights of which I was often on the losing end. And, of course, there were the blunder moments like the time that I fell off the stage at an evening service when I got carried away with my sermon and the time that Joel left his microphone on during my message one morning and was talking over me outside. I’m just glad he wasn’t in the restroom when that happened!
There were also moments of victory that we shared together such as when we paid off our debt and celebrated by “burning the mortgage” with that huge flame thrower and by erecting the amazing shepherd statue that had been waiting in storage for a reason to come out. And, there was the Sunday when we celebrated the many changed lives in our congregation through the cardboard testimonies and the time that we unveiled and beheld the amazing transformation of our pre-school building. I’ll also never forget the annual rummage sales that we put on when so many people collaborated in what had to be the biggest sale of its kind that I have ever seen! Who would have thought that getting rid of old stuff could be so much fun?
As well, there are some moments of defeat that we experienced together when some in our family went home to be with the Lord, some lost their jobs and homes, others suffered through painful illnesses, and still others watched their marriages and families fall apart. Those trials were tough for all of us, but they brought us together and we learned a lot about perseverance and the hope that comes with it through those experiences. And, I’m especially proud of those who handled these trials with dignity and taught us all so much about real faith and trust in the Lord during even heartbreaking times.
All of this is to say that there is much to remember and celebrate as my family makes this move out of NCC, and we have no regrets about either our call to serve at Northwest or about how we spent our time there. My family will surely be praying for the people and for the leaders during this transitional time and expect to hear once again of God’s faithfulness to His Church in the days and months to come. God has always taken good care of Northwest Community Church, and I am confident that He will continue to do so in the future.
So, from my family to our spiritual family at NCC, we want to say thank you. Thank you for taking us in and loving us so well these last few years. We have been abundantly blessed by your incredible generosity and overwhelming kindness, and we will never forget all the good that God did during our time there both in us and in the church. May the good work continue!
In God’s Family, there are never “Goodbye’s,” just “See Ya Later’s!” Thanks to you and Stephanie, Kent, for your service to the Body. Our love goes with you!
I used to always wonder why old people didn’t like change. I think I’m figuring it out…
May God guide and bless you wherever He takes you.
It will be so odd not to see you when we are home on furlough, but I know your heart. God moves us wherever He wants us, doesn’t He? You know we love you, Stephanie and the boys and you will forever be included in our prayers.
I share many of those memories as well! I know new ones will be made for you at Bethany, and I’m very glad we’ll be staying in touch, brother! Be blessed!
We will miss you, Stephanie, & the boys! We look forward to the updates as you begin a new chapter.
Mike, Sandi, Taylor, & Kaitlin