Harry Emerson Fosdick, a minister of the Presbyterian Church in New York, on the occasion of his retirement from the pastoral ministry in the middle of the last century reflected on the unique joys of the pastoral life by saying, “If I had a thousand lives to live in this century, I would go into the parish ministry with every one of them!” That is the statement of someone who had an unassailable sense of call.
I believe with all my heart that being a local church pastor is a difficult job – and can be a wonderful life. In one of my sermons I shared a brief and personal snapshot of myself as a young adult, stating that I was very shy as a teenager. In a conversation later with a church member, I was asked “How did you overcome your shyness as you seem so outgoing now?” My first response to this question was that I basically like and enjoy people, and have found that they generally respond to me in kind. The reality of this discovery has pleasantly been played out multiple times in my calling as a Minister over the last 25 years serving congregations such as yours.
The 2nd Congregational Church of Cohasset has been so welcoming and supportive of me, even to the point of enduring my sometimes silly or off-beat jokes.
In our time of discernment this past year, Gail and myself just purchased a house in the Sarasota County Florida. So that we may be close to family members.
I am personally retiring from Ministry this month and am looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
As I clean out the Pastor’s office over the next week, it is with a sense of fulfillment and completion of my covenant as an Interim Minister with your church that I begin to say goodbye. As I leave I also have a strong sense of optimism as you move forward in your official selection of your new settled Minister, Dr. Reverend Karen Baily Francois. I truly believe that you are moving in both a positive and promising direction as you embark upon a new beginning that will hold some exciting days ahead for your congregation and larger community.
Peace, Joy and Love,
Happy Trails,
Pastor David