(Each Saturday, a faith leader offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
I was delighted to be asked to fill in for another Faith Matters writer this month because it is giving me a chance to spread the word that I am retiring from what I call “active ministry” into the strange world of retirement.
Ministry is my second career (the first being all kinds of jobs in early childhood education.) I served five churches: one as an intern, one covering another minister’s sabbatical leave, two churches part time and at the same time, and the last 10 years here at Trinity Church. This “second career” has much in common with the first as they are both about caring for and with people of all ages and stages as we find our way along our journey of life. I am grateful to have been in both of these worlds for a good long time. My calling has always been to labor in love.
As far as my limited eyes can see, this will not change when I retire, and we move back to our family hometown of Amherst. I certainly do not love perfectly so there are still lots for me to practice in the new sphere of retirement back in the valley!
My 10 years in Shelburne Falls have been wonderful. My wife, Dorrie, and I were planted into the rich soil of a small village church in a small and often bustling town (except for nighttime, when everyone turns their lights off early!). I have met many people in and outside Trinity Church who have demonstrated great courage in the face of challenges and great openness of heart and mind.
The road to Trinity Church becoming Open and Affirming to LGBTQI people was not smooth but it was faithful. We were persistent in asking good questions about how to stand on the side of love. I am glad to have been part of that process. I am also glad that in my time here the Free Community Clothes Closet was born and remains a vibrant part of the town.
At Trinity Church I was blessed to engage fully in the church’s longstanding ministry of the Friday Night Free Community Meal. That, to me, is one of the hearts of the church and of the town.
Whether served inside at tables, covered in cloths made by many of you, or outside in the sun and rain and snow during the pandemic, this meal taught me that food nourishes the body and soul of a person, a church, and a community. Dorrie and I do not know what we are going to do on Friday nights when we move back to Amherst. I know that every future supper we have will be a blessing because we will be remembering all of you with every bite, every grace shared, every plate passed.
This Faith Matters Column has also been a blessing for me. On these pages I have been able to speak my mind and heart and have been able to read the words from my colleagues of all faiths. We do not always agree about theology or politics or social issues, but we do all agree that faith matters. It really does. Thank you to The Recorder for holding this space for matters of faith.
When a minister in my tradition (the United Church of Christ) retires or otherwise leaves a church, we are counseled to be ethical in our leaving. That means that when we move to Amherst, I will not be writing for this column. I will not be continuing in personal or ministerial relationships with the people at Trinity. I will be taking and making space for Spirit to care for everyone, including the pastor who will come along, to find her/his place here. This is already another one of those bittersweet labors of love.
My last Sunday at Trinity will be Oct. 30. In that worship service I will be “released” from my role in the church and community and lovingly bid goodbye. I know that faith will continue to matter to all of us, wherever we are. Thank you, faithful friends. What a time we have had! What is coming next?