Those Staying

In the moments of pastoral change
there are those leaving
and those staying
Both are changed
in the times shared
and in the parting
Easy to see changes
for those leaving, moving
to a new place, a new congregation
Those staying, they too are changed
a hole, a gap, a missing presence
perspective too, on the witness, the work
the ministry of the pastor
the footprints they have left
on the lives of the congregation
Seeds planted, seedlings watered
to grow, mature
for another servant

June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42,
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
and the going away celebration for Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH