Pastor Nan’s Farewell

Posted by Leicester FCC

August 3, 2008

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Saying farewell is never an easy thing to do. When a minister interviews with a church he or she usually hears something within the interview process that sounds like a spiritual call to them. Within a few months after arrival the mission becomes clear. It is then that the true energy comes to the fore and the mission of the church truly begins.

When I arrived here five years ago, it became apparent that the church needed the help of a minister who would stick with you for a while and help in the healing process that was left over from the past. To do that task meant that I sometimes had to do things that were not popular but things which had to be done I order to bring wholeness to the congregations. I know that those opening months were difficult but we all survived them.

Secondly, the business of the church needed to be reorganized. That project took time because of the combining of the two congregations.

Thirdly, we needed to change the by-laws to bring the two churches under one umbrella. We actually did come up with a set of by-laws for that purpose but they were not put in place because the Unitarians decided to go back to their own church.

As time went on I began to feel that we also needed to have some discussions about our beliefs. Those discussions were quite lively and I believe they were good for both churches. We also undertook a self study which helped us to see the spiritual future the church in the light of our Christian faith and heritage.

To our surprise last year the Unitarians decided to go back to their own church and their own faith. Even though there was disappointment about this, I feel that it has been good for both churches because each church now can worship the way that they feel is paramount to their own tradition. We still treasure our relationship over the years and hope the Unitarians are enjoying their own surroundings.

Everything else was sheer fun beginning with Ann’s 90th birthday party at the parsonage. What a wonderful afternoon that was. Dressed in period costumes, we had lunch and celebrated with Ann even though she wasn’t feeling at the top of her game because she had caught her hand in the lawn mower. What a good sport she was! Luckily the hand healed and all was well.

There have been many other events that are cherished in my memory. The outdoor Pageant, the all church pageant (seeing Ron La Pointe with angle wings on was a first, at least I think it was him), the bunny extravaganza, the several bible studies (a time when we came to know and love each other on a new level), all the wonderful dinners and fairs, serving at the hot dog stand, choir rehearsals, the 50’s dance, and the fun we had in October when we opened the parsonage for a gourmet dinner that was provided by our own gourmet cook, Wow!

And, of course, worship with special services like Easter sunrise and the hanging of the green and the children Sundays — so many things to remember and take with me as I leave you.

Just before I became ill I had decided that this would be my last year at Leicester. I never guessed what was going to happen to me personally. The last ten months have been quite a journey as it became evident that I was in physical trouble. I remember going to see my friend Marge, as she was waiting for surgery of her own. When I got there she was in a chair. I remember sitting on her bed thinking that I really just wanted to lie down. Then I got lost going home. When I did arrive home, I knew that for me that would be the last time I would be able to drive a car. The paralysis was already setting in. And you know the rest of the story.

I want to thank you all for the care and love I have received over the last few months. It helped me to keep going and working towards getting well enough to return if only for a few Sundays.

So – now it is time. It is difficult to leave a community that has been your lifeline for five years. I have come to love you and cherish you over that time. I will remember you with love and I will continue to be one of your biggest fans as you go into the future.

I know that the search committee is going a fine job and they know what they are looking for. Trust them now! And in the meantime you will remain in my heart as I begin a new journey – a time of healing for myself and then to enjoy retirement. Peace be with you always.
Yours in Christian Love
Pastor Nan

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