Pastor Dan's Parting Message

"The Lord bless you and keep you."

Dear People of Beautiful Savior: 

On February 12, 2006, I retire as pastor. 

I will take much with me. I will leave much behind. 

I will take with me countless, indelible memories of God's goodness to me in our life together. I will cherish the many times I looked out on the congregation at worship, our eyes met, and you affirmed that we shared the bond of Christ's love. I will remember with delight the water flowing over the heads of your children (or your own) as the Spirit claimed their lives as God's sons and daughters -- marked them with the cross of Christ forever. I will hold dear the times I placed the Host in your hand at Holy Communion, spoke your name and announced, "The Body of Christ, given for you," and you replied, Amen, with voice or heart. I will recall with thanksgiving the times we prayed together before or after your surgery and I assured you of God's gracious eternal care in Jesus our Lord.  I will treasure the occasions you allowed me to be Christ's comforting presence to you when you grieved the death of someone dear. I will value forever your expressions of concern -- in a hug, a word, a card, a call -- for me personally, as your brother in Christ. 

I will leave with you a part of my life, my heart, my faith, my struggle, my joy, my vision, my doubt, my laughter, my tears, my humor, my compassion, my care. I will leave a part of myself with each of you I have prayed with, counseled with, cried with. I will leave you with "a Word of the Lord" that I first received from the Spirit's nudgings so that you may pass it on to others. 

The best part is this -- the marvelous paradox of God's grace at work in us. . . 

The love I take from you will grow, as will the love I leave. 

"...the Lord make His face shine upon you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace."

Pastor Dan