BLESSINGS BY BECKY: (I find myself having many mixed emotions as I try to write this final Blessings By Becky)

(For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1)

                                                      "IT IS NOT GOODBYE --

                                    IT IS FAREWELL FOR A TIME"

As the author of Ecclesiastes so beautifully writes, there is a time for everything. The time for us now is a time of transition; for David and me it is a time to say farewell and for you it is a time to say welcome to your new Pastor and family. It is difficult to say farewell, but transition and change are equally, if not more, difficult. We all need time -- time to listen, time to observe, time to grieve, time to prepare.

This is the time for us, laity and clergy alike, of bidding farewell!! On the last Sunday in June, Pastors and their families will be bidding their churches farewell and preparing to say "hello" to their new appointments on the first Sunday in July. This is indeed a time of mixed emotions among clergy families and church families throughout our Annual Conference.

It is hard to believe that the time has come once again for David and me to be included in those families, except this time, we will not be saying hello to a new appointment, but instead will be embracing a whole new approach to life -- that of "retirement". Just what that will mean for us remains yet to be seen. It is our desire to have a time of refreshment and rest, reflection and rejoicing, and to experience the fullness of God's peace.

During our entire ministry, we have strived to be led by what God's plan was for our lives. This is equally true as we have prayed and pondered over the "time for retirement." There were many factors which entered into the decision that "now" was the right time for us, but even though we hope "retirement" will be a joyous journey for us, never think that we will forget those of you who have prayed for us, loved us and supported us down through the years. All of you are an integral part of our being, you hold a very special place in our hearts and will continue to be uplifted in our daily prayers.

So, by God's Grace, your love, support and prayers, we are beginning yet another journey in our walk in Life.

The past 35+ years have been years filled with challenge and change, disappointments and heartaches, victories and losses. Saying "Goodbye" is never easy and we have been blessed by the love, grace, warmth, fellowship and friendship that so many of you in our various appointments have offered. From our first church in Lynchburg, to this our last church in Varina, it is our hope that you will not be strangers, but instead, we will continue to find ourselves in fellowship and love and friendship. After all, everyone needs friends, even those of us who have devoted their lives trying to be of "service" to others, or should I say, especially those of us? So, I would ask you to remember, life can be pretty lonely without "friends and fellowship."

With that thought in mind, let us look at God's Word found in Matthew 9:37-38. There is a significant observation in that "Seeing the multitudes, Jesus felt compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered....Then He said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the workers (laborers) are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

Relating this scripture to the present situation here at Laurel Hill:  Look around, think about all the wonderfully, glorious things which have been accomplished (not just in the past few years -- but even during your lifetime)! Ask yourself, is God satisfied with my church as it is today or does He long for more? (Please notice, I did not say "better"). Laurel Hill has a proud heritage and rightfully so -- you have done well, as your fathers and their fathers before them. However, IS THAT ALL? IS THAT ENOUGH?

Every indication defines the fact that this CHURCH -- LAUREL HILL is on a threshold of yet untold discovery! It is so exciting and yet, at the same time, it is sad too. Sad because there are still some of you, (who, although you have to admit that everything that has been accomplished has been exciting and worthwhile and beneficial), you still refuse to simply 'let go and let God.' You refuse to admit that what was good enough 30 years ago (or even 10 years ago) just isn't good enough any longer. To those of you who feel this way, (and you know who you are), my prayer is that you will truly strive to trust God and each other and, working together will, when you see the negative, have the courage to appropriately seek solutions that will be positive for your church. The Lord is working here at Laurel Hill -- the Holy Spirit is moving among you and there are things occurring that are results of His mighty work!

Yes, the harvest is ready -- the workers are few, but God's work in Varina will be done, with or without Laurel Hill. God's Spirit will not settle for anything less than the BEST. Don't be left behind! REALLY BE A PART (a positive part) of what God is allowing to happen here. Do not be satisfied to sit back with 'little faith, negative attitudes, and little works -- BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE!! God deserves NO LESS and you will TRULY BE BLESSED in ways beyond measure.

                                "May God give you . . . . .

                                 For every storm a rainbow,

                                 For every tear, a smile

                                 For every care, a promise,

                                 And a blessing in each trial.

                                 For every problem life sends,

                                 A faithful friend to share,

                                 For every sign, a sweet song,

                                 And an answer for each prayer."

               THIS IS MY DESIRE AND PRAYER FOR EACH OF YOU!!!

 

                           THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND PRAYING FOR ME!

                  Know that you are always  in my heart and in my prayers,

                                       LOVE & PEACE ALWAYS,