This past Sunday, we shared in AM worship the image of a sign that adorned all our exterior doors exactly five years ago. It said expressly that “The Church Is Closed.” (Of course, almost everything was closed then.) The building was still and silent, but you, the congregation, were already working mightily to hold on to and care for each other – especially those most vulnerable to being isolated and alone. I was inspired by that and quickly fell into my own little onscreen box on The Hollywood Squares, trying to keep up. Zoom was awful, but it was a privilege beyond words for me to “be back” as Pastor at WUMC, a gift I never imagined opening for a second time. Once was more than I deserved.
It’s been a remarkable five years since then. Now, the church hums with hymns of praise, Kid’s Morning Out chapel services, cheery music classes, orchestra, praise band and choral rehearsals, engaging small groups, Recovery groups, service opportunities, children’s and Youth ministries, Bible studies – and that barely scratches the surface of all the ways that lives are touched here. Honestly, it is more than one person can take in or even conceive (save for Jesus himself). Even I have gradually come to understand that.
Since hearing the news that my family and I would be receiving a new ministry appointment later in June, I have come to the place where what I feel more than anything else is a swelling of gratitude. Gratitude to you, for your commitment to serving God and neighbor, for your deep devotion to this church and The Church, and for receiving me with such grace during a trying season for our community, our nation, and our denomination. I’m so grateful as well for my colleagues here, who put up with my shenanigans and last-minute ideas that changed plans. Grateful to my family, for sharing me with the calling and work that I so love. And above all else, grateful to God for all that we have seen begin to flourish here at WUMC, as well as for the remarkably gifted and collaborative team of pastors and staff provided to us - which most certainly now includes the promise of Rev. Brian Johnson and Rev. Madison Ailinger. Their pending arrival as your new Lead and Associate Ministers has brought me such peace and hope that I can scarcely express it.
I know that you will welcome them as you welcomed Pastor Meghan, Deacon Troy and me in our respective seasons of ‘Hello.’ Of course, I don’t want to say ‘Goodbye,’ but that is the way of things when making friends. We certainly don’t envy the people who say goodbye without much thought or pain, after all.
After June 25, my family and I will serve Trinity UMC of McLean VA as their new parsonage family. And the 250-odd-year journey in faith of Williamsburg United Methodist Church will traverse new ground, write a new chapter, and see what blessings God has placed for the faithful and brave around the next bend.
A very dear friend, the Rev. Kirk Mariner, once said to me “If you can say it in fewer words, DO.”
Well, I am not sure I ever managed that. But thank you for making me a more grateful person. (That was ten.)
~ Pastor Dave Rochford