I have spent most of the day packing my office. Yesterday was the last sermon at Community. It really is the end of a 2 year roller coaster of ministry. I have learned a lot, got my footing in a field that many times eats people up and spits them out, and have fallen in love with a congregation.
When you grow up always going to church, you don’t know how to truly appreciate a congregation. You take for granted that you see people every week and that they are there for you in all the happy and difficult times. As a pastor, I have really begun to appreciate all that being a part of a congregation can be: celebrating births, mourning deaths, encouraging creativity, developing leadership, affirming life’s beauty and challenging its difficulties, dealing with people who others would rather shake off like lint. There is a depth to living in the community of a congregation that is rarely found in other ways, at least not as easily formed.
In all that I do, there will be a piece of Community in me. And, hopefully, the work the God has done through me will live on at Community.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
3 comments:
Kelli, I find your blog most inspiring! It has given me a glimpse into the kind of life of faith I didn't think existed. Before coming to Community, my church experiences had been limited to the extreme right, making me question whether it is possible to "believe" AND "think". I wish I had gotten to know you!
Kelli-
I am enjoying your blog. I am already starting to reflect on leaving my church next fall (i'll have been there 6 years!!) and it breaks my heart to leave my community even though I know that I am called to do just that. Anyway, keep writing! And congratulations on all of your wedding excitement!
Katelin
Thanks Kelli, for this post and for laying the groundwork for Kevin and I and all the residents to follow you at Community. Again and again, I have heard your ministry affirmed and I am grateful that you have created high expectations for all involved in this program! Thank you.
Melissa
Post a Comment