On Sunday, September 28, at the end of the worship service Linda Custer (our Leadership Board Chairperson) and I announced my intention to retire from active ministry on July 1, 2026. This was the official announcement of what has been for Beverly and me an evolving discernment process.
Just as being the Church makes no sense apart from Christ, being a pastor makes no sense apart from a congregation, and my being a pastor makes no sense apart from Beverly. She and I have been parents, grandparents, and ministry partners through 36 years of active service in eight different appointments. I have grown as a pastor because of your faithfulness and support. There will be more transition work ahead of us but NOT TODAY.
Now back to September 28. As Beverly and I were enjoying an evening visit with Bob and Carole Boyce, we got the call that my mom had fallen in her assisted-living apartment and broke her hip. She was going to the ER and eventually was transferred to the ICU.
She developed breathing difficulties and could not keep up her oxygen levels without substantial assistance. On Monday morning, she decided to forego the surgery and receive comfort measures. These were her choices. So, my sister, brother, and I were with her Monday afternoon as the breathing support was removed. We were at her side as she took her last breath. It was a peaceful death and in accordance with her wishes. I feel at peace even in the midst of grief.
We celebrated her 90th birthday with a big party the week before and the day before she fell Beverly took her and our three grandkids to Meijer Gardens. I feel like Mom had those two golden moments in her last days. And I am grateful that we moved her from South Bend, Indiana, to StoryPoint in Rockford in April 2022. I feel it added time, maybe even years of quality life closer to her family and in a supportive caring environment.
I enjoy this time of year every year. October is my favorite month, and November begins with All Saints Day and ends with Thanksgiving. I think this season of gratitude could be longer. And I know my thanksgiving season this year is deepened by grief.
Earlier this year I wrote, “In the Kingdom of Heaven, God cultivates concentrated sources of grace for us to grow in faith.”
Grief is one of my concentrated sources of grace and has been a positive element in my life and ministry. I affirm Susan Piver’s observation that “Despair is what happens when you fight sadness. Compassion is what happens when you don’t.”
At the end of my remarks on September 28, I shared that “We are going to be alright because God is going to lead us; Jesus is going to be the Way; and the Spirit is going to be upon us which is the love we have known all along.” The Thanksgiving/Advent/Christmas season is a gift to us that opens room to rejoice and grieve and love our neighbors. Thank you for your care and faithfulness with Beverly and me, and your open heart for those in need. I praise God for our joyful, active ministry.