Don’s Blog Thursday 10th
January 2013.
By
now I hope you have heard the news that I will be entering retirement with my
last service at Wesley being Sunday 7th April. I know some have
expressed shock at my decision but be assured that although I am retiring from
full time ministry I will still be involved in the Uniting Church, particularly
in making video clips. So it will be fun for me!
Also
be assured that a number of people, including the Elders, the worshiping
community at Wesley, the UCIC Church Council, and the Presbytery, will be
responsible for choosing my replacement. As Wesley is a significant ministry
placement be assured that the Uniting Church will want to find the right
person. I am sure that many prayers will be offered so that we might hear the
voice of God in our deliberations.
I
have been ordained for just over 33 years and prior to that was studying for
another 9 years, so it has been a good 42 years of full time ministry. I commented
in my resignation letter. “I enter
retirement with the comforting and pleasant feeling that I have loved full time
ministry. I have been blessed with many, many experiences that have confirmed
the presence of God with me on this journey, particularly as I have endeavoured
to continue the ministry and mission of Jesus.”
My
time at Wesley has been particularly enjoyable and I could not have wished for
a better place to end full time ministry. I guess in the weeks ahead there will
be time for reflection and opportunities to say thanks to the many people who
have given Kay and I so much support.
Although
this week has been dominated by my retirement news, in between I have enjoyed a
number of experiences. Yesterday for example, I met with an Iranian woman and
her son who are exploring becoming Christians. The reason they gave for wanting
to become Christians is that every time they had contact with Christians it was
a loving experience. Now I love hearing that.
Another
good experience was to meet with Suret Crause (Rev Chris Crause’s daughter) who
is going to do some part time work as we lead up to the Stations of the Cross
Art Exhibition. It will be wonderful to have another person on board to help
us, and particularly because Suret knows UCIC.
I
may have mentioned that we have all of our artists booked for this year’s
exhibition and Catherine and I will soon begin the process of visiting them. I
am wondering about creating my own DVD this year, as it is a wonderful event to
record, particularly as we receive comments from the artists. More on that
later!
My
arm continues to improve although the Doctor (and Kay) wont let me drive and I
am hoping after 16th I will have some good news. I am very grateful
that Kay has been able to drive me to most places. In the meantime I am
enjoying taking the bus (I now own a smart rider card). Although, nobody talks
to you on the bus!
I
will keep you informed on the progress of my arm as I am looking forward to
being able to shake people’s hand properly again.
This
Sunday we remember again the Baptism of Jesus. As I was baptised as a 16 year
old, and it was a full emersion, I remember the experience vividly. I also
remember that it set me on my Christian journey and for that I am truly
grateful. I hope as you read this you may remember yours, or your confirmation
of your baptism. As always I you are invited to contact me if you would like to
experience baptism if that has not been part of your Christian journey.
Thanks
for reading and I look forward to seeing you soon.
From
your minister
Don
Sunday 13th
January 2013
8.30am
Discussion
group
10.00am Morning
Worship: Reflecting on the Baptism of Jesus
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