I Hate Goodbyes

Before my last sermon as the pastor of Catawba UMC I showed this clip to lighten the mood.  I think it helped.  I will never forget my time as the pastor of this amazing group of people.  A few memories:

- My first Sunday I shook hands with James Lowrance and said "Hi, I'm Rich" he said "I'm poor."  Turns out he thought I was a member of the youth group.

- Mikayla and Bayley's first time hearing an organ...they were so surprised by the sound.

- Holding the hands of Mikayla and Bayley as they danced to some of the faster songs...Mikayla stopped doing this within the first year...I think it took Bayley about two years.

- Forgetting the water for Hayden's Baptism...thank you to the Brackett's for laughing with me about it instead of being mad!

- The Santa Clause situation (I know it wasn't a fun time in the life of the church, but it was an important time that I will always remember).  I know I could've handled it with a lot more maturity and often wish I could go back and do it over.  I would still make the same decision but I would have handled it with wisdom and carefulness.

- The CCC trips.  These mission trips were tremendous times of growth in my own faith and I'm thankful for the church supporting such an amazing ministry.

- The hiking, sunshine club, youth and superstars trips.  Such great times of fun and fellowship.

- Ronnie taking me skeet shooting and target shooting.  I think I used about 10 different guns.  So fun and I want to do it again!

- The phone calls to Phillip about something wrong with the parsonage or one of our cars and his willingness to always help.

- The overall grace, generosity and love that me and my family received by the people of this church...thank you doesn't quite do our gratitude justice.

Since I hate goodbyes...I will just say "until next time."