Saying Goodbye

Now the time really has come to say goodbye. In the office, I’ve packed away books and knickknacks. I’ve taken down artwork, pictures, and diplomas. It’s easy to clean out a room. But it will be difficult to see you all for the last time. That will occur on December 27th. At that last worship service we’ll observe a ritual of separation. The Book of Common Worship very helpfully provides a liturgy for saying goodbye. It’s important to mark transition. However, it’s equally important to remember that the church is both visible and invisible. The visible part is what we see every Sunday. It’s the community in worship, celebration, fellowship. It’s the buildings we occupy and the programs we support. All that we can see, touch and enjoy.

The invisible part is what we mean when we refer to the church universal. When we celebrate World Communion, we’re acknowledging the church universal. By observing communion together, we demonstrate that the church is one, in body and in spirit.

So the church is both what we can see and what we know. We know that we are one body in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that we are sisters and brothers together through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We are one. And it will be that way for all time because that’s what God intends.

Even though Carol and I are moving away, we are not breaking our essential communion with you. Wherever we go, when you celebrate communion, we’ll celebrate communion because the sacrament is the same. Wherever we go, when you think of us, and pray for us, and remember us, we’ll remember and pray for you because in Jesus Christ, we are members of one family.

Our time here in Sun City is one point on the continuum of First Presbyterian Church’s history. I rejoice and give thanks for the opportunity you gave Carol and me. You welcomed us into your family. You will always be part of our lives.

Scripture tells us that there is a time for every matter under heaven. So now is the time for saying goodbye. Thank God this is not the end, but merely a transition. Grace and Peace and our love to you all, always….

~Harrell