West Park
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When I was a child, my family moved several times. According to my mother, I always sobbed my little heart out as we drove out of town, off to what would become our new home. Once at the new place, however, I would quickly grow occupied with settling into my new room, scouting out potential friends in the neighborhood, and readying myself for the plunge into a new school. Rather than regretting the various relocations my family and I had to make, I am thankful for the lessons I learned from those times. Grieving is a way to honor what has been cherished and valuable, even loved. It is okay to grieve, and grieve heartily. Yet grieving also, in its own way, prepares and readies us for what is coming, for what is next. I will miss you, West Park United Church of Christ. We have lived through many things together this year: many joyful times of worship, more than a few tears as we together have buried beloved members and friends of the congregation, times of both frustration and accomplishment surrounding the deteriorating old steeple and the advent of the new one. But mostly, I have witnessed and been blessed by the depth and earnestness of your faith. You know yourselves, individually and collectively, to be on a spiritual journey and you take both seriously and with good humor. I have been richly blessed to share this journey with you these past twelve months. As much as I will miss you, I am very much looking forward to enjoying time with my husband in his retirement. We have plans to be in my home territory of South Carolina for an extended period in March, and then again in July. And, God willing, Rip and I are planning a trip to Africa in September. We have lived long enough to know to seize opportunities when they arise – and so we will! Later next fall, I will decide, with God’s nudging, whether to pursue another interim or simply continue to work with individuals seeking spiritual development and direction. I know you will extend every kindness to your new Interim Minister, and welcome with joy and gladness your new settled Pastor. I hope I have helped prepare you for what comes next. Even though I will spend a bit grieving all of you here at West Park, I know God has worked through you to also prepare me for what lies ahead – whatever that may be. Go with God! Much that is good lies before you. If not before, I will see you along the golden streets. Rev. Noble |
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Site Updated on Thursday, January 26, 2012 |
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Home |
Music Ministry |
Christian Education |
Where are we located? |
Contact Us |
What is The United Church of Christ? |