In our life we find many events that create transitions in our lives. As a pastor there is the change of churches, the moving to a different locality, the parting of friendships, and starting again.

        By a unanimous vote I have been called to the First United Presbyterian Church of Elmwood, Illinois just a few miles west of Peoria. September 1st is my start date. I have this ying/yang, good/bad,  happy/sad grind in the pit of my stomach. It is perpetuated by the combination of the process of moving-getting all your stuff together which entails discarding and rearranging, saying good-byes which I am increasing finding myself a big softy, and anticipation of getting a good start in the new place. Draped over this all is the desire to finish my work here with vigor and fullness.

       First Church, Mt. Vernon has been a good group of people to pastor. I love each in spite of whether they love or agree with me. Just because people disagree they should not hate each other. In my time here I have seen 26 adult members added but have buried 19. We still run a few more than when I came 6 years ago. I have appreciated those who have thrown themselves in to the work doing and doing and doing even more. I am a conservative theologian/pastor and it would appear from the Church Information Form that the Pastoral Nominating Committee and the Session desire to go in a different direction. That is it.. a different direction-good people do disagree but don't get disagreeable.

       So, it is time for us all to move on...move on to be the people of God in the place God calls us to be. As members of the Presbyterian Church USA we need to remember that we are one (1) church meeting in several locations. Let us rise up and be the Church.