I have loved writing these Pastor’s Postings. Each week it has been a chance for me to stop in the busyness of the week and take time to reflect on something, big or small, that has happened in the world around me. I have been very appreciative of the feedback that you have given me, which is always an encouragement. Most people do value being told when they do a good job. In one of my previous lives, I worked for local council, facilitating workshops on managing change within the organisation. I was not a particularly high ranking officer in the scheme of things, but I regularly attended a rolling programme of staff briefings where the Chief Executive explained to the staff what was happening and why. I once told him that he was very good at these sessions. He looked so relieved and said ‘Oh thanks so much. I really don’t like public speaking.’ I was really surprised that my comment meant something to someone who seemed to me to be very powerful and rather invincible.
As I leave Northern Lights MCC, this is my encouragement to you. Be kind to one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and laugh together often. Just because a person seems full of confidence on the outside, doesn’t mean that they feel that way on the inside. Many folk will be doing things for the first time during this time of change. Knowing that someone is holding them in prayer or having someone give some positive feedback on what they are offering to this faith community may make all the difference in the world.
Many people have asked me how I will communicate about my experiences on my travels. The answer is that I don’t know. Part of my ‘letting go’ of my time at Northern Lights MCC will be to stop doing the things that I have been doing, even the bits, like writing reflections, that I enjoy. I will not be on Twitter and I won’t be in general contact with folk in the congregation. This is so that we all have time to get used to the fact that I am no longer your pastor. Of course, it is sad for me to think that I will not be part of your weddings, baptisms etc, but once I leave, that is it. It is usual practice in churches for this to be the case. It allows the both the congregation and the former pastor to focus on the future. Remember also that new people join us nearly every week for worship. In a year’s time, there will be folk who are fully committed and involved in the life of the church, who never even met me and never had me as their pastor. This is perfectly healthy and how it should be.
Being your Pastor has been a profound honour and a wonderful experience. I know that ministry of Northern Lights MCC will continue to bless, heal and challenge so many lives. You are truly fabulous and beautiful!
God bless,
Cecilia
As I leave Northern Lights MCC, this is my encouragement to you. Be kind to one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and laugh together often. Just because a person seems full of confidence on the outside, doesn’t mean that they feel that way on the inside. Many folk will be doing things for the first time during this time of change. Knowing that someone is holding them in prayer or having someone give some positive feedback on what they are offering to this faith community may make all the difference in the world.
Many people have asked me how I will communicate about my experiences on my travels. The answer is that I don’t know. Part of my ‘letting go’ of my time at Northern Lights MCC will be to stop doing the things that I have been doing, even the bits, like writing reflections, that I enjoy. I will not be on Twitter and I won’t be in general contact with folk in the congregation. This is so that we all have time to get used to the fact that I am no longer your pastor. Of course, it is sad for me to think that I will not be part of your weddings, baptisms etc, but once I leave, that is it. It is usual practice in churches for this to be the case. It allows the both the congregation and the former pastor to focus on the future. Remember also that new people join us nearly every week for worship. In a year’s time, there will be folk who are fully committed and involved in the life of the church, who never even met me and never had me as their pastor. This is perfectly healthy and how it should be.
Being your Pastor has been a profound honour and a wonderful experience. I know that ministry of Northern Lights MCC will continue to bless, heal and challenge so many lives. You are truly fabulous and beautiful!
God bless,
Cecilia
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