The cloud has lifted...

When the Lord rescued the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery Scripture says they were guided in their wanderings.

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out--until the day it lifted. Exodus 13:21; 40:36-37.

For years Thomas and I have used this metaphor to describe our decision to move from one ministry to another—and it seems appropriate imagery for us yet again. The cloud has lifted, so it is time for us to break camp and prepare to move.

After much prayer and consideration for the well-being of our congregation, both the church's spiritual health and financial needs, I will resign my pastoral responsibilities with the church on the last day of August, 2011. After lengthy conversations with Kyle and Forrest this seems a fair resolution and will benefit all of us.

Scheduling an August departure will give us time to put our house on the market and will give time for our Search and Call process to unfold with the Disciples. Also, the extended departure will give the church a smoother transition—giving us time to grieve together the loss of our shared future. It will also give us opportunity as a congregation to continue to learn what it means to be a functioning body of Christ—how to be church together with the resources at hand--the people, the property, and the programs.

As a congregation we resist being good stewards of what is—and we continue to long for what was and what will never be again. To move forward as an expression of the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must embrace everyone who comes through our doors to seek their spiritual home with us. Then together we must seek to be good stewards of what is—and stop longing for what we used to be.

In that process we must learn to use our resources wisely. I think of the widow who shared her oil and flour with Elijah. She was preparing a final meal for her and her son when Elijah asked her to give him a piece of bread.

She replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die." 1 Kings 17:12

But when she had the faith to share from her poverty, her supply did not run out. There is a lesson for us as a congregation in this story.

I am in conversation with the United Church of Christ to see if there is a rural congregation in this immediate area for me so that Thomas can continue his ministry in Nevada but realistically speaking, this is not likely. Also, Thomas and I are preparing our papers for circulation in the Disciples’ system of Search and Call. If we receive a call through the Disciples process we will have to move outside the Ozark Lakes Area because at the moment there are no pulpits open. In that case we would hope to move east, seeking location nearer our offspring and their children.

Please hold this transition for the church and for us in your prayers as the Lord brings it to mind.