Goodbye

     I am thankful that by the grace of God, your life and mine have intersected for the past nine years.  We have journeyed together, and we have seen God at work.  You have told me your stories.  You have spoken of moral victories and deepening faith.  You have told me of your wounds and heavy burdens.  You have allowed me to pray for you.

     My parting words to you are that you keep centered and focused on what is central to our faith: Love for God and love for one another.  Love makes all the difference.  I thank you for all of the love you have given to me and my family.

     Goodbye is the right thing to say, because it doesn’t mean, “the end.”  The word “goodbye” is an abbreviation of the old phrase, “God be with ye.”  Goodbye is the right thing to say because the God who came to us in the person of Jesus is still with each of us.  Goodbye is a prayer for those we love.

     One of my favorite movies is the classic Steven Speilberg film “ET.”  The Extra Terrestrial tells the story of an alien who is accidentally left on earth.  A boy named Elliot finds the lost alien.  Together, Elliot and ET search for a way for ET to return home.  Along the way they discover the power of friendship.

     When a spaceship finally comes to take ET home, Elliott bids a tearful farewell to his friend.  ET places a glowing finger on Elliott’s forehead and says, “I’ll be right here.”

     Although ET will be gone, his presence will always remain with his friend Elliott.  Although I will no longer be your Pastor you will always be right here…in my heart.

                                                                                                                     Goodbye,

                                                                                                                               Pastor Ken