Lately, our gospel texts for each week have talked about Jesus being "on the way." Every time I have read or heard that phrase I have been saddened because it reminds me of the difficult journey I am about to take. Jesus' journey was difficult because of where he was headed — Jerusalem. While the circumstances are very different, my journey will be difficult because of what I am leaving. "On the way" means leaving Christ the King Lutheran Church and all of you.
As I reflect back on my time at Christ the King Church, the refrain of a song I used to sing in church when I was growing up keeps coming to mind:
Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more—Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
As Mark, Nathan and I journey to Excelsior, Minnesota, I am especially thankful for the ways in which my cup has been filled and I have been made whole at Christ the King Church. Time and time again, I have experienced God's grace through you. I have learned so much about joy-filled giving and service during the past 4-½ years. Even before I was called to be a pastor here, Mark and I experienced food for our marriage at the altar in the nave. Pastor Moore, the altar guild, acolytes, ushers, crucifer, and bellringers were here serving. I have continued to be fed through the Word, the meal, the music, the fellowship, and the many educational opportunities at Christ the King Church.
When I interviewed and was called to be Associate Pastor and Campus Minister, a committed call committee and church council were at work extending God's grace when I had all but felt abandoned by God. (I had been waiting two years for a full-time call, and the Holy Spirit led me to Christ the King in the perfect fullness of time.) As I engaged in ministry together with so many of you in a variety of different areas — the Witness and Assimilation Commission, the Service and Care Commission, the Education and Enrichment Commission, Campus and Young Adult Ministry, Taizé worship leadership — I experienced your eagerness to serve and to be involved in God's mission in the Village and around the Globe. As I have seen students grow up and mature, I have been amazed at the compassion, intelligence, and leadership they have demonstrated. When I was pregnant and after Nathan was born, I received God's grace upon grace through so many of your kindnesses. As we built and moved into the new building together, I witnessed countless acts of selfless giving. And now as I prepare to leave this place, my cup runneth over. God has truly blessed me and my family through you.
Thank you for all of the many gifts and the kind words you have spoken and written to me and about me (e.g. in the King's Banner last month). Thank you for your willingness to take on the leadership of new and existing ministries after I leave. Thank you for the life stories and milestones you have shared with me. Thank you for the many luncheons, dinners, cookie breaks, and coffee times I have shared with so many of you. (I am disappointed that I did not get to take you up on many of your offers during this last extremely busy month.) And last, but not least, thank you ministry and office staff. We have been a great team over the years. It has been such an enriching experience working with so many individuals on staff who feel called in their vocations and who continually work above and beyond. I think this has been a rare privilege. It has especially been a privilege to have Pastor Moore as a mentor, colleague and friend. He and Kathy have generously poured out themselves showing hospitality, warmth, and love over and over again. I am so grateful for them.
Although I will be "on the way" to new ministries and new callings, I am comforted and reminded that We who are many, are one body because we all share one bread, one cup.
May God continue to bless you and keep you, may the Lord's face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Pastor Beth Warpmaeker