Sunday, December 10, 2006

My dearest God,

Jane was 90 when she died, nearly 91. She had wanted to live longer than her mother who died at age 88 or 89, I can't remember. She did it.

Jane was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things. Her quest for equal rights for all women helped forged scholarships, loans, and help for underprivileged women. She was not afraid to tackle bishops when she thought they were "out of line." She was an ecumenical woman, a devout Methodist who embraced the "religious" in all people.

Her memorial brought joy to my soul. Remembering her life, celebrating her style, faith, and works instilled within us the need to fulfill our own purposes, whatever shape they would take. A life well lived is one to cherish.

I knew several ministers would attend Jane's service. After all, she had been a minister's and district superintendent's wife for many years. She was supportive of each one, yet challenged us wherever she saw need. Her love undergirded every word she said.

At the conclusion of the service, the family gathered in the narthex to greet family and friends. I stood to the other side. Many, if not all the pastors, came to me offering words of appreciation, thanks and support for my ministry. One of my seminary professors stopped me, sharing affirmation of my work. In turn I expressed my gratitude for his teaching. "I carry my professors with me in my ministry." I told him. "Your words of wisdom, guidance, and insight shaped my ministry. Whatever good I do comes from what I learned." He smiled and thanked me again.

All the pastors who came were retired. Many new pastors did not have the privilege of knowing Jane and Bob her husband. These men and their wives have relinquished the day to day reigns of ministry. Yet they still function in ministry through their words, attitudes and actions. All tolled, those who gathered probably represented 300 - 400 years of ministry. They touched a lot of lives, listened to a good deal of pain, preached thousands of sermons, prayed even more prayers, walked with the dying, the sick, and the lost. They survived rough seas and helped part the waters leading to the "promised land." They loved thousands of people throughout their ministry.

I feel pretty good where I am right now. I too have survived the rough waters of church life; however, these men and women offered a ministry of love and friendship as they came through my "line." I was overwhelmed; I'm not sure why.

My husband who is retired himself has been telling me that retired pastors still have a lot to offer. I listened. He is still fired up with energy and misses parish life terribly. There's a chink in his armor, a loss in his heart, and grief in his gut. He's right; he still has a lot to give. I don't know how the others feel.

But an idea did come to me. I had recently talked with Harold about being a mentor to active pastors, maybe even new ones on the block. He is a change agent. He just wants to be involved in churches that want to change. He is willing to serve as an interim pastor. But most churches if not all are not interested in making big changes with a pastor who will only be with them a few weeks or months. He wants it all, a big church who wants to change. Not likely to happen.

But he could offer himself as a mentoring friend, one who is willing to listen, offer ideas, help through difficult times, encourage and support. He has 47 years of experience that he can draw back on to assist other pastors who want it. He could have some fabulous ministry ahead of him.

I benefitted from these retired pastors today. I am still feeling their love as I write. They filled my bucket.

Soldiers for Christ,
they are.
Jane, Jack, Bob,
Jim, Ed, Willis,
Earl, Dick,
Verle, Audrey,
Valerie...
called by God
for service.
Saying yes
to the call.
Worthy of praise.

Love, Andrea