Dear people of God:

Years ago an elder at a church I was leaving gave me a children’s book, A Snowman Named Just Bob. It is a delightful story about friendship; the last page shows only the puddle where the snowman had been and a sign, “Bob Was Here.” She wanted me to know that even though that church relationship had ended unhappily, nonetheless people had benefited from my presence.

Both Benson Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Church of the Master have had difficult endings to pastoral relationships, yet you also hold many joyful thoughts of how you have benefited from the presence of your pastors. I am grateful that we are concluding happily, having worshiped and served together for nine years. I hope that, on balance, my presence with you has benefited you: that you are more confident, or more faithful, or more hopeful, or more committed to Jesus Christ and his Church. Or perhaps all of these.

You have had a positive impact on me personally and spiritually. I will carry a boxcar full of joyful moments, times of laughter and fun, and the sharing of important and meaningful tears. I hope to find good opportunities to express my appreciation to you for your love, your faithfulness, and your encouragement.

What more shall I say to you? I pray that you will have as much hope in yourselves as I have in you. You are dedicated, winsome, curious, and hard-working. These are qualities that make you potentially a powerful tool in the hand of Christ. Have faith in God, in each other, and in yourselves and you will do many beautiful things for God.

To quote the Apostle Paul (Romans 15:13): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Pastor Bob