2017/09/24 Last sermon in West Mecca UMC

September 24, 2017

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

This is a bittersweet kind of day. It is hard to let go of something you love, but sometimes letting go is exactly what God asks of us. Today is one of those times.

My First Steps Into West Mecca

I remember the first time I walked into West Mecca Church. It was clean, simple, peaceful. The beautiful window up front made me feel like I could worship there. I was nervous too. Becoming a pastor’s wife was never something I imagined.

Ron had been a salesman. We played flute and cello in the community orchestra in Erie. I played in the Erie Playhouse pit orchestra for years. I showed dogs, practiced karate, and filled our home with goats, horses, and chickens. We were active in our church, but the idea of Ron becoming a pastor never crossed my mind. When he told me he felt called, I was overwhelmed. I did not doubt him, but I doubted myself. I did not think I fit the mold of a pastor’s wife at all.

Then came West Mecca.

The Interview That Changed Everything

During Ron’s interview with the PPR, they asked him many questions. Then someone asked how he felt about old people. Without missing a beat he said, “I love them. They taste like chicken.” After a half second of stunned silence, everyone burst out laughing. I thought maybe, just maybe, this would be alright.

As we were leaving, Barb Knight came up to me. She said I looked worried. I admitted I was. I told her I had no idea how to be a pastor’s wife. She took my hand, smiled, and said, “Just be yourself.” I decided to try. And all of you made me feel welcome. West Mecca became home. Even when Mark’s mom was mad at me for not bringing bagpipes back from Scotland.

I wonder if I will feel this way about another church. I am sad today, but grateful for the time I have had here with you.

When God Closes a Door

Every time God shuts a door or ends an era, it means He is sending us on a new adventure. We may not want a new adventure, but God does not allow retirement from serving Him. He wants us to look around and see the possibilities waiting for us.

Isaiah 43:18 to 19 says,
“Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.”

I am sometimes unsure and afraid of what is to come, but I know God is with me. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that He has plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future. That promise is for all of us.

And often, something better is waiting.

A Firebird, a Closed Door, and a Better Plan

Once, a car dealer got in a Firebird Formula. It was older, not the prettiest, but fast. I wanted it badly. I did not have the down payment yet, but I told them I would soon. When our tax refund came, I drove straight to the lot only to see the Firebird driving away. Someone had bought it with cash.

I was disappointed, but a couple of months later Ron’s company closed and he lost his job. If I had bought that car, I would not have been able to keep up the payments. I thanked God for protecting me from a mistake.

Months later, after Ron found a new job, the dealer called. They had another Formula. It was newer, in better shape, beautiful red with flames on the windows, and much faster than the one I missed. It felt like God was smiling. He had something better planned.

I believe He has something like that for each of us. Not a car, but something new and exciting and chosen just for us.

Loss, Love, and God’s Provision

Losing one of my beloved dogs breaks my heart. I still cry when I think of them. But God has never left me without. The dogs I have now are different, but I love them just as much. And I know the best is yet to come.

This ending is not anyone’s fault. It simply is. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.

Many small rural churches are facing the same struggle. People move away. Jobs are scarce. Church is no longer a priority for many. Schools no longer pray. Government misunderstands separation of church and state. Whatever the reasons, the time has come for us too.

A New Adventure, Even If We Feel Too Old for One

For some of us, adventure does not sound as appealing as it once did. We feel we have earned rest. We are not as energetic. Even driving after dark is less fun. But God does not give retirement from serving Him.

Look at Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. They began their greatest adventures in their eighties and nineties.

A new church may feel unfamiliar at first. Here we have friends and responsibilities. But a new place is a chance to add new friends and find new ways to serve God.

We need time to mourn, but we also need to ask, “OK God, what is next?” This is a new start. An adventure. Where will we go? How will we serve? What does God have in mind?

Carrying West Mecca With Us

We can go to new places and share what we have learned here. There will be places that need our gifts. We will find new ways to share God’s love. We can become a blessing to those we meet.

This is only a building. A special building, yes, but still just a building. God will still be worshiped here. Our memories remain, and new ones will be added.

Joshua 1:9 tells us,
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for God will be with you wherever you go.”

I will miss seeing you on Sundays, but I hope we will still see each other. I thank God for the worship, the music, the prayers, and the fellowship we have shared. I thank God for each of you He brought into my life.

We will always be part of each other. And no matter where our paths lead, we will be reunited one day. And that will be a glorious day.