February 2023
It is no coincidence that we have several images of crocuses gracing this month's issue of the Home Caller. Our Administrative Assistant, Francesca, chose them because of their hopeful nature. Crocuses are one of the first harbingers of spring, fragile blossoms that force their way up through the snow and ice to bring some color to the dreary late winter landscape. Even in a year such as this, with no real snow to speak of, they will be a welcome sight when they arrive.
These persistent little flowers seem like a fitting image for my final article. We are, all of us, waiting on a spring that will bring new beginnings. My family and I will adjust to our new home, jobs, and surroundings in Massachusetts. Here in Freehold, you will welcome an Interim Pastor and the Pulpit Committee will begin the search for a Settled Pastor. Meanwhile, the life of the church will continue with the Annual Meeting and new officers and Board members. In all of these experiences, God will be speaking to us as insistently as crocuses poking through the snow. When things seem bleak or uncertain, God's promise of new life - and that, abundantly - is nonetheless coming to pass.
I cannot begin to adequately express the ways that being a part of the First Baptist family has impacted my life. When I came to you as a newly ordained pastor, I could have no idea that one day you would welcome my wife and new family, or support us through surgeries, sickness, family issues, and relocation. I have grown in my faith and pastoral identity through your love, care and support. Though it will be bittersweet, I look forward to seeing you all at my final worship service on February 5th.
When planning our departure, I intentionally chose a Communion Sunday for my final Sunday. It was important to me that we conclude our time together by sharing, one more time, the meal at Christ's table. Wherever we are - in the world, in our life, in our journey with Christ - when we come to the table, we are joined together with all Christians. As we break bread and share the cup, we understand ourselves more fully as part of God's family; a kinship that cannot be separated by even death, let alone mere distance.
Thank you so much for all that you have offered me these past six and a half years, and know that all of you will always be in our prayers.
Blessings,
Pastor Jon