Devotional March 1, 2021

Dear People of Wesley Church,

I would like to share with you a scripture verse from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter (purpose) under heaven.”  Another saying, not scripture and lighter, mentioned by a Wesley member last week is, “We plan and God laughs!”  Another of my favorites from a refrigerator magnet is,

“Life is all about how you handle Plan B.”

A year ago around this last Christmas, when I joined Wesley’s staff, I had a definite plan. I would work until I celebrated my 75th year, around 3 more years. I am a 2nd (really 3rd) career pastor, ordained as an Elder 26 years ago, serving 4 churches in 20 years. Then I reinvented (retired) for 11 years serving as a hospice chaplain, congregational and interim pastor.

A few weeks ago Pastor Candy and I were remembering the 2020 Ash Wednesday service and Labyrinth Walk right before the coronavirus pandemic shut down most in-person church gatherings.  I have encountered the most challenging season of my life.  My gifts are intact but the way and need of reaching people by technology (which is here to stay and emerge more) has challenged me to the point of affecting the quality of the energy I require for ministry.

As I wrestled with this reality, I was reminded of this quote of Max Lucado from a years-old birthday card I still keep hanging on my refrigerator to remind me of God’s call on my life:

“There are things only you can do,
and you are alive to do them,
In the great orchestra we call life,
You have an instrument and a song.”

The things only I can do as I reinvent (retire) myself is to spend more quality time with my extended family of 4+2 children and 9 grandchildren, my 3 younger sisters, nieces and nephews, long-known friends and colleagues. Also to follow whatever other adventures God offers in the future.  

Therefore I have made the decision to retire from my role as Wesley’s Pastor of Congregational Care. My last Sunday with you at Wesley will be on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021.  On Memorial Day weekend I hope to see my nephew, Dave and his fiance, Bridget, celebrate their marriage on Lincoln Financial Field (EAGLES) Philadelphia (they WON a contest)!

My best wishes to Pastor Candy, the staff and all of the people of God known as Wesley Church. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. -2 Corinthians 13:14

-Pastor Debbie Kauffman