This morning I sit in the brilliance of the rising sun and look at the scene before me and I remember. 37 years ago I crossed the waters to begin a new adventure of learning, growing, preparing and creating community. At the time I had no idea that this place would become my home for the next 37 years and what a time it has been!! Each community that has made space for me, quickly became part of my heart. Each house I lived in became home. Each person I met intertwined with my being and became part of my story. It has been a time filled with great joys and deep sorrows, surrounded always in amazing grace.
Remember that old TV Show “Romper Room”? That is what comes to mind for me this morning as I sit here and look back. I hold my mirror up and looking through, I see the faces of all those who have walked this road with me.
I see the people of the Great Village Pastoral Charge who welcomed me as a newly minted minister, a come from away, who brought traditions that were a little outside their comfort zone. I remember strawberry festivals; Christmas parties; snowball fights on New Years Eve and the ringing of the bell. I hear the children bringing life to any situation and see the youth on Friday nights piling into the gym. I feel the warmth and acceptance and love that set the foundation for my ministry in Nova Scotia and the people who continued to walk with me even when I left.
I see the people of the Mulgrave pastoral charge whose hearts embraced me, who celebrated with me the birth of two of my children and grieved with me the death of my Dad. I hear their laughter and feel their love. I remember children playing at my feet during prayer time and preaching; I see the youth whose energy and engagement called me to a place of deep connection; I think of Sunday dinners, winter worship in a living room; joy filled spaces of praise and thanksgiving.
I see the people of New Minas United who called me into a time of healing in their lives. I can taste our many soup lunches; I hear the conversations and laughter on Sunday mornings; I can feel the joy of children during gatherings and VBS; I can see the faces on Sunday morning confused about the chair arrangements; and I can feel the love that permeated this place.
I see the people of the Waverly Pastoral Charge and feel the energy of an engaged and connected people. I think of racoons and mice; of the Wellington woman with brown bag auctions, rocking chairs, deep connection, and great joy. I hear the voices of the singers, the laughter of the children and the faith conversations of the youth. I feel the spirit’s presence in Café Soul, Sunday Worship, Holy Conversations, Potlucks and so much more.
I see the people of First United Church. I feel the passion of the gospel; the openness to stepping outside their comfort zone; and the deep connection to one another. I hear the voices of our youth, their engagement in everything from the silly to the serious, and their call to me to be open and inclusive. I see the compassion and know the care of a people who live the gospel. I think of Spring Flings; First United Idol; Music; Outreach and Mission; Lunches after Church; Deep Conversations; Laughter; Love and Light.
And in each person, from every pastoral charge, I see the face of Jesus.
Now I prepare to return to the land of my birth and the home of my heart. Here the next chapter of my story will begin and who knows what it will entail!! What I do know is that it will be informed by the relationships that have sustained me, the stories that have been entrusted to me, and the gifts of wisdom and truth imparted to me by those who have shaped my story thus far. I say ‘until we meet again’ and give thanks for each of you. May your continued journey be filled with blessings. May you grow in your faith and be filled with spirit. May you always know amazing grace!
Blessings
Valerie
You are a great comfort as a minister and friend you always strengthen the relationship with God that we have and need during good time’s and difficult time’s! It’s good to hear your going back home to share your love of ministry and frieships you made and will make! You are forever in my heart ❤️. Sharon Richards