departures
Leaving is never easy, and being part of the church only amplifies loss. The social structure of church is family; indeed, the dominant metaphor in the New Testament for non-Jewish believers is adoption into the family of GOD. Leaving a church then always feels like leaving a family. And being a minister at a church, the line between work and home is often blurred if not absent.
We will miss our church family in Decatur, and we look forward to family reunions in the future—in Decatur, Houston, Austin, New York City, Taipei, and all the other surprising places around our world. The church is beautiful—and what a blessing to have spent the last three years at Decatur First United Methodist.
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Of all Sunday’s to miss, I missed this one and a chance to say an official “goodbye”. These picture remind me of the richness and scope of your influence on everyone you have touched across these 3 years. We are so blessed to have had you part of our active family. Now you are part of our distant family – never separated from our love and care and interest. We’ll travel with you in joy and in prayer as you touch others in your world outreach. Much love and eternal thanks! … Carolyn McDowell
Carolyn, thanks for your sweet words. We love being part of the Decatur First family. Much love as you continue to watch over everyone there – especially the staff!