Hello, dear sisters and brothers,
What a whirlwind our collective church life for the past months has been! Because Pastor Erik was retiring, we knew that change would be coming. But what would it look like?
Staff-Parish Relations, Vitality Team, the Women’s Hub, Dr. Mike Gorman, Rev. Syd Stewart and Barb Julian, with others, collaborated to support each person’s need and to fill the pulpit during this time of breathing deeply, saying farewell, and lovingly releasing Pastor Erik and Sheila to begin their next God-blessed dreams. It took all of us, together.
There were prayer guide booklets–-“Loving in the Midst of Change” and “Loving through Grief, Gratitude, and Blessing”—to help with the bittersweetness of some parts.
As for celebration, I’m guessing this was the one and only Hawai’ian BBQ most of us will ever experience! We laughed at pin-the-ponytail-on the pastor and other games. We decorated the tables and space with pineapples, leis, and grass skirts on the tables. We participated with joy as we “honored” the Hawai’ian shirts and sandals Pastor most enjoyed by wearing them, too! We listened to familiar tunes of the live music from Blue Karma AND we feasted on the requested barbecue menu.
The Old Bay basket-full of treats and financial gift from the congregation to support the trip(s) anticipated while final decisions about living in Europe (Italy)? and how soon? were much appreciated.
Even in the midst of all this, we began opening ourselves to the possibilities of new things that God is always doing, bidden or unbidden, seen or unseen. The Bishop announced the appointment of Pastor Doug Robinson-Johnson and now the future held names and faces and a family: wife, Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson, and adult son, Evan.
As they worshiped online with us, we were preparing and praying for them. The final edition of our prayer guidebooks was “Loving Through Hospitality.” We prayed to welcome this family and to love them without stint or reservation. It’s the way we try to meet all guests who come into the Lord’s presence at Community UMC.
And, since July 1st, it’s been a privilege and joy to be invited to walk alongside with Pastor Doug, as he is gathering with large and small groups in our community – through worship, during Fellowship time, via ZOOM, in homes, at meetings, over a dinner or lunch, with music, and one-on-one. I want to say, “thank you” to the Bishop for his appointment with us, express my hope that it will be mutually edifying ministry and long-lasting, and then take a leap of faith to share some of my personal observations.
I find Pastor Doug earnest, curious, funny, sensitive, and an outstanding listener. He shows kindness and speaks with encouraging words. He works diligently, is mindful of what may be going on around him, is unafraid to pitch in with set up, tear down, or help in the kitchen, and is undergirded by a robust prayer life. Pastor Doug is willing to start a conversation from a place of his own vulnerability, which is disarming and unusual.
Those around him experience the comfort of being heard and seen, and from this place, feel comfortable and choose to engage beyond formalities, truly sharing themselves, too. His interest in relationship building is real and he can tease or enter into good-natured, humorous banter with the best. Pastor Doug is positive and I observe that he values openness, honesty, authenticity, and spiritual integrity. He comments on “strong handshakes” and is secure in who he is in Christ. Yet, the creative, open-ended questions which lead to exploration of the good, bad, and the ugly of personal or collective, past or present, situations are important and impressive. Some of these that I have especially appreciated are:
- We all know that mainline churches, and this church, have lost members (and we miss them), so why did you stay?
- What is your vision for _________ (e.g. worship, music, young adults, children, justice, excellence, online community, organization) at Community UMC?
- Where are you seeing the movement of the Holy Spirit right now at Community UMC? What brings you joy in the Lord?
- If you were given a magic wand and could fix just one thing here at Community, what would that be, and why?
Thanks to all who are coordinating meetings, hosting home visits, and sharing of yourselves during this early time in his ministry. It’s a joy to learn about Pastor Doug, and to also get to know his family. Pastor Doug has only been part of this community a few short weeks; yet it feels natural, hopeful, and full of promise. I believe he will prophetically challenge and comfort us, help us grow in accountability to gospel values, and guide us in right relationships with God and each other.
Pastor Doug, on behalf of the laity, we are glad to have you here to point us to our first love, Jesus Christ, while you shepherd our spiritual formation and service. We welcome you and your family to this community of faith and pray each of us is energized and committed to “Be here, for GOOD”, as Pastor Doug preached his second Sunday. In time and eternity, may we journey together in Christ!
Blessings, and amen!
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
