Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith

I am very aware (sadly so) that we are heading into our last week together.  Here is some of my schedule for the next eight days:

Tomorrow:  Worship (one service) at 10:30 a.m. in the Friendship Hall

WORSHIP IN THE PARK AND PICNIC IN THE PARK IS CANCELLED

In lieu of the picnic, we will have a potluck dinner at the church afterward.  Bring a side dish or a dessert—meat and drinks are provided.

Tuesday:  10 a.m. final Bible study on Revelation for morning group

Wednesday:  6-8 p.m. final Bible study on Revelation for evening group

            (a double session since last week’s gathering was weathered out)

I am in town all day Tuesday and Wednesday—please let me know if you would like to get on my schedule—as early as possible.

We will have our last Church Council meeting on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. to act on a report from the nominating committee and another from the Staff Parish Relations Committee.  It should not be a long meeting.  But it is set later to allow for those who participate in the Tuesday Informal Dinner group to get back. 

Meal at noon.  Details to follow.

Following the meal—my last workshop with the church—open to everyone—is on “Dealing with Difficult People.”  Plan for 2 hours—1-3 p.m.  No sign up needed, but let me know if you intend to attend so I can get an idea of how many handouts to print.

These next days will be our time to say goodbye to one another—as pastor-parishioner.

After that Bill Wiggs will be your pastor, not me. I am not sad about that, as this has been a very intense period of time together and I am quite weary and very much need a rest.  I have enjoyed it thoroughly, but it is time for me to retire. 

There are, however, still several appropriate ways we can maintain or establish ties.  We can still be friends and do the occasional things friends do.  

Or—I am a writer.  You may sign up for my free “Sunday Post” email, which goes out to about 500 people and includes essays I write, musing about whatever strikes my fancy.  Be sure and drop me a note if you want to be on that list. No one is included unless they ask.

And now—let me resemble a TV preacher for one paragraph.  You can buy books I write (copies of Teaching the Preacher to Curse are at the church through next Sunday at $20.)  And there’s more!  I am a Chicago tour guide—and if you want to spend a day or two in Chicago with me—I’ll give you an incredible deal. 

Okay—done with being a huckster.

If you come to Urbana, where I live, let me know and I’ll host you for a meal or a drink, if I am home. 

Bill Wiggs and I will continue to communicate freely about our churches, Sullivan and St. James. That is what happens in a healthy pastoral transition. I enjoyed that same kind of transition with Mike Fender coming in to Sullivan. Note that I will be quite busy at St. James Church in Danville once I leave Sullivan. Nevertheless, I will pray for all of you constantly—that you may have the greatest joy, love, and fruitfulness as a church.