A congregation of the United Church of Canada
Called to Music
“This is my great epiphany.”
It’s the Season of Epiphany, and as many of you already heard, I’ve had a doozie! I actually had it through the Autumn, but wanted to be absolutely certain before I spoke of it. An epiphany is an awakening to a new idea that leads one to a new path. (Deep breath.) My new path will be retirement from pastoral ministry, and following an old/new calling to immerse myself in music. My last Sunday at Faith will be on June 30, 2024. (If you would like to watch the full telling of my retirement epiphany story you can click here for video (sadly, the audio is slightly out of sync), or read it on our website here in text.)
Music has always been central in my life. It was my identity as a teen. I studied it in university. It was my vocation as I taught it as a High School Music teacher for 15 years. And music was the way God got my attention and called me to ministry, as eventually I climbed out from behind my guitar and dared to speak of spiritual things. Music has always been a beautiful aspect of my ministry, and I feel blessed that I get to sing and play every week in worship.
But even with all that musicing in my life it has always been secondary to some other good. I’ve never made it my sole focus. That is my great epiphany – that I want to spend this next season of my life being immersed in music. It is my heart’s deep desire.
It’s not that my faith has faltered – I’m not done with God, or Jesus, or the Spirit, or even church (although, there are days! Lol.) I will almost certainly continue to preach the odd Sunday, and lead worship by times, and maybe even play in a praise and worship band someplace, and I’ll likely do wider church work at the Regional or National levels. But I will retire from congregational work. As I said Sunday – once you’ve served at Faith United every other place pales in comparison.
When I think of the future of the Church part of me gets excited. I think there are glorious days ahead, but to lead through those days will require retraining, reading, taking courses, risk-taking, and innovating – and frankly, thinking of delving into all that makes me feel tired. I have discerned that I’m not the one to lead that journey. I’m ready to pass the baton.
I didn’t sleep much Saturday night. I was not looking forward to disappointing so many people that I care about. Mixed emotions is the perfect expression. I love Faith United, and I will be incredibly sad to go in June. But I know that it’s my time to go.
I have been absolutely overwhelmed with the support you’ve offered me this week, even as I made you sad, and complicated your lives. Thank you for that support, and for the wonderful ministry we’ve shared for over 16 years, and will continue to share for another 6 months. There is much more to say, and we have some time to express it.
My last great project at Faith will be to help guide the process of envisioning a vital and viable future for this congregation. I step aside confident that future will be blessed.