It's Pastor Jim and Elaine's last Sunday with our church this Sunday. We are going to host a farewell luncheon for them, following the morning service. We would love it if you can join us. All the food is provided - just bring your goodbye greetings and yourself!
I've spent a lot of time reflecting what its going to be like without them - its mostly in retrospect we appreciate blessings... which has led me to find the following poem. I've altered it a bit to reflect the past tense but have still accredited it to the original author. I believe it truly reflects how we feel about Jim and Elaine.
You Understood Us
This pastor appreciation poem speaks of the reasons we need pastors but are often too uncomfortable to admit.We could never tell you this, but we were afraid;
Afraid that our lives would end and few would notice.
We could never tell you this, but we were lonely;
Surrounded by a crowd we were all alone.
We'd could never tell you this, but we felt so empty;
There was so much more to life but we couldn't quite reach it.
We could never tell you, but we were disheartened;
No matter how hard we tried, a meaningful life escaped us.
We could never tell you this, but we were worried;
Worried about tomorrow, worried about the past.
We could never tell you, but we were unfulfilled;
Our lives were full, but our hearts were'nt satisfied.
We'd could tell you this, but we were searching;
Longing for something to make sense of it all.
We could never tell you, but we needed someone to care for us;
Someone who accepted us for who we really are.
We'd could never tell you this, pastor, but we needed you more than you knew.
Thank you for being there for us, Pastor! You met all these 'could nevers' in our lives.
A Pastor Appreciation Poem by Daniel Sherman
*****
We look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday, Jim and Elaine! We are continuing to pray for your next step as you leave our church family!
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