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Don't miss this, it's exciting. We have a pastor!!! Yes, we do. I'm excited (can you tell?). His name is William (he goes by Willy) Burns. His wife is Angel (she is!). They have two preschool children, Joshua and Nicholas. He is presently serving as the youth pastor in a church in northeast Washington. They used to live in Redmond, OR. They are excited about coming here and taking on the role of senior pastor. There will probably be a transition period as he learns about ministering to people of all ages but he has a lot of potential -- I should say, they have a lot of potential because his wife is right in there along side him. Nick decided to be a little camera shy when we took this picture. They were here this past weekend, he preached, and they meet with some of the congregation for Q&A. Today (Tuesday) they met with the Conference board that interviews candidates and appoints pastors. I learned just a few minutes ago that he has been officially appointed here. Whoopee!
As it stand now, I will preach the first 3 Sundays of June, my last Sunday will be June 17, Ellis will preach for 3 Sundays, then Willy will arrive by July 15. That is the Sunday I had planned to be here with the family so I will do something to "turn over" the church to him. A kind of symbolic thing, like handing the gavel to the new committee chairman. Any ideas on what to do?
Just for the record, today is a beautiful day, temp in the 70s, not much wind. Ellis, Kathy, Joyce and I went down to view the dead whale this morning. It washed up on shore down by Seal Rock a few days ago. It is big... and smelly! A rather awesome sight. We are moving ahead with updating the parsonage -- but slowly. I guess some of these things take more time than I would like.
Well, that's my world -- and a bright, shiny one it is. What in yours?
3 comments:
Hey guys. So what will your next adventure be. Any chance you will coming to the mid-west for a visit in the coming months? Send me your current email address if you would.
I saw the pictures on the news about the whale. I don't know why anyone would want to touch it or even take it home for a souvenir. Boatnik weekend was great. Nice weather, sprint boat races, and yes, even the parade. Mandy was in the parade and we had a great time. I got a little sunburnt and so did Mandy. Yesterday (Monday) it got up to 92 degrees. Supposed to be up to the 90's today too. Glad to hear that you have a senior pastor!!! What's your next adventure going to be? Miss you guys alot.
Raymond and Mandy
Greetings dear Friends!
Ah Ha! retirement once again is lookin' pretty good. We are so happy for you, the new pastor and for the church that a young family has agreed to follow in your footsteps. Knowing you, you have left some very clear footsteps for them and the transition will be very clear...note I didn't say easy. But the path will be clearly marked and they will be able to carry on as you and Joyce move on.
Just thinking about a symbolic transition? How about keys to the church and a new broom (I know that is not very exciting) and for the parsonage...a can of paint and paint brush. Or a new tool he will need to fix something left undone. For his wife, a pair of binoculars for whale watching. And for the children. A couple real neat kites! If I think some something more exciting I'll let you know. This is the best I can do at midnight!
God has sure blessed you and those you have ministered to. I'm sure you will not soon be forgotten by the dear people in Newport. Now enjoy the next season of your life. Let's hope it includes a visit to our humble abode.
Blessings,
Bess and Rick
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