Beloved Hancock Friends,

What a send-off!  I'm blown away by your thoughtfulness, generosity, and well wishes.  It was a weekend I'll never forget.  And it will take a few weeks for me to recover!

Thank you for the gifts:  the beautiful table that will remind me of all the sacred meals we've shared together, the "Ask, Seek, Knock" tapestry that will hang on office wall and remind me of your creativity, the book of letters that will remind me of the many stories and memories shared, and Marilyn Becker's beautifully composed piece, "Strengthen for Service" that will remind me of our shared passion for social justice.  Thank you Hancock!  I know that my ministry will be sustained and guided by how you have shaped me and taught me.

While our mutual love and affection remain, our relationship as pastor and parishioner has now come to an end. I will no longer be your spiritual leader; I will no longer be visiting you at home or in the hospital; I will no longer be leading worship or conducting funerals, weddings, or baptisms. The ethical guidelines for clergy insist that I refrain from being available to you as a pastor so that there will be space in your hearts and lives for the new Minister that you will call.  And I need the room in my heart for the good people of South Church in Andover who have called me to be their Senior Pastor.

As Pam and Alex step into new roles, they bring a great many gifts. I pray that you extend to them the same love you have so generously given to me.  And I pray that you offer your support and care to Paul during this time of transition.  With the work of the search committee, the completion of the building project, and the dedication of the new space, this will be a busy year for him. Extend a good measure of grace as Paul leans into this Promised Land with all of you.

Finally, I love you and I'll miss you.  And I will try to remember that when the grief feels overwhelming, that its a sign of love.  There's a direct correlation between the depth of our grief and the depth of our love. 

In the end, the Good News remains: God goes with us, whether we are gathered or scattered. In Christ, we are one body, united, no matter where our journeys lead us.

With love and gratitude,

Dana, Sean, Leighton, & Bono