It is fitting that the upcoming Gospel lesson for June 15 is the "Great Commission."   I am in a time of great transition in my ministry.   This is the day that I make my "three-minute" retirement speech to the North Georgia Annual Conference.   I have been blessed to be a part of the Conference for fifty years. The "Great Commission" of going to make disciples has been my marching order every morning as I went about my role as a pastor. As of next week, I am no longer assigned to any specific congregation, but my marching order does not change.

For the "Great Commission" that Jesus gave was not instruction only to clergy, but to all Christians.   We are all called to take the name of Jesus with us wherever we go. We are called to find new ways every day to help build the Kingdom through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. Change is always a challenge; for me that means, over the next few months, finding different ways to be faithful to my daily marching orders.   There are times in your life that you will have to find new ways to serve Him. The great thing about the "Great Commission" is that Jesus not only challenges us, but also promises to go with us into each day as we try.   We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.

May God bless you,