End of an era
We live next door to a church. It’s the best neighbor situation I can think of. Just a big parking lot and the church. It’s just the pastor and his wife. Neal is a great guy. He’s a former Navy Commander and Navy Chaplain. But, his being a great guy goes beyond pastoral duties or obligations. It’s just who he is. Unfortunately he is retiring in 2 weeks. 13 years is a long time to be steward of a dying church. There haven’t been any new members to speak of in 2 years. At 45 and 41 my wife and I are among the youngest adults. All the rest are in the 70 or 80′s now. So, as the members leave(die off) there are no new ones to take their place.
The new pastor starts on the first of June officially. I don’t know anything about him except his name. I hope for his sale and theirs he can do something to turn the church around. Based on what I know of the current congregation, most things are going to be an uphill battle for him. I hope for the best for him. My wife and I stayed ion the church primarily for the pastor and his wife Ginny. We met them as neighbors first, and then as the “Pastor” of St John’s second. I will miss them both terribly when they move.