Pastoral ponderings . .  .

With thanksgiving to God for 36 years of ordained ministry in the ELCA I am celebrating my retirement on Sunday May 19 at Tabor.  It has been a pleasure serving as your pastor since November 2010, accompanying you as we live out the gospel of God’s compassion for all.  Because of the “Living Stones Campaign” Tabor has been free of a mortgage since 2014. Because of your enduring generosity the congregation has consistently met its budget with a surplus of undesignated savings in the bank.  In my experience it’s extremely rare for any urban or suburban ELCA congregation to be able to say this today, let alone in Utah. Our family will always be grateful for your call that brought us here where our kids were born, where Kirstin has found meaningful work at the University of Utah, and where we have put down our roots.  We will continue to make Salt Lake City our home. I’m excited for this opportunity to focus all my energies on my family and on our little grandkids in South Dakota.  I feel blessed to begin to live the retirement my sister Kathryn was unable to have.

I have provided Dave Warren with the contact information for Deacon Katie Kline at the Synod Office who handles transition for congregations.  She will be your resource to shepherd you through the transition process ahead.  Bp Jim Gonia will be at Tabor on Wednesday May 15 from 7pm-8pm to meet with the council for his Blessing of Transition.  Below is his description of the evening:

"Whenever a pastor leaves a call, it's my practice to engage in a Blessing of Transition. Normally this is held the week prior to the pastor's final Sunday, usually on an evening.  Here's what the process includes:

-- Meeting with pastor and council to share words of affirmation and encouragement

-- Litany of Thanksgiving at the Conclusion of a Call - in the sanctuary with pastor and Council 

-- Meeting with just the council to discuss the transition."

It has been a pleasure to accompany you these years, and to be invited into the hellos and goodbyes of your lives.  I trust that the Spirit of our renewing God will continue to guide you in the path of service and celebration together!

Grace and peace be with you always,

Pr. David and family