Monday, June 12, 2017

retirement

As you know I have been on a personal leave from the church. When you are on a personal leave, everyone asks things like:

"when are you coming back?"
"are you ok?"
and "what happened?"

Honestly, it gets a little tiring. Anyway, I will be 60 years old this year. I have decided to turn in my retirement papers. No more explaining what is wrong with me.... everyone understands retirement. The good news about the retired status too, is that if offered one, I can still serve a church.

I was asked to submit a 150 word statement to be read at annual conference. How do you sum up your life's work in 150 words? Here you go....

It has been a privilege to serve these past 27 years. I celebrate every person that I have met along the way. I give thanks for my appointments in Lebanon, Princeton, Mercer and Woods Chapel. Thank you all for partnering with me on this journey in the ministry of Jesus. I honor every clergy colleague, District Superintendent and Bishop that I have had along the way. 

What a joy it is my friends to be used for a purpose larger than one's self. God uses our nothingness to show his love. God calls each of us to be his sign of love to one another. This is a great privilege that we are invited into. Appointments end, paid service to the church ends, but love goes on, always. 

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you. It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

6 comments:

Janet Miller said...

Congrats!!! Glad to hear that. I'm sure you'll find plenty to keep you busy. Happy Birthday early for next month. You and our son share the same day. Thought I would also mention that Colin quoted your beautiful day quote Sunday at the end of his sermon (without naming names but mentioned a wise man around Woods Chapel). Made me smile! You've touched a lot of people in those 27 years and will be fondly remembered as a great pastor. It's also nice to feel the smile back in your blogs! Congrats again! The Millers

Anonymous said...

You are truly gifted at expressing what you are feeling and thinking. You did a nice job on this.

Congrat's.

Unknown said...

Jeff,,,Congratulation to you and your family as you enter the fabulous retirement years. I am sure that you will make the most of your time for your benefit and also for the benefit of others. We would love to see you if and when you are in the Lee's summit area at any time in the future. Love you and the family.
Richard and Dee Montee

Anonymous said...

Well, you are an awesome man.

And you know what 60 equals? Six perfect 10's. Happy Birthday a few weeks early!

I miss your presence around LS, but retiring close to the ocean is pretty perfect too. Take care! kbv

Unknown said...

congratulations, Happy Day - u will be joining the group who doesn't know what day it is because All days r Fridays n more Mondays Hope u still blog - my favorite part of devotions is with u 😇

Unknown said...

Congratulations Welcome to - everyday is a Friday n no more Mondays! Hope u still blog - my favorite part of my morning devotions is hearing from u 😇