Farewell

One of the hardest things for me about being a pastor is having to say goodbye to so many people. In the church you build relationships with people, relationships which are most often more than superficial. You have fellowship with people - something which goes beyond hanging out or just doing something together.
But people move on.
We've said goodbye to a lot of good friends and brothers and sisters in the Lord over the last few years, who have been important in our lives, but have moved on to a new stage in their lives. Its understandable; we know that God moves people on, and people have to do what they have to do, but it's still hard.
Last week we said farewell to Ryan and Anita Aberle. Ryan and Anita were part of our church and part of our lives for the last 4 years or so, and have moved to Colorado, where Ryan is from. We are going to miss them.

It's hard to build relationships with people, and then say goodbye. It seems like we do it pretty often. I guess it's just part of what we do. And the good thing is that we know that as brothers and sisters in the Lord, we'll be together again eventually in eternity.
Farewell Ryan and Anita!
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Num 6:24-26