I arrived as the Transitional Pastor at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church on February 12, 2024. I unpacked the two boxes that contained all that was left of what had once been a full office. The two boxes have remained in my office. Their contents spread on my desk and shelves, reminders of a career that has spanned 36 years. More than once people have asked if I would like to remove the empty boxes from my office. I have said, “No”. The boxes serve to remind me that I am temporary. I am not here forever. It is now time to begin the process of packing those two boxes one more time.
I will be leaving HPPC as your Transitional Pastor the end of June. June 28 will be my last Sunday in the pulpit. I have decided to do one more transitional ministry. On July 6 I will become the Transitional Pastor at Maximo Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. My plan is for this to be the last time I have to pack my boxes. But if you want to make God smile, tell God your plans.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at HPPC. I appreciate working with Ann, Paul and Cheryl. The Leadership Team has come together over these last two years. Committees are doing good work. This church is blessed with a wonderful core group of volunteers. As I leave after over 2 years at HPPC I believe you are ready for your next pastor. That was my job. To get you ready for your next pastor.
Your Pastor Nominating Committee is hard at work searching for the next pastor. As I said from the beginning, this process will require persistence and patience. But with prayers and God’s leading you will find that person.
I leave with some great memories and friendships. I am not leaving because I am unhappy. I am leaving because I feel God leading me to what is next. And if God is leading me, I know that God is with you as well. HPPC is a special group of people. Remember, that is what keeps people coming and not the pastor.
May God bless you as HPPC moves on to what is next.
