In communities, people come and go – births, deaths, moving in, moving out, for all sorts of reasons. This is natural and healthy – like a lake with water that flows in and out of it, keeping it from stagnating. 

We have had many people come and go over the years. Each one has been, I believe, a blessing to this community in their own special way. And at each parting, for whatever reason, there has been its own kind of grief.

While I do not write a reflection each time someone leaves the community, I felt moved to write and reflect on this Sunday, the Birches’ (Amelia, Sean, Haines and Case’s) last Sunday at St. John’s. 

I wanted to mark this, as they were arguably, in our recent history, St. John’s “first” family. 

It can be hard being the first sometimes, but they did it with faithfulness, generosity, patience and grace, becoming an integral part of the fabric of our community. 

And while I hope that this community has blessed them during our journey together, what I am certain about is that they blessed us. 

They taught us so much about God’s peace, joy, love and spontaneity, and that St. John’s could and can be a place where children and families are welcomed, supported, and find a home in a loving, caring community of faith. 

But the greatest blessing might be, that though they were the ‘first,’ they were and are not the last.

As with each parting, let us bless and pray for them in this time of transition. Pray for them on their move and as they build new, life-giving community where they will be planted. Pray that they and we might know we are better and blessed for our time together. 

Thanks be to God!

CG+