"As I write these words our household, office items, books, files, etc. are somewhere on a truck in the state of Nebraska, and I find myself in a state of being in two places and in no place at the same time. A large part of my dilemma is that there are seven days before our belongings will be delivered to their new location in Waverly. So what do I keep, what do I allow to go on the truck? There are still acts to perform, days to live, goodbyes to say and final tasks to complete. As we sorted through our material "stuff", choosing what to put on a garage sale, throw away, or pack safely for the trip, my thoughts drift toward the intellectual, the emotional, and the relational items we also must sort through. Memories of remodeling, moving offices, staff members, associates, committee meetings, tough decisions, the surprise and joy of children's sermons, accessibility, new friends, and rivers of coffee.

Some of the baggage must be thrown away, not worth keeping, not worth remembering. Some baggage we try to give away in the hopes that some value will be found in what we leave behind. But most of our memories are packed away in special and treasured places in our minds and in our hearts.

Norfolk has taught us so much. I am a different and better pastor, then when I came, and I can see on your faces and in the spirit of this place that you too are different and better.

You are a special, gifted and blessed people. God has so much for you yet to do. Remember we live in a “both/and” world. Stay open to God's possibilities.

Shalom, Rev. Jim

News You Can Use from June 2005 Newsletter

"JESUS NEVER SAID GOODBYE"     by Rev.Dr. Wayne M. Reynolds

Long before Jesus was re-appointed to His current assignment, The United Methodist Church of Heaven, in Zion's Northeast District, He knew that he was going to be re-assigned. He first talked it over with the Superintendent (The Holy Spirit) and then met with Bishop Yahwah and talked about His new appointment. Even though Jesus really didn't want to go (at first), because He loved his congregation so dearly, He knew that it was His time to accept this new Appointment. He knew that it was out of His hands.

What I find interesting about Jesus as he accepted His new appointment as the Senior Pastor of the Heaven United Methodist Church, is that he never said Goodbye to any of his Parishioners, Church Officers or to any of the good people there where He previously and faithfully served. The Jerusalem United Methodist Church, the Nazareth United Methodist Church, the Galilee United Methodist Church and the Bethlehem United Methodist Churches were very dear to Jesus. He never said "Goodbye" to any of them. There was no need for that, and we all know why.

Instead, Jesus said to those who He came to serve and do ministry with the following: "Behold, I am with you always. Even to the end of the world." Isn’t it wonderful and great that we will always be connected? Isn't it incredible how much Jesus accomplished and how close He got to God’s people in such a very short time? In those 36 months, Jesus not only touched lives, He brought joy, inspiration, hope, clarity and purpose of life, healing and many other things to the People of God. It sort of reminds me a lot of the Norfolk Parish and our short and wonderful time together. Just remember,... I am with you always, and like our Savior, I definitely plan on seeing ALL OF YOU AGAIN, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, according to my New Testament Theology.

I will miss all of you. I will miss our worship, youth, children, and a multiplicity of experiences and things we've enjoyed together: too many to name. I thank God for this portion of my life-journey, that has been so profoundly punctuated by your Christian Witness. I thank the Lord for this opportunity to know you and to do ministry with you. From the very first moment we met, my heart has been smiling. Our time together has truly been a blessing. Keep me in your prayers, as I shall keep you in mine. AND THE WHOLE CHURCH SAID: "AMEN!"

Rev Dr. Wayne M. Reynolds

Grace United Methodist Church, 2640 “R” Street (27th & R), Lincoln, Nebraska 68503

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