Hellos and Goodbyes

by Rev. Eric Folkerth

Even in the midst of a Delta Variant surge, we continue to try and engage in “normal” ministries. This morning, I’m writing this from Davis Street Coffee. It’s my first time here in more than a year, meeting with a visitor to KPUMC. 

And I met with another church member in the office yesterday. It feels good to do small, normal things in the midst of this continued craziness.

Which leads me to say, if you’ve been interested in connecting over coffee or lunch, please don’t hesitate to call. I’d love to set up a time soon.

The news of the week is about Troy’s departure. As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Troy Doucet leaves for Florida —and a new ministry job— early next week. We had a final staff lunch with him at Trinity Groves yesterday.

We have begun the search for his replacement and will continue to post the job and accept resumes, then conduct some interviews and hire a replacement. A hybrid interview team —made up of Staff Parish Committee members, and Youth Ministry stakeholders— will do the interviewing. So, stay tuned and pray for our process please.

As the Church, we are always both welcoming and saying our goodbyes. We’ve welcomed three new members in recent weeks and are likely to have more soon. But modern life is such that we always have folks whose path will lead them elsewhere. And so it is that in the Church we ritualize our “hellos” (church membership) and our “goodbyes” (sending prayers).

I hope you’ll plan to be present Sunday as we see Troy off. We’ll end worship by praying a “sending prayer” for him and then we’ll have a short reception for him afterward. His entire family will be present as we say our goodbyes.

I’m grateful for the gifts that Troy has brought to us during his time at Kessler Park. I will forever remember him as an important part of our team during this truly unique year of “virtual church.” We will all carry stories of the year with us, where ever we go from here.

He leaves a part of himself with us, and he takes a part of us with him.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Grace and Peace,
Eric Folkerth