Reassignment marks ending, beginning

A convenant community

At our Bishop’s Convocation, Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher was profoundly wise in her presentation reminding us of the cycle of life-death-life. This cycle is deeply resonant with our appointive season.
An integral part of being called is being sent. Isaiah’s “Here I am, send me” is the classic formulation of call.
The life-death-life cycle is at the heart of almost everything. A number of our clergy colleagues are being appointed to new posts during this season.
Beginnings and endings are at the core of meaningful relationships. Because we are in a covenant relationship as pastors, we must say goodbye to our places of service before saying hello to our new places of service. 
As most of you know, I am being appointed to the Austin District. And just as most clergy members going to new appointments, I face the future with a mixture of excitement and loss. Loss of the familiar is always anxiety-producing. I will surely miss the friendship and fellowship of the laity and clergy of the McAllen District, the palm trees, the citrus fruit, the Laguna Madre...no traffic, etc.
Over four years we have grown together as we faced the challenges of being the Church. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am the richer for it. I am grateful to Bishop Joel N. Martinez for having appointed me to the McAllen District.
As we were discussing this new move, Bishop Martinez remarked that it might be a challenge to go back to a district where I have so many friends. My response to him was that it had to be easier than going to a district where they all remembered me as a kid!
I am excited about going to the Austin District, where I do have many good friends. Again I am grateful to Bishop Martinez for this appointment.
In the church year, as well as in our appointment process, we participate in the cycle of life-death-life in the context of a covenant commun-ity. With you I celebrate and rejoice in the good friends I have made, and I hope in the next few months we will have a chance to say goodbye.