It takes the whole congregation . . .

I am grateful for the leadership I see all around me here at Plymouth. Your Church Council is taking care of business with skill and grace, even in the face of the many challenges now before us (Covid, the upcoming transition, etc). The members of the new Interim Pastoral Search Committee willingly responded to the invitation to serve, and have already begun their important and sacred work. Others step up to take on whatever tasks and responsibilities present themselves. To paraphrase a familiar saying, “It takes a whole congregation to be the Church.” This is particularly important in these days in which we find ourselves. As I engage in conversations with folks about my upcoming retirement, one of the things I’ve been saying is that it is my intention to be here until I’m not. I am still the pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church UCC in Helena, Montana until July 1st. There is still important work to be done, and I will continue to stay engaged in those efforts. At the same time, things are changing (as they always do). Every day I am reminded of aspects of the life of Plymouth that are no longer my responsibility. The work of the Interim Search Committee is a good example. It is important that I not be involved in those efforts. The responsibility of caring about and planning for the future of the congregation has now passed into other hands and hearts. That is as it should be, and it also leaves me feeling a bit disoriented. I have spent almost 2/3 of my life actively involved in the business of shepherding congregations. Letting go of that mantle will take some getting used to. And because I have absolute confidence that God is in the midst of all of this, I trust that the future (yours and mine) will unfold in marvelous, amazing, and surprising ways. In the meantime, even as that future begins to unfold, I am with you for a while longer yet, and I intend to do my best to enjoy every moment. Things are changing and will continue to do so, but for now I am still here, and I am grateful.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)