March 2026 Connection
A Time for Every Season
Ecclesiastes 3 is one of the most well known passages of scripture, probably just behind the 23rd Psalm and John 3:16. Often attributed to Solomon, it begins with these words:
“There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens”
In my life, particularly in my adult life, I have come to understand this notion better and better as time goes on, and I suspect that I’ll continue to discover its meaning and truth as time goes on. On Sunday, February 22nd, I shared with the GBUMC congregation in my sermon and in a subsequent letter that, through a lengthy and prayerful process of discernment, I have heard from God a shift in my calling, to transition away from pastoral ministry in the local church (effective July 2027), and toward a vocation as a licensed counselor (LPC to be specific).
As I shared, this shift in call – this new season of life and ministry will mean that my intention is to take a leave of absence from pastoral ministry and journey into this new season – this new calling – by furthering my education, pursing licensure, and living out my emerging call. As Stephanie, the kids and I head into this new season of our lives as a family, we find ourselves experiencing a multitude of feelings: gratitude, excitement, grief, hope, nervousness, and leap-of-faith-ness (if I can coin that as a word). And, to be honest, that’s probably the short list.
What I know is that my love for this church – this congregation – is something that causes me to feel a sense of loss. I have found abundant joy and gladness in the opportunity to serve as Grand Blanc UMC’s pastor. Our family has grown close to this church family. I give great thanks for this church! To step away from pastoring this church, even when I know in the depths of my soul that it is following God’s call on my life right now, is one of the hardest things I’ll ever do. And yet, I am reminded that “There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens.”
Time after time, I have preached this and have encouraged the church to remember that God calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that in new seasons of life, God goes with us; God remains with us! While I never anticipated that God’s call on my life would shift this way – and while following that shift is hard – I have to trust that God is 100% part of all of it!
And yet, as God is calling me into a new season of life – a new season of vocation and call – it is not lost on me that God is also inviting Grand Blanc UMC into a new season of what it means to be the church. It’s a new season of anticipating new pastoral leadership that will continue the work that God has already begun in this congregation. While we don’t yet know who the Bishop will appoint, I trust that God is already working in that pastor’s heart, just as I trust that God is already at work in this congregation to prepare for this new season.
In the meantime, I have the privilege of serving as your pastor until July 2027. While we continue to do good ministry, we’ll also prepare for transitions and new seasons. But one thing that will remain the same is that God will walk with us through each moment, each change, each new season, each new beginning. God will be with us as we celebrate and as we grieve.
“There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens”
In my life, particularly in my adult life, I have come to understand this notion better and better as time goes on, and I suspect that I’ll continue to discover its meaning and truth as time goes on. On Sunday, February 22nd, I shared with the GBUMC congregation in my sermon and in a subsequent letter that, through a lengthy and prayerful process of discernment, I have heard from God a shift in my calling, to transition away from pastoral ministry in the local church (effective July 2027), and toward a vocation as a licensed counselor (LPC to be specific).
As I shared, this shift in call – this new season of life and ministry will mean that my intention is to take a leave of absence from pastoral ministry and journey into this new season – this new calling – by furthering my education, pursing licensure, and living out my emerging call. As Stephanie, the kids and I head into this new season of our lives as a family, we find ourselves experiencing a multitude of feelings: gratitude, excitement, grief, hope, nervousness, and leap-of-faith-ness (if I can coin that as a word). And, to be honest, that’s probably the short list.
What I know is that my love for this church – this congregation – is something that causes me to feel a sense of loss. I have found abundant joy and gladness in the opportunity to serve as Grand Blanc UMC’s pastor. Our family has grown close to this church family. I give great thanks for this church! To step away from pastoring this church, even when I know in the depths of my soul that it is following God’s call on my life right now, is one of the hardest things I’ll ever do. And yet, I am reminded that “There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens.”
Time after time, I have preached this and have encouraged the church to remember that God calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that in new seasons of life, God goes with us; God remains with us! While I never anticipated that God’s call on my life would shift this way – and while following that shift is hard – I have to trust that God is 100% part of all of it!
And yet, as God is calling me into a new season of life – a new season of vocation and call – it is not lost on me that God is also inviting Grand Blanc UMC into a new season of what it means to be the church. It’s a new season of anticipating new pastoral leadership that will continue the work that God has already begun in this congregation. While we don’t yet know who the Bishop will appoint, I trust that God is already working in that pastor’s heart, just as I trust that God is already at work in this congregation to prepare for this new season.
In the meantime, I have the privilege of serving as your pastor until July 2027. While we continue to do good ministry, we’ll also prepare for transitions and new seasons. But one thing that will remain the same is that God will walk with us through each moment, each change, each new season, each new beginning. God will be with us as we celebrate and as we grieve.
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