The End of a Chapter

Come on Saturday at noon or remain static forever!
          The sign promoting a new class at my favorite climbing gym in Salt
Lake City promised to teach climbers to Fight Gravity through dyno moves
(dyno moves involve jumping from one handhold to another).
          Perhaps it was my envy for those climbers who possess the athletic prowess and agility to execute such moves, but the poster left an impression on me. Particularly at this point in my life, remaining static holds great appeal. The rhythm of seminary life assures an inundation of cherished, albeit short-term, relationships, from members of other classes with whom we are only acquainted for nine months, to three very brief semesters of involvement
at a teaching parish, to a very small group of chaplaincy interns with whom we grow incredibly close over 12 short weeks during Clinical Pastoral Education, to less than a year of internship.
          Although I have three full weeks left with you as I write this, I am already filled with anxiety over the notion of having to say goodbye to a community of believers that has so eagerly welcomed me, provided for me,
and walked with me through nine very intense months of pastoral development.
          When I first met with Pastor Vera to interview over a year ago, my heart was filled with conviction that Evergreen Lutheran was where I needed to be for internship. Although prospective interns are not granted a great deal of autonomy over the selection process, Evergreen Lutheran was my top choice. There was no doubt in my mind that my relationship with Pastor Vera, as well as the rest of the congregation, would be second-to-none in terms of
personal growth and pastoral development, and I have not been isappointed
in this regard.
          As I prepare myself for a final year of seminary and departure from
this blessed community of faith, I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity to serve with you in ministry these past months. You have come to represent to me an extended family of faith, and I hold each of you closely in my heart. Thank you.
          "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now?" -Philippians 1:3-5

Jeremy Fuerst