November 21, 2011
It is that time of year for us to again pause and reflect on all the things for which we need to be thankful. It seems like Thanksgiving is getting crowded out with all the pre-Christmas sales. Life moves fast enough without us getting in such a hurry. I hope you can take a few moments and really give thanks for all your blessings.
You may have received word by now that I have resigned my position here at 1st United Church of Christ. I will be moving to a new position at the Community Church of Vero Beach. I will begin as the Minister of Community Care for that congregation on February 1, 2012. I have been here for almost 13 years, so it is hard to say farewell to so many friends. I had not been looking; they approached me and offered me a wonderful opportunity. We will be saying our goodbyes over the next two months.
This past week was obviously a bit different with these developments. Monday I was in the office most of the day as I had a number of things to get done. My computer was acting up, so that took most of the day to get everything straightened out and working right again. A couple of people had stopped in to talk, so that filled out the day. Tuesday I was in the office for the morning and then that afternoon I had a couple of people to see. Wednesday morning was the usual with the Thrift Shop and Mary Martha's here. That afternoon I had some errands to run and a few phone calls to make. Thursday I was in the office for the morning and then out seeing people that afternoon. That evening I did not attend the church council meeting. That is when my resignation was announced and our area minister was there to explain to them what steps they need to take in the coming months. Friday I stopped in the office for a bit and then had a number of things that I needed to get done at home. Saturday I was in the office for a while and then put the finishing touches on my sermon at home. Sunday was a very emotional day at church as people arrived and talked about the news of our leaving. The outpouring of love was very special and we all shed some tears.
This week we have all kinds of things to get done as we prepare for Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. We also received word last night that Cindy's aunt died, so we have a funeral to attend as well.
I hope all is well with you. I remember you each week in my prayer time. Well, I guess I better close for now. Until next time, take care and God bless.
Sincerely,
Rev. Joel A. Reif
It is that time of year for us to again pause and reflect on all the things for which we need to be thankful. It seems like Thanksgiving is getting crowded out with all the pre-Christmas sales. Life moves fast enough without us getting in such a hurry. I hope you can take a few moments and really give thanks for all your blessings.
You may have received word by now that I have resigned my position here at 1st United Church of Christ. I will be moving to a new position at the Community Church of Vero Beach. I will begin as the Minister of Community Care for that congregation on February 1, 2012. I have been here for almost 13 years, so it is hard to say farewell to so many friends. I had not been looking; they approached me and offered me a wonderful opportunity. We will be saying our goodbyes over the next two months.
This past week was obviously a bit different with these developments. Monday I was in the office most of the day as I had a number of things to get done. My computer was acting up, so that took most of the day to get everything straightened out and working right again. A couple of people had stopped in to talk, so that filled out the day. Tuesday I was in the office for the morning and then that afternoon I had a couple of people to see. Wednesday morning was the usual with the Thrift Shop and Mary Martha's here. That afternoon I had some errands to run and a few phone calls to make. Thursday I was in the office for the morning and then out seeing people that afternoon. That evening I did not attend the church council meeting. That is when my resignation was announced and our area minister was there to explain to them what steps they need to take in the coming months. Friday I stopped in the office for a bit and then had a number of things that I needed to get done at home. Saturday I was in the office for a while and then put the finishing touches on my sermon at home. Sunday was a very emotional day at church as people arrived and talked about the news of our leaving. The outpouring of love was very special and we all shed some tears.
This week we have all kinds of things to get done as we prepare for Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. We also received word last night that Cindy's aunt died, so we have a funeral to attend as well.
I hope all is well with you. I remember you each week in my prayer time. Well, I guess I better close for now. Until next time, take care and God bless.
Sincerely,
Rev. Joel A. Reif
FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Orlando, Florida USA
Orlando, Florida USA
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