an era ends...

My wife preached her last sermon. Brilliant as usual.
She stepped down from the pulpit and at the conclusion of the service we remained in the sanctuary to do as is said...."dissolve her pastoral relationship with the church."

It is not a vote many wanted to take.
Before the members voiced their vote an amendment was made to offer this faithful woman and my wife 2 weeks pay for every year she had served the congregation.

The vote was then taken.
The congregation agreed to offer her extra pay and voted to dissolve her pastoral relationship. Only two voted not to offer extra pay.
At that moment I removed her stole and prayed.

"Thank you God for L.E.W.
She is your faithful servant.
She took great risks and courage to accept your call to serve You and Your church.
She followed your guidance and served in a tiny church in the woods of Arkansas where no other woman had ever served.
She was the first!
She was the best!
She has served with intelligence, joy, and compassion.
The journey she took was full of pain.
The journey she took was full of joy.
She will now go on a new journey where she will surely continue to serve you and people who will surely need her calm, loving presence.
Lord, she truly is a beautiful woman.
Well done good and faithful servant. Well done."

Dear wife, I've served with you for 12 years. I will miss you at my side on the chancel.