|
Grace and Peace to You,
It is a special month at New Horizon United Church of Christ. We are preparing to do something truly wonderful for one of our great members, Reverend Robert Seater. On Sunday, October 25th we will be honoring Pastor Bob by making him Pastor Emeritus of New Horizon UCC.
Pastor Emeritus is an honorary position with our congregation forever linking his ministry with this church.
According to the UCC:
The term “Pastor Emeritus” (male) or Pastor Emerita (female) is used by a local church of the United Church of Christ to honor a person whose lengthy ministry in that local church has been one of distinguished service. The designation recognizes an individual’s retirement from that particular local church and from active ordained ministry. Conferring this status is an act of a local church and is an honor that the church may wish to consider following the pastor’s departure.
Several things come to mind. The first is that Pastor Emeritus is conferred to a lengthy pastorate. Second, it is also given because of distinguished service.
Pastors who receive this honor generally retire from congregations where they served usually a minimum of ten years. Pastor Bob was here, what five to six years? However, consider for a moment that those years as an interim. Most pastors generally serve as interim pastor for one year, maybe two if the circumstances are special. So I look at Pastor Bob’s time served year almost like, well, dog years. In interim ministry one year does not equal one year on pastorate ministry. There is always turmoil and issues to be resolved before calling a pastor. Thus the work and stress by an interim minister is intensified.
Which brings us to the second point, service rendered to New Horizon. How grateful are you for New Horizon UCC? Can you still recall the years of being the tri-parish? Can you recall how you would feel depressed when you would talk about the future of our church?
Pastor Bob not only had the vision for New Horizon, but walked the path with you. He was there until you had one unified congregation not three; He walked with you while the church struggled to purchase a new place to worship; and Pastor Bob stayed those long six years until New Horizon called me as your pastor.
Let us have a great celebration for Pastor Bob on October 25th and give thanks to God for his wonderful ministry with us.
In Christ’s Love,
David
|