God Will Carry on to Completion...

It is hard to believe that the time has come for my transition from Pastor of Good Shepherd to the “former and retired” Pastor of Good Shepherd. Connie and I have been processing this significant change as best we can - coming to terms with the fact we will not be with you in the same ways that we have been for the past 13 years and 8 months. As much as we are enthused about the future God has for us we are also feeling the loss that comes with this transition.

We will miss you and the innumerable ways your faithfulness to Jesus has blessed our lives and the lives of many in our community. We will miss you and the immeasurable ways your journeys of faith have encouraged us in ours. We will miss you and the inestimable ways our lives were shared in moments of worship, study, grief, illness, and family celebrations.

As I will highlight in my message Sunday, June 28th, I am confident that God will carry on to completion the good work that has begun in you, the people of Good Shepherd (see Philippians 1.3-6).

We should look back, not just these past 13 plus years, but over 52 years, to see the ways in which God has been at work in and through this church. Think of the impact that has been made - thousands learning to know and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, multitudes learning to know God’s Word and understanding what God has revealed through the Bible, and countless people being blessed by the presence of Jesus in and through Good Shepherd people. Add to this the many hungry and homeless whose needs have been met, “at-risk” young people who have been blessed by Christian mentors, homeless single moms who have been encouraged as they transitioned to work and a new home, and the list goes on.

We should also look forward. I am confident God will carry on to completion the good work that has begun here under the spiritual oversight and leadership of Pastor Curtis and Pastor Paul and the Session. This leadership is solid, vision-led, and committed to the future God has for this church. It will be enthusing to see this future unfold.

As we go, Connie and I will be holding you in our prayers and in our hearts. God has blessed us richly as we have been part of your lives and part of this congregation.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jim

Jim and Connie Wilson
1712 Bridgehampton Place
El Cajon, CA 92019-4171
jrclw@hotmail.com