Friday, September 11, 2009

We're moving Parish - initial thoughts...

Well I don’t know how to write it so I'll just put the words down as they come to me. We are moving. Yes, I can’t believe it, but this place which has become our home we will soon be saying farewell to. It is exciting but it is also very sad to be leaving behind such a wonderful bunch of people. It was hard to phone parishioners and tell them the news, folk who have been there for me and my family in so many ways over the past six and a half years that we have had the privilege to be here.

But do you know what, I never felt so appreciated in my work as when I made the phone calls. People reminded me of weddings, baptisms, funerals (oh there have been so many, too many of those) and other high and low points in their lives where I had some privileged access or responsible part to play. To be involved in so many lives, often in very painful, stressful or joyous times is an incredible (here’s that word again) privilege.

It’s impossible therefore not to get really attached to people and so it will be very hard to say good bye. What can you do though, when you feel with such clarity in your spirit that it is time for a move? When God is so clearly leading, one is compelled to follow.

As we move west to Kilgariffe Union (Clonakilty) we will be sad, but we will also be very excited at a new beginning, so many opportunities ahead, new people to get to know, a new home to live in and all the many minute changes to every day life that on their own don’t amount to much but put all together form a quite different life to the one that was lived before.

I’m sure I will read over this tomorrow and not understand a word I wrote, but this is a big thing for me and my family and it’s going to take some getting used to. To be both sad and excited at the same time is a strange feeling...

11 comments:

Ian Poulton said...

With prayerful good wishes, Daniel.

It will mean a whole new world of brilliant photographs!

Daniel & Sonja said...

Thank you Ian. Yes, I'm sure I might continue to take pictures in the new place too ;-)

Grannymar said...

My thoughts and prayers go with you as you begin a new chapter of your life. May all the doors and hearts be open to you.

The Rambling Rural Rector said...

It's tough to go but when God calls we have to follow. Blessing on you and yours. Craig

Daniel & Sonja said...

Thank you Grannymar and RRR for your words of support, they are much appreciated.

Joc Sanders said...

God will surely bless you in your new ministry, Daniel. I see your cure will include the Church of the Ascension, Timoleague, which I visited recently - such beautiful mozaics, so unusual for the CofI!

Daniel & Sonja said...

Thank you Joc. I was pleasantly shocked when I walked into the church in Timoleague for the first time. It is quite spectacular and all the more so as it is unexpected.

Tucker said...

All Gods Blessing in your new position. We only met briefly at an inter church service (should be a lot more of it!!). I believe the Rector from Clon is now in Carrigrohane/Blarney and am told he speaks fondly of his years there. Plenty more photo opps eh?

Please do keep your Blog.

God Bless
T

Daniel & Sonja said...

Thanks Tucker for your kind words. Coincidentally there's an inter church service this morning in Cobh. I agree there should be more, when they work well there is a sense of 'togetherness' in God that is very special.

Gary said...

All the best for your move Daniel. I had noticed a couple of weeks back that +Cork was meeting the Clonakilty nominators to appoint, and hadn't realised they were talking about you!

A part of ministry seems to include the pain of partings as we say goodbye to folks - I'm reminded of Paul's tears with the Ephesian elders on the beach. Yet you never lose your old friends, you just gain a new group of people to love and serve in gospel partnership.

Might not be very long until we're looking at parishes, but it's far enough in the distance for me to not think about it just yet.

Be assured of our prayers as you prepare to move. Don't think I'll make it to the institution though!

Daniel & Sonja said...

Thank you Gary, the reminder of Paul's tears on the beach is a helpful one.

Probably what you'll find Gary is that parishes will come looking for you rather than the other way round!