June 28, 2025

Dear Friends

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the congregation for the retirement reception that you gave to me last Saturday. To those who planned this event, who spoke such kind words, who shared with me in conversation their personal “thank you” I am truly humbled by such an outpouring of love and blessing on a new chapter of my life. God, by his grace has granted me a gift of time and leadership, to serve as a pastor within the PCC, the majority of which has been spent with this wonderful community of Glenbrook. I have received much more than I have given. I have been blessed with much more than I deserve. So thank you for calling me as your pastor, and for caring for me and my family over many many years.

This Sunday will be my final message on the series from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The Apostle Paul had a special relationship with the church of Philippi. While he was imprisoned (most likely in Rome in 60 AD) he wrote to them a personal letter of joy and gratitude for the ways in which they had remembered him and had supported him. He also wanted to encourage them in their Christian faith and discipleship. In his final words to the Philippian congregation Paul encourages them with the assurance of the Lord’s nearness, the confidence in approaching God in prayer and thanksgiving and the ensuing sense of the peace of God that will guard their hearts from being overwhelmed by anxiety and worry. Paul wants them to know that not only is the peace of God available through prayer, but that the God of peace, who is himself peace will be with them. This is Paul’s benediction upon this beloved congregation “The God of peace will be with you!”. What a great blessing we live under. As your pastor, by God’s grace this is the blessing that I can pronounce and leave with you. In your future as a congregation continue to rejoice in the Lord, to serve each other in the love of Christ and indeed the God of peace will be with you!” Amen.