In June of 2016, I was hired by FVPC as a “Bridge Interim”. I was asked to serve as a placeholder until the PNC made its final decision on who would be the next “Called and Installed Pastor”. So, I came to serve at the church knowing that my time was limited and that it would be best not to get too invested in the congregation. However, that was an impossible expectation. I fell in love with this congregation immediately, and soon my “bridge” position, by God’s grace, became the next installed pastor of Fuquay-Varina Presbyterian Church. At the time, this congregation was still experiencing the pain of the split that led to the previous pastor’s exit, and a new congregation in Holly Springs. I knew I needed to help the congregation past the hurt and possibly, with God’s direction, lead toward reconciliation with their holy siblings who left and with each other.

Our relationship was forged in a refiner’s fire for the first few years. It seemed that every February, a major, thorny event would happen, but with each episode, we would rise stronger than before. So, when the news of a virus spreading worldwide began to take over the news cycle in, you guessed it, February of 2020, we were battle-tested and ready to face the challenge of COVID. Slowly, we emerged from our COVID wilderness to a new world. It did not take long for us to realize we would not be the same collectively, but we were intact, and we forged ahead. It is true, we had some wonderful people leave for different congregations, but we also became the worship home for many wonderful new people wanting to join our family, strengthening our openness and care for all people. All the while, I tried, however, imperfectly to be a connectional, unifying force in our church family, a bridge for the church family despite differences in opinion and theology.

Last year, at our Christmas Cantata, eleven years after the “big split”, two groups of siblings reunited and were able to worship together in fellowship, love and devotion. For the first time in over a decade, holy siblings shared communion, sang together, and worshipped together, old hurts laid aside (at least for one evening). It was a beautiful sight to behold God’s provision in that event. It was at that time God began planting the seed that it was time for me to think of moving on, not from a place of discontent but from a place of accomplishment. Don’t let anyone tell you that I am leaving from negative causes because that is not true and it would break my heart for anyone to believe that. It is love and always has been love that motivates my actions. We achieved so many good things together perhaps the time had come to pass the torch to someone fresh. I was only supposed to run one leg of the race after all.

And so the time has come, one year after the seed was planted, and many prayers to God for direction. This bridge, placeholder, this relay runner must give way to new leadership. Please know, however imperfectly, that I have always tried my best to bring reconciliation, connection, and love to the relationships of FVPC, with Christ Jesus as my guide and the Holy Spirit my council. If you feel sad, remember two things. First, Christian siblings are never parted forever. Because of Christ, the hope of reunion is real. Second, bridges take you from one place to another and allow safe passage back. Bridges are a way forward and a link to the past. While there may be sorrow in the crossing, there is always connection. Holy siblings, love is moving, it is flowing, a never-ending stream; therefore, drink deep of the Living water and be well. Remember, we don’t leave the church; we go out to be the church. May the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be yours now and always. Amen.