Joel's Jottings: A Message of Farewell

Thank you, Fondren Presbyterian Church, for all the ways you allowed Vicki and me to share in your life together over the past 18 months!

You have completed a major part of a building renovation. I have witnessed your faithfulness and service to enhance your building facility for the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in Jackson. You as members of this church and community and your leaders have worked diligently to insure that the legacy of faith, hope, and love continues.

You have persevered in the face of challenges that brought Jackson to the national news. You supported efforts to respond to the water crisis by connecting with other churches and community agencies to insure citizens had an adequate and clean water supply.

You have served students at Clausell Elementary by providing the support for trips for them to the Zoo, the Children’s Museum, and the New Stage production of Elf. Volunteers went to the school on Halloween and read stories to the different classes. And the list goes on.

You connect with each other in various groups and share fellowship and meals together. Vicki and I have been privileged to share in quite a few of these.

You have gathered weekly for worship and praise. You have responded well to new hymns. And you have even started swaying on some tunes! Some would say that is almost impossible for Presbyterians to do. But you have!

All this and so much more. You supported us during the illnesses and following the deaths of Vicki’s parents. I did not hesitate to leave town on the Tuesday of Holy Week due to their illnesses knowing of the strength of church leaders and members as well as the community and collegial support of the Revs. Catherine Cook and Jill Buckley who led worship on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. This was no small accomplishment!

Whenever a minister arrives there are always expectations. I trust that during my time with you, we were able to accomplish the necessary things. And whenever a minister departs, there are things that have not been accomplished. I trust in both cases necessary seeds have been planted that will yield good and necessary fruit.

Vicki and I thank you for the manifold ways by which you have shared your lives and resources with us. We appreciate the ways you have allowed us to share our lives with you. I trust that you will extend the same grace, hospitality, peace, kindness and faithfulness to the Rev. Howard Reed as he arrives as the next interim pastor, as well as to the next installed pastor that God will lead you to call.

Peace. Grace. Hope. Thanks. In Christ.

Joel