Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, (Hebrews 12:1-2)

This Sunday we had an experience that was a first for us in 32 years of ministry: we attended a goodbye party for a preacher who wasn’t Rebekah.

It’s not that we’ve spent a lifetime leaving places. Far from it. Rebekah served as associate pastor for Trinity in Pensacola more than 14 years – but with the same head of staff, Frank Beall. We were at First Brandon 17 years, and she was blessed to work with Tim Black for the last nine. We’ve only ever left twice; but had never been left until now.

Saying goodbye shouldn’t have been that hard. After all, Moffett Churn came to WFPC as “temporary” associate pastor just 18 months ago, and Rebekah and I have only been here since late August. Moffett’s probably had June 2014 written on a calendar, labeled “RETIREMENT!!!” and circled, the best part of a decade.

LOVE STORY: But Moffett and this church quickly fell in love, and she was the perfect colleague in ministry for Rebekah from the moment we rolled into Wake Forest. No kidding, Rebekah and I feel as if we’ve known and loved Moffett, and her husband, Ted, for years.

Consequently, we weren’t celebrating anything temporary, and certainly not 18-months of marking time. We were celebrating – we are celebrating – the transformational, restorative, ongoing, and renewing work of God as it expressed itself in and through Moffett’s ministry here; we were celebrating the timeless, and limitless, initiatives of God that work in both institutions and relationships; we were celebrating real, vibrant, life.

• We were celebrating – we are celebrating – the transformational, restorative, ongoing, and renewing work of God as it expressed itself in and through Moffett’s ministry here;
• we were celebrating the timeless, and limitless, initiatives of God that work in both institutions and relationships;
• we were celebrating real, vibrant, life.

It’s no coincidence that Moffett’s last Sunday was also Pentecost, the day we remember (and embrace) the awesome, forward-moving, regenerative power of The Holy Spirit. It’s a reminder that this is God’s church, not ours; and Moffett, just like Rebekah, was always all about gently reminding us to turn our eyes back to Jesus, to stand on the promises, and to live as children of light.

THE CLOUD: Worship was inspirational; we commissioned a huge crowd of young-people for summer missions; the sanctuary was full; and the luncheon party after church was a fitting tribute to Moffett’s 37-years in ministry (photos below). But it’s the message I want to turn our attention to, because – in the final analysis – it’s God’s Word that I want us to take with us today (Click on this link for Moffett’s final sermon).

Moffett outlined, simply and powerfully, the phenomenal reach of “the cloud of witnesses,” who have paved the way for whatever ministry we are involved in today. She talked about the shoulders we all stand on; the faith, the belief, and the perseverance of so many faithful witnesses to what becomes possible when we surrender ourselves, and our tomorrows to Jesus. She illustrated the direct connection between Moses, David, Jesus, Paul, the Reformation, the Presbyterian Church, her witness to Jesus, WFPC’s amazing confirmation class, and all the baptisms scheduled this summer.

Then she asked the important question: “Whose shoulders will those children be standing on?”

Of course, the answer is “ours;” because the most important thing about being a witness is – as Moffett said to close her ministry here – “That we too will be found faithful.”

Enjoy the pictures, be thankful for Moffett’s ministry, and continue to hold our faith community in prayer – DEREK