A Letter from Pastor Gene
Just yesterday, I was listening to one of my favorite YouTubers, Rick Beato (Be-ah-toe). He was interviewing, for at least the second time, Steve Lukather (Lew-ka-ther), who most famously is the guitarist in Toto, but cut his teeth as a phenomenal session player in the 1970s. Lukather, in his absolutely charming way, was talking about how neat it is that late in life, he has become friends with the remaining Beatles (and George before his passing, too) since he was inspired to start playing when he watched them on the Ed Sullivan show. Very cool in and of itself, but his comment about how many things the Beatles accomplished (you can feel free to Google) and in such a short time (just eight years) is what caught me short. Of course, growing up in my house, I was familiar with many of the achievements and the incredibly short window of productivity before everything fell apart. In case you missed it, just eight years.
It seems particularly relevant as I am writing this letter to you, which is not to say that we’re all the Beatles but rather that all good things do indeed ultimately come to an end. Seven years ago, I sat in a room and spoke with the SPR committee here at SUM. I was introduced (not interviewed) and other than being incredibly impressed by the people on the committee, my only distinct memory is blessing a plate of cookies, ostensibly so folks could hear how I pray. My kids were five and three and Isaac was WAY shorter than he is now. We could never have imagined all the journeys we would go on with you all (COVID??) or the huge strides we would take in making SUM safer for everyone with our intentional process to become a welcoming congregation. Overhauls in sanctuary technology and meaty book studies about racism have expanded our ability to reach out while changing how we see ourselves in the world. Truthfully, though, if I listed everything that we’ve done, talked about, prayed over, and yes, even disagreed about over the last seven years, this letter would need an appendix.
So, here’s the rub; As you’ve no doubt heard, I’m leaving and going to Jesse Lee Memorial UMC in Ridgefield, CT. This is part of my commitment to my ordination vows where we promise to itinerate. More than that, though, this is the Bishop calling on me to help a church and a community that he believes will benefit from my skillset. That skillset has been grown and honed by my time in Simsbury and simply would not exist had it not been for all of you. I recently pointed out to a close friend that if I appeared to know what I was doing when I arrived then the smoke and mirrors had worked. There is no way to be prepared for a place that is as busy and dynamic as Simsbury until you’re here. If anything, I was smart enough to stay pretty quiet, keep my eyes open, and benefit in a huge way from the great leadership I found when I arrived. My prayer is that whoever follows me (which should be announced soon) will be as receptive to what you all will teach them as I was. I am also incredibly reassured that our leadership standards haven’t slipped at all, and in fact, our lay engagement (through small groups, communications, exhorters, etc.) has only increased. I also would be missing a huge opportunity if I didn’t remind you that SUM is a community you have been foundational in crafting. It’s an open, welcoming, safe, big tent place for people of all kinds who are willing to abide by the Three Simple Rules of Methodism: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. The person who follows me will be blessed to know you, to be appointed here, and to have the same opportunities I did. I totally understand that we’re all bummed to have this part of the ride end, but remember to keep an open mind, welcome the next person as you welcomed me and not to take this personally.
That last bit is really important. I firmly believe that none of this is personal, although I understand how and why you might feel differently. This move is the Bishop’s response to a need within the Conference, and I am certain that all the work we have done, discussions we’ve had, and documents we’ve produced over the last year or so will be used to find an excellent person to take my place. SUM will be well taken care of.
Lastly, I want you to know how much of an impact you’ve made on my family’s life. For my children, this is the only church they’ve ever really known. This is the only church my wife has ever joined. This is a church that has reinvigorated my love of being a pastor. This church has created a community for us unlike any we’ve ever experienced before. I especially need to thank you again for the ways you’ve supported us through the collective worst year of our lives in 2024. Thank you once again for being some of the kindest, smartest, funniest, and most faithful people I’ve ever met. Our world desperately needs a place like SUM in these uncertain times, and I know you won’t let your community down. Finally, let’s not forget that we have another almost five months together. Let’s make the most of it, speaking, meeting, drinking coffee, and dreaming about the future.
On the journey…
PG