It's the Methodist way

Even before I started attending the Methodist church in town, I knew that their preachers are chosen for them by a bishop.  I also noticed that their preachers don't usually stay with one congregation long.  It seemed to me that folks would barely get to know their pastor before he was gone.  Thanks to Google, I have learned that some preachers do stay longer, especially those in larger churches.  But that isn't the norm, especially for small churches.  

When I began going to the Methodist church, a new preacher had just been assigned:  I don't remember how long he and his wife stayed, but they decided to retire and move to Florida, so he wasn't there very long.  

I have thought it must be hard for a  preacher to deliver a sermon to such a small congregation made up of a dozen or so senior citizens.

Then, Jeremey came.  He was raised a Catholic, but somehow had become a Methodist preacher.  He and his wife are good-looking and sweet and easy to get to know.  Amazingly, we got to keep them for four years.

Which made it all the harder the Sunday before last to hear they had their orders to move on.  Jeremey waited untl he finished his sermon to break the news, then started trying to tell let us he was leaving, but it took him awhile because he was holding back tears.

And I thought, "He doesn't want to leave us!"

So this Sunday, during the "joys and concerns" time, I had something to say.  I told our little group I had always assumed that any preacher would be glad to move on from what is obviously a dying congregation.  Then I said to Jeremey, "But after last Sunday, I know you really care about us."

Every single person in the church said a big 'Amen', and again, Jeremey had trouble giving a response.  Some people are just special.