Well…yesterday way my last Sunday in the pulpit at Shaeffer’s Chapel UMC as an Elder in the UMC. I am officially retiring and quickly moving into that unknown state of retirement. Someone once said that “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of an open highway.” And I do believe that. It seems that every person that has retired has a different perspective and guidance they share with me. But, like most of my life’s journey I will just have to figure it out for myself. Although I served other churches and in many ways, I was somewhat of an anomaly in the UMC because I was blessed to serve Shaffer’s Chapel 21 years. The Bishops that I served under saw the benefit of an extended ministry in a church that wanted to grow in love and mission. One of the greatest honors I was bestowed was when one Bishop said it succinctly “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. And for that I will be forever grateful. I will miss my pastoral ministry and all the people we love in and through Shaeffer’s Chapel, but going forward I will not stray far from my life’s calling. Pam and I will be serving together in a limited capacity working with the students at the MUW Wesley Foundation where I have served on the Board for about 40 Years. I am continuing my service to Helping Hands, Loaves and Fishes, and an ongoing ministry to the homeless in Columbus. And yes, I was up at 5:00 this morning enjoying the beautiful cool weather as I worked in my garden and flower beds – something that I truly look forward to doing more! So… I humbly ask that you will pray for us as we do enter this “open highway ” and as I continue to pray for you. And as Bob Hope aptly said, “Thanks for the memories.” But also know there are many more to come!