Valley Methodist Church

MLM!! (Mikes Last Message) As the time for our departure draws closer, I have found myself thinking back across the 11 years that we have been here at Valley. I remember that when we came our children were all preschool age. They had the privilege of growing up in a church like Valley. Sunday School, Holiday Club, Takkies (Now called JFM), guild, camps were all part of their lives. Some of you who read this letter would have taught our children and would have taken them to camp, prayed with them, encouraged them. Thank you for the influence you had in their lives; thank you for ministering to them, for caring for them, for helping them along the road of faith. In that alone, you have given to us a precious gift. I remember as we came to Valley, Ruth being filled with trepidation over what her role would have to be, what kind of expectations you would have of her. She has had the privilege of being accepted for who she is; of being given space to find her own niche in Valley’s life; of being appreciated, loved, cared for, befriended. Thank you, Valley folk, for caring for my wife so wonderfully.

Mike, Ruth and family when they arrived at Valley 17 years ago.

As I prepared for ordination in 1989, I wrote an assignment where I indicated that my dream would be to pastor a church for along period, to journey with the people through a significant section of life. So, I think back of joy and heartache, of dreams and failures, of transitions to new stages of life, of growth in faith, that I have been able to share with you. Thank you for the incredible privilege of having the opportunity to share life with you. Thank you for teaching me about the way faith and grace and mercy and courage is lived out in the everyday demands of living.

In some reading I have done recently about the universe, I have been struck by the fact that it is constantly changing and expanding. It has reminded me that nothing is static but all of life is moving, changing, developing. In the midst of this change comes Jesus’ word “See, l am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5.)

I believe our moving on is part of this changing dynamic of life. For us, it means a whole new chapter of life, especially as we move to Rustenburg without our children. For Valley it means a change of leadership, and emphasis in ministry. It’s not easy or even pleasant but our hope for tomorrow lies in the Christ who says “See, l am making all things new.”

Ruth, Shane, Sarah and Craig join me in thanking you for being such a loving congregation to us. We will often pray for you and will certainly miss you.
May you all have a blessed Christmas and may the miracle of our God made human being fill you with wonder and awe.

God bless you all.

 Mike