Dear Friends,

I will save most of my parting words for Sunday morning. But for those who may not be around for Sunday worship, I will share a few thoughts.

First, I want to say ‘what a privilege it has been to be one of your ministers for these 15+ years’. Privilege is an elevated word. It is well chosen. To have stood with you for weddings, funerals and baptisms is a high honor. You let me in, and I tried to share something of God’s presence while standing on sacred ground.

At the same time, we have been through countless other peaks and valleys. I remember the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Closer to home, we have been through tragic losses within our own church family. We have loved and lost ministers. We have loved and lost daughters and sons. We have loved and lost wives and husbands. When the pandemic landed, we stepped up and found ways to be the church. Throughout, we have sent people to Nicaragua, Honduras, Kenya, and the streets of New York City. God has been faithful. You have been faithful. We have been faithful.

I have never pretended to be more than I am. Over these 15 years, my personal life has been a mix of chaos, poor choices, better choices, and a slow uneven journey towards more sanity. Yet by God’s grace, I have hung in there. I have consistently worked to put my best foot forward when it counted the most. I have tried to respond to late night calls. I have tried to preach worthy sermons. None of these efforts merit a pat on the back. I would only want you to know that the call to be your minister was always a serious matter.

Here is my cheat sheet. Practice vulnerability. It is the gateway to personal and spiritual growth. Practice forgiveness. It is the greatest gift in human relationships. Love lavishly. It is your superpower. This is the fertile soil of resurrection.

Thank you Talmadge Hill Community Church. You have been my spiritual home.

Carter