Babies, Baptisms, and Moving Away

Dear Friends:

I live in dread of the phrase, "We're moving." I heard it most recently from Su Yen K., who had been warning me for years that the Navy would not keep David in San Diego forever. Sure enough, the time has come for them to go to Boston so that David can pursue graduate work at MIT.

As always, I am happy for the person or family that gets to be closer to their extended family, but sad for us that we will lose dear ones from our midst. It seems an extra challenge to have to say good bye when we have only just welcomed baby Andrew into the world.

Job changes, career development, marriage and relationships, pregnancy, economics, education, illness, and the thirst for adventure are among the list of reasons that prompt moves into and out of San Diego. I try to remember that the tide which takes people to other places is the same tide which brings new people to us, with all the gifts and talent and uniqueness they have to offer.

Another comfort is that people often take the time to visit and stay in touch. Matt sent news of his wedding to Julie. Marlene sent pictures of her new baby. Kendall, Luanne and Rochelle, and Donna all showed up one Sunday in April. Coming from Colorado, central California, and Illinois respectively, they reminded me that the bonds of community can stretch over the miles and keep us connected.

Often I hear from people who move away that they find it difficult to locate another church that they like as much as PB UMC. While it is encouraging to hear how much we might have contributed to someone's spiritual growth and relationship to God, I also find myself reminding now distant members that, just like people, every church is unique. They won't find PB UMC anywhere but here; surely, however, they can find a place where God is present!

I celebrate the fact that PB UMC feels like home to so many people. On Memorial weekend, we will have the joy of welcoming Bo and Amy M. back into the fold just long enough to baptize their new daughter Cassidy. Hopefully, the memories of our love and ministry will inspire Bo and Amy and Cassidy to go and make a difference in the church and in the world in Georgia, or wherever their life journey may take them.

Meanwhile, here in Pacific Beach, please join me in helping to make sure that we never stop opening our arms and hearts to the new people that God sends into our midst.

Grace and peace,

Pastor April

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