To Members and Friends of West End

It is difficult to find words that can adequately express the gratitude of Gayle and myself for the wonderful Sunday morning on February 7. As you know, the snow and ice caused the Farewell planned for January 31 to be rescheduled for the following Sunday, when Michael Williams preached his first sermon and the congregation welcomed him, his wife Margaret, and their daughters Sarah and Elizabeth. This made for a full morning, but one that was rich in grace.

The musical tribute in between the two services was deeply moving. Don Marler and the two choirs were in excellent form, Andrew Risinger was masterful at the organ, Jonathan Carle’s solo was glorious, and they all provided outstanding interpretations of some of the best of British music. And at the conclusion, the singing of Love Divine to the Welsh tune Blaenwern proved the members of the congregation to be worthy vocal colleagues. I have exulted in the craft of this Music Ministry, which has allowed me to feel part of worship in ways that clergy rarely experience, and it was a very special gift to have it so strikingly exemplified during this Farewell.

The words of Byron Trauger were also deeply appreciated. He was most generous in his thanks for my contribution to the life and work of West End, but in all sincerity I have received infinitely more from this congregation than I have given. Much of my ministry over the years has been devoted to the partnership between laity and clergy that was, and is, the genius of Methodism. To encounter it so directly at West End, and particularly in the Ministry Table that Byron’s leadership has firmly established since its inception, has been a bountiful blessing for me, and an assurance that Methodism is indeed alive and well.

Marc Rowland’s presentation was likewise a means of grace. He and Ruth Ann have an affinity with the humor of Monty Python that has allowed me to explore the gospel in ways that Jesus himself might well have approved; his parables often make much more sense if we incorporate the twinkle in his eye when he told them. I will always treasure the superb Scrapbook that Ruth Ann has compiled, with the many kind comments, the memorabilia of the past thirty months, and the picture (also in the last issue of the West End Report) of Jane Delony, Patty Chadwell and myself dancing down the aisle at the 2009 Jazz Mass – brilliantly, I might point out – while the very fine model church that accompanied the Scrapbook requires me to upgrade my railroad town layout from parish to diocese, which I now have the time to do.

Added to all of which was the extremely generous monetary gift. To the many of you who contributed to this, Gayle and I wish to express a profound word of thanks. As the accompanying card suggested, we will use it for something special, and since we hope to celebrate our Golden Wedding next year, God willing, the possibilities are already coming onto our radar screen. Whatever we do and wherever we go, we will be sure to share the pictures with you.

Three further expressions of gratitude:

First to LaVoe Mulgrew, the new Chair of the Ministry Table, who coordinated the Farewell for January 31, and expertly moved everything to February 7 at very short notice. The fine spirit of this Sunday morning was due in no small measure to her organizing skill and leadership, and the ongoing work of the Ministry Table is in very good hands.

Then to my staff colleagues in the pastoral, program, and administrative ministries of the church. They all indulged me by driving to our home in Murfreesboro for the last staff meeting we were to share, bringing with them everything we needed for lunch, along with some affectionately imaginative gifts – including a railroad engineer’s hat that I will always wear from now on when I run the trains. Their gesture was typical of the thoughtfulness they have, not only for their work at West End, but also for one another. I know you appreciate them as a staff, but let me affirm that your appreciation is very well placed. They love this church every bit as much as you do.

Lastly, a profound word of thanks to you, the congregation. Your Christian witness is at the cutting edge of the mission and ministry of the church. On the one hand, you have not only inherited but have also embraced a long and rich tradition here at West End. You embody the essence of the gospel, which is to proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God, who lived, died, and was raised from the dead when Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea. This place in history means we cannot disregard those who have gone before us as we work and wait for the coming Reign of God. We must honor our forebears in the faith, and I have not known a congregation that does this more eloquently and worthily than you do. At the same time, you are not afraid to meet the challenges of the present day and age. You have engaged with issues in Christian discipleship that many a congregation refuses even to contemplate, still less explore. This has been costly for you at times, but it has also seasoned you, and in the years to come your witness in this place will be a beacon and a compass heading for the wider church, in Nashville and beyond, believe me.

I know of no one better equipped and able to be your Senior Minister for these years ahead than Michael Williams. He proclaims the gospel boldly and incisively, he understands the importance of a partnership between laity and clergy, and he is a valued and respected colleague in the Tennessee Conference. February 7 was a good day for West End. A very good day.

Gayle and I thank you for thirty wonderful months. You have warmed our hearts, in which you will always have a special place.

In Christian love and friendship,

David