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From Mike
When Paul wrote what was his last letter to Timothy, he said, “ .. the time has come for my departure.” At this time of my life, I have a fellow feeling with Paul, although the type of departure he was referring to is a bit different from the sort of departure I face at the moment! It is only in the last few weeks that the imminence of retiral has really come home to me and it is strange. When I first went to school, a whole future lay before me. Then, at the start of my apprenticeship I could look to the future as a mechanical engineer. Then, leaving the power stations and entering New College I could look to the future as a minister. Now, as I face going through the retirement door, the future ends with the departure that Paul referred to. That then means the future ends by experiencing what we have preached about and read about since becoming a Christian. Then what has been dimly perceived become glorious reality. But, before that, I also think of some other words of Paul, when he wrote, “.. to go on living ….. will mean fruitful labour for me” Obviously this is what I hope for. There are new opportunities opening up and we will wait to see how these develop. Now, I can have the privilege of looking back over twelve years at Holy Trinity. It’s strange because when we knew we were coming here, I think Penny and I thought it would be for the five year contract. Once we were here, I don’t think we have ever thought of leaving and so I am grateful that it is retirement that makes us leave because I don’t think I could ever choose to do so. Twelve years has flown by. I’ll give you an example. It must be about seven years ago that I woke up one morning and thought, “In a couple of year’s time, I’ll be sixty!!!” That seems as if it was about a year ago. The twelve years have been wonderful. There has been fun, heartbreak, disappointment and incredible reward. Working with Stan, Joyce and latterly Ollie and all the others who have formed part of the ministry team over the years has been an experience to say the least!! Essentially as I look back over team meetings, planning days, telephone calls, meals together, the overall memory is of a time of challenge, growth, development in the church and new things. But, behind all this and crucial to everything, has been a wonderfully supportive congregation who not only have allowed many new things to happen but have become dear friends. It goes without saying that we hope we will keep in touch with you. Are there any disappointments? Yes. Four 1. I had hoped we might be able to “plant a church” in Westburn, to establish a church presence there, to overcome the Wester Hailes Road divide 2. I would really loved to have got an effective evangelistic programme underway, going into the Shopping Centre and praying with people for healing etc. and then telling them about Jesus 3. The Project remains incomplete. The plan is that I will stay involved in that for a while 4. That I have to retire and leave!!! Holy Trinity is a wonderful, innovative and unique church. I am really delighted that Peter Neilson is the Interim Moderator, his wisdom, Christian faith and gifts and abilities will be an indescribable asset to you as you move on in the adventure story of Holy Trinity, Wester Hailes. Penny and I hope we will be able to come back at times to watch the unfolding of that story, to keep contacts and to be refreshed. The thought of being stuck in a church where the praise comes only from a little red hymn book is almost mental torture!! My last service here as Associate Minister will be on July 18th, which will be my chance to say more, but now my prayer is that you will know the Richness of the Lord’s Blessing in your own lives and in the life of Holy Trinity To you all, my thanks and love Yours in Christ Mike |
Contact Article from Mike Dawson
01/06/2004
