A Bittersweet Moment
The first person at Palmetto Presbyterian Church I met was Janet DeGroff. Janet invited me to come preach for two Sundays in February 2010. Since my very first Sunday after my call in May of 2010 Janet has been a faithful confidant, friend, and person I have grown to deeply love and respect. On more occasions than I can count we have teased one another, and our friendly banter almost always includes some joyous laughter. Many times, I have sought Janet’s wisdom, council and insight for virtually all aspects of the life of our church here in Palmetto. She has always been gracious and supportive.
As a pastor, I could ask for no better or more faithful church member. Janet’s impact on the life of this church and the greater Palmetto community is far reaching and powerful. She has been one of Anchor House’s most faithful Friday volunteers, she's been a faithful and loyal thrift store volunteer, served as our clerk of session for several years, helped with communion and kept the communion table candles filled with oil for Sunday services, been a key leader and member of the Presbyterian Women, and a tremendously loyal participant in our weekly Bible studies among other things. On several occasions during the summer months Janet and I we're the only two people in the Sunday morning Bible study. On these days I have fond memories of wonderful discussions, a good amount of laughter, and powerful times of reflection and sharing.
However, what I appreciate most about Janet is the depth of her faith and powerful commitment to prayer and her spiritual growth and life. Prayer is not an afterthought for Janet it is a first thought. Whenever faced with an important decision, Janet begins the process in deep reflective prayer. She does not make decisions quickly but rather listens for our Lord's leading when faced with important decisions. She takes to heart and lives by the reality of these words, “not my will but thy will be done”. Her resulting character and integrity are a model for us all.
Over the past months Janet and I have had conversations about where the Lord was leading her. After a several month process of prayer and reflection, Janet understood that leading to become a member of Palma Sola Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. I very much respect and support Janet’s decision and wish for her God’s very best in this next chapter of her journey of faith. I also know I will deeply miss seeing and interacting with her on the regular basis we have enjoyed over the last 12 years. And I am absolutely certain many, many of you will agree.
This, for me, is a bittersweet time. One thing I have learned over the last 45 years, is the ministry is filled with bittersweet moments. But I have also learned these bittersweet moments also hold the opportunity for wonderful personal and spiritual growth. I trust the same will be true for this one as well.
God’s speed, Janet my friend. And for all you have meant to this family of faith here in Palmetto, I say of behalf of us all, “Well done good and faithful servant!”.
Grace and Peace, John