When Natalie had finished speaking all* these words to all Israel, She said to them: ‘I am now Seventy Four years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, “You shall not cross over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will cross over before you.
Deuteronomy 31:1-3 (sort of)
The final words of Moses to the people of Israel has been going around inside my head for the last few days as I contemplate Natalie’s retirement. Despite having only known each other a few years,it feels like she has been a part of my life for so much of it.
Some of that is practical; in the last five years Natalie has been a pastoral counselor and confidant through some of the most challenging parts of my life, and I have attempted to be the same for her.
She also has played a significant role in my growth as a rector, as a priest, and as person of God, helping me through some of the most transformative moments of my ministry. And likewise I have attempted to try and be a similar support to her through significant moments in her life and ministry.
I do feel a little bit like Joshua, being left at the shores of the River Jordan with similar words of comfort… “Don’t worry, its all going to be fine.” But I wanted to take a moment in this reflection to let Natalie, and all of you, know that I do not feel abandoned. In fact, I feel energized, emboldened, empowered to do all this work that Natalie has set before us.
And a little bit scared.
But look at these words that Moses left for Joshua, and that Natalie in turn leaves for us:
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity.If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days.
As a community of faith, as co-laborers in God’s vineyard we have decided to choose life, and to choose it abundantly. Churches all over this country are dying. Drying out on the vine. Slowly losing people, energy, space and place.
But we have chosen something else. And we have Natalie to thank for that.
So I hope you will join me this sunday at 9:30 am as we say well done good and faithful servant to The Rev. Natalie Conway, as we listen to her farewell discourse, and as we consider how we continue to choose life here at Memorial.