See You Soon

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Written by Lon Lorton Lon Lorton

Well folks, as the saying goes, “You can stick a fork in me; I’m almost done.”

We have moved nearly everything into the new home and will be out of the manse soon.  We’re praying that Social Security and the PC(USA) Board of Pensions will make good on their promises.  September 1st is steamrolling its way forward, and soon I will be a retired pastor.  It all still seems a bit surreal, but I have to admit there are things I’m looking forward to.  I am also certain that, as much as I feel your love, there are some in the church thinking, “Maybe after 19 years we can take our chances on somebody new.  New can be good.”

I guess the thing I want to impress on all of us is this - I’m not your first pastor and I won’t be your last pastor.  Pastors come and go (eventually).  The true constant presence here at FPC is Jesus Christ.  He has stayed and He remains, even to encourage you as you welcome and minister with a new pastor.

I want to thank all of you for the many ways you have allowed me to be your pastor.  Over the course of nearly 200 years, FPC has obviously had more than a few pastors.  Sometimes I wonder about those who preceded me.  I wonder about the people and families they served?  What has the passion of the church looked like from one season to the next?

I know that during my time here I’ve watched children grow up, I’ve baptized infants and new believers, performed marriages, received new members, and officiated at what seems to be too many funerals.  If my count is right, we have received 142 new members and had 95 deaths of members since May of 2001.  I’ve visited hospitals for surgeries and injuries and sicknesses and births.  I’ve made countless visits to nursing homes.  Together, we have realized many dreams and lived through a few tough trials.  But together with Jesus, we have persevered.

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Lon's Lessons

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Written by Lon Lorton Lon Lorton

Here's "Lon's Lesson" for today, 08.28.20.  Since Lon will begin his retirement next week, this will be his final video lesson.  In Matthew 5, Jesus calls for His disciples to be "salt and light" to the world, and for His Church to be like a town set on a hill, freely visible to all.  FPC has been a part of that town for nearly 200 years and will continue to be so if we always seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.