Priests never really retire. Well, most priests never fully retire. Think about how many you have known who have “come out of retirement” to take on an assignment their bishop asks them to do. I, for one, am glad. My life and ministry have been incredibly blessed by retired priests (and deacons!). Some have been responsible for conversations that helped me along the path of discernment towards the priesthood. Another retired priest who was filling in at my home parish between rectors threw away his prepared sermon one Sunday and preached directly to our family (my own and my grandparents) upon learning that the Purdy’s grandson (my cousin) had been killed in a drunk driving accident early that Sunday morning. That meant more than I can say, even now. Others have been incredible mentors to me throughout my ministry, some formally, and other informally.

Even now, I realize how blessed we are at Christ Church by the ministry of retired clergy who, thankfully, haven’t hung up their collars and left their vocation behind. Right now we are blessed by the likes of Bill Littleton, Ray Worthington, Nancy Acree, David Somerville, Bob Brown, and Miller Barron. Until recently, we have been ably served by Joel Keys and Jan Salzgaber, both of whom have recently re-retired from Christ Church service. Jim Wethern could have retired years ago, and still gives so freely of his time to serve at Christ Church. Both of the recent interim Rectors at Christ Church, John Rogers and Stephen McWhorter both came out of retirement to serve us. Retired clergy make a huge difference in the life of the Church and its people.

I had a professor in seminary, a Lutheran pastor who was teaching after he retired from parish ministry, who commented on his ministry on the 50th anniversary of his ordination: “I studied the Bible very carefully, and I can’t find anywhere within its pages where Jesus says we get to retire.” He continued to teach until very close to his 60th anniversary when his health made him slow down a bit. The meaning of the word retirement has connotations of retreat, withdrawal, leaving, ceasing, and seclusion. But in practice, retirement as it is lived out is much different for most folks I know.

It’s not just retired priests and clergy who give so much of themselves late in life. A lot of retired persons give freely of their time and energy to help causes that are near and dear to their heart. We often think of retirement as nothing but time for golf and playing bridge, and while there’s a fair amount of that in these parts, I also see people who are busier in their seventies and eighties than a lot of people are or were in the forties! For me, “retirement”, whatever it looks like, is so far away I don’t give it much thought. I imagine that I will not fully retire for quite some time after my “first”, official retirement either, whenever that may come. The Church will make me retire at some point in my seventies if I haven’t done so already (although even then, they let you find ways to continue!). For now, I’m just grateful for all those who don’t just sit back and relax all day every day. I give thanks for all those who continue to give of themselves in service to the Church, their communities, and their neighbors. So, to all you retirees, both ordained and lay, who have served and continue to serve others, thank you. You are appreciated more than you know.

I do want to highlight one retired couple, half of which was mentioned above, because they are about to move away from our parish: Ray and Ann Worthington. Ann and Ray have sold their home on St. Simons and will be living full time in Cape Cod. Their last Sunday with us will be this Sunday, August 9. Ray and Ann have both served this parish faithfully over the years, and they will be missed. If you want a chance to say, “God be with you,” (I don’t like goodbyes…) they have agreed to hang around during the Lemonade in the Shade after the 9:15 am service this Sunday. I am so very grateful for all they have done as a part of our community, and I know they will be missed by many. But that’s it. No one else is allowed to move away – the Worthington’s got the last ticket off the Island.

Here’s to not “quite” retiring!

Tom+

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.