Dear Terrace Shores Church Family,

You are likely aware of my upcoming retirement, so I wanted to write you a note trying to answer a few of the common questions some have had regarding this. George Burns, a gravelly voiced, cigar smoking actor, who lived to age 100 and entertained audiences for over 70 years, noted, “Retirement at 65 is ridiculous. When I was 65, I still had pimples.” His message was clear that age is a matter of perspective. There is not a set age at which we should suddenly stop functioning and living useful lives. None of us is made to live an existence of inactivity and void of meaning, at any age. Creative Mr. Rogers observed, “Often when you are at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” This is also true at any age. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis challenged, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

These words of wisdom, confirm what I have believed all along; that we are to follow the Lord, and use what has been entrusted to us, to serve Him at every age. Over the last 34 years here at Terrace Shores, I have seen so many use their ‘retirement years’ to honor the Lord in a multitude of ways. That is what we desire to do also, though at this point, we don’t know exactly what that will look like. Here’s what we have told some who ask us what we plan to do. We plan to catch up on things we have put off and need to get done. Beyond that, we hope to be able to spend more time visiting our kids in their various locations and attending more activities of grandkids. Along with this, we hope to re-connect with some of the dear people we have had the privilege of knowing or working with in the past, who are scattered across the country and world. And finally, at whatever level He allows, we hope to use the experiences and gifts God has entrusted to us, to continue to honor Him and further His Kingdom.

We are thrilled with the new pastor that God has provided for Terrace Shores. Kyle Witek is a dear brother in Christ who has faithfully served in two other church ministries, and we’re so grateful for God’s leading and provision in this area. Looking back over the past 15 months of the pastoral search process, God’s guidance and timing in this has become quite evident. I feel confident that you will receive and love Kyle and his family and be a blessing to them, just as you have been to our family over these many years.

Regarding the immediate future however, I wanted to let you know what’s planned for the next couple weeks. Most recently I’ve begun the dreaded task of sorting and cleaning out the church office I’ve been allowed to use for the last 3+ decades. Doing this has sparked a multitude of wonderful memories and nostalgia. This coming Sunday, July 20, will be my last sermon here as a pastor at Terrace Shores. Then the following Sunday, July 27 will be my last Sunday as a pastor at Terrace Shores. We are fortunate to have a missionary pilot from JAARS sharing with us on that last Sunday of July. Pastor Kyle Witek will begin his ministry with you the following week and will have his first Sunday as your senior pastor on August 3. These are exciting days as Terrace Shores begins a new stage in God’s plan for this church. In order to facilitate this transition, Carmen and I will not be worshipping at TS (though our hearts will be with you), but visiting a variety of churches, to see what God is doing through his people in many locations, and learn from them. We have no plan to move from this area however, and we anticipate running into many of you in our daily lives. Along with that, we look forward to coming back at the time of the regular Fall Outing on September 21, to celebrate with you God’s goodness and blessing on Terrace Shores over the years.

The transitions of life are inevitable, filled with a mix of emotions. I’m nostalgic by nature and resist big changes, but God uses change in our lives to accomplish His purposes, and grow us in the process. We find our comfort and stability in the truth that God Himself is unchanging. He is the same, His love is the same, His truth is the same, His purposes are the same, and His promises are the same. We stand upon the Rock of Ages, though on this earth we experience the effects of time. As I write this today having learned that Pastor John MacArthur passed into eternity yesterday, I’m reminded of the brevity of life. A plaque in Westminster Abbey quotes hymnwriter Charles Wesley, “God buries his workmen but carries on his work.” His work is calling people to Himself, to know Him now and forever. Thank you, dear friend, for allowing me to serve as your pastor and co-worker in this Kingdom work God has entrusted to us. May God bless you as a church and as an individual, as you continue to serve the Lord who made us each, and gave Himself for us. The words of the Apostle Paul express well my heart for you: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Gratefully, yours in Christ,

Gary & Carmen