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My adieu to you
By Michael J. Leite

So long, farewell, I wish you Auf Wiedersehen, to you and you and you and you and you. Goood Byyyyye, Good Byyye, Good Bye. So, this is my adieu to you, and to my work as Interim Associate Conference Minister. Yes, I will still be in the conference, but working less and playing more!

In 2001, I spoke to one of our nationally known pastors (this person's name will remain anonymous to protect the innocent), who encouraged, enticed, forcefully suggested that I consider conference ministry. My response was to say, "No way in …. in heavens name will I do such a thing. The only way that will happen would be with God dragging me by my hair stubs, while I am kicking and screaming no No NO!" Well, God does not always pay attention to my wishes, nor to my ideas for that matter (why is that?). Well, to make a short story long, I agreed to work until June …. 2005, ok, until September … well, how about December 2005. Would you believe June 2006. Any way you look at it, I am about done with my labors here at the conference office, working for you, the members of the United Church of Christ. I will miss the work and I will miss you.

During the past twenty-two months, I have traveled hither and yon, throughout this conference. I talked with those that feed our nation (in our farming community churches), debated with state leaders, sat on top of the Rockies (Silverton) and celebrated and bemoaned with pastors regarding their hopes, dreams, and visions their beloved church. Looking back, the ride has been good for me, and hopefully for the conference as well.

My focus has been on the God Is Still Speaking Initiative (what a pleasure), assisting local churches in the search and call process (I learned a lot), working with some of our association Church and Ministry Committees (that is just hard work) and attending worship services around the conference. Most of my time was spent in the conference office, working with the other conference staff.

I offer thanks to Tom Rehling, our conference minister, for the opportunity to work together. I have learned to trust Tom and appreciate his vision for the conference. His priorities are in the right place, as is his heart.

I also want to thank Alice Silver, moderator of the conference board of directors. She has been thoughtful in her leadership, and in her caring attention to the mission and ministry of the conference.

And so, it is time to say Auf Wiedersehen, or adieu. My reasons, I want to play more and work less. I send my thanks to that anonymous pastor, nudging me on behalf of God, so that I would consider conference ministry, for it has been a blessing.

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