The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor

After returning home I had a couple days to catch my breath before part 2 of my sabbatical: reconnecting with those in my past. These next 3 weeks I will visit places and people where I find deep renewal and rest. I start with the people and places in the first church I served in Knoxville, Tennessee.

I was the Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church from 1999-2008. It was the place I learned how to be a pastor, where I was married, and where I had my first child. Knoxville, the church, and the people hold a special place in my heart.

My spiritual companion, Rose, who is also a certified spiritual director and healing touch specialist, owns a beautiful retreat center just outside Knoxville in Loudoun County.

OK, it may not officially be a retreat center but it may as well be. She has a lavender farm, makes health and healing balms from scratch, owns a few beehives, and has made great friends with her neighbors.

So every day we took carrots to share with our neighbors.

Rose is a soulmate and dear friend, one of those people that when we see each other we catch up right where we left off. What a joy to reconnect with her again!

One of the reasons Knoxville was on my list at this time was the retirement of Peter Van Eenam. Peter has been the organist at Westminster for 42 years. He was there when I served and a wonderful colleague.

Attending his retirement brought back many people from decades ago and many memories. He is a talented, faithful, humble man and I wish him the best as he and his wife move to St. Louis.

I also had a wonderful dinner with the Companions group that we started while I was there over 2 decades ago. Faithful folks such as Marty, Laura, Lisa, Lana, Gail, Peggy, Ann, Pam, Judy, JoAnn, and Rose along with so many others have been instrumental in fostering this group for so many years. I regret not getting a picture with these lovely ladies but here’s an old one from several years ago.

JoAnn was my insightful and wise spiritual director during my 8.5 years in Knoxville. How fun to catch up and spend a little time together!

Though only a few days, my time in Knoxville was so very joyful. I am grateful to those who nurtured me in the past and helped me become who I am today. This was the perfect first stop to reconnecting with my roots.