One of the steps KNOT navigators recommended in our transition was for Robert and me to switch offices. Their reasoning was that this would be a good visible sign that a transition was taking place and a helpful way to prepare the congregation emotionally. When the idea first came up, I will admit I felt a little awkward about the move. Robert however, was quite insistent that we follow through. After noticing my slowness to act, one afternoon Robert entered the Associate Pastor's office and declared "I'm going to start moving stuff today." I was in the midst of sermon prep and not able to do it at that moment, so mercifully, he agreed to schedule a time for the following week.

I'm happy to report that the move went smoothly. Jim Schmidt, Mack Puckett, and Jeff helped us move the furniture from one room to the other and we swapped the books on our bookshelves (with the exception of a few commentary series he left for me to use). As of today October 24th, 2023, things are mostly settled in the Senior Pastor office. Karen Crowell, Michelle Myers, and her friend Bonita were especially helpful in furnishing and painting the office. The space is very open now and a great room for our weekly prayer meeting and other pastoral meetings. I hope all of you get a chance to come by and see it soon. 

Changing offices may seem like a small thing, but it is a piece of the larger emotional shift taking place in all of us. The office swap is visible evidence that Robert's retirement is coming quickly, and it is bittersweet. If you are feeling that, please know Robert and I are both available to talk and of course the elders would love to answer any questions you might have about how the transition is going. 

For the next 2 weeks, Robert and Cyndie will be away on study leave as he prepares for the Advent series. Please be in prayer for him as he considers what word he will bring in this farewell series. I am reminded of Moses in Deuteronomy as he stood speaking to the generation that would go into the promised land under Joshua's lead. This is a powerful moment in the history of our church. God is leading us into a season of change, but we are resting upon a powerful legacy. I am so excited to hear what Robert will share during this important series.