Dear Ones of St. Columba's,

Saying good bye is not my favorite thing. I'd rather say hello, or nice to see you again, or see you next time. And yet, saying goodbye is a constant in the life of Christian community. After all, we believe that it is God's work to call people into the life of our community, and our work is to welcome and love all the people God brings to us. Some of these folks are with us for just one Sunday, or for one visit to our food bank in a time of need, or for one month of sleeping overnight at a shelter. Others become deeply embedded in our community, join the church, and soon enough we cannot imagine life without them. 

Over 30 years ago, God called Diane and Doug McFayden into this community of faith. What a blessing these two have been over the decades of this church's life! They raised children here, and have been a blessing to so many families and so many people who have been here for long and short stretches of time. Diane was serving St. Columba's as Sr. Warden the first time I met this community - before I was a priest, when I came to work with you as a congregational development consultant. I remember noticing how gracious she was, and thinking wistfully that it was just this sort of place, with these kind of people, who I hoped to be called to pastor someday. 

Diane and Doug have each answered many calls as part of their service in and with our St. C's community. Diane served as Sr. Warden one last time, guiding me through the bulk of my time here so far with the grace and wisdom of someone who has seen more than one priest through the first years of priesthood. I am so grateful for her. Doug was one of the first people to step up and say "yes of course" when we were asked to host the ReachOut shelter, and more than once he has been on deck to help with last minute changes in the schedule, or just to be a friendly face.

I am sure that many, many of us have our Doug and Diane stories. Their selfless love for God and neighbor has helped to form St. Columba's into who we are, and who we are becoming. 

Now God is calling these amazing people into a new adventure. This Sunday we will send them on their way with love, prayer, blessings, and hope. Arizona is their new frontier, closer to their family. 

Doug and Diane, we will miss you forever. Please come visit us. And thank you for the love and care you have given to us for all these years. You will always be loved by this church. 

with care and gratitude,

Alissa