Resignation Letter

Grace and greetings.

Below is the letter I am sending out to each family that are members of the congregation. Since we do not have a newsletter or similar type of communication, I was asked to send the letter before Sunday so that people are not too shocked on Sunday. (Of course I tried to cut and paste again, but it did not work, so I get to type it all in).

The Peace and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

Over the past three years, you have opened your homes and hearts to us. We came as outsiders and you continue to shower us with your love and prayers, just as you have received our love and prayers. As you know, our family has had a hard time physically because of health problems and concerns with the lack of available health care. As prayers for guidance and healing continued, a position opened up in Anchorage at Immanuel Presbyterian Church as Interim. I have agreed to accept the position at Immanuel so we will be closer to health care providers. This is not an easy decision, nor is this an easy letter to write.

There will be a congregational meeting called for Sunday February 7th following the morning worship service to dissolve the pastoral relationship effective as of February 28, 2010. My last Sunday in the pulpit will be Sunday February 21st; then we will leave February 25th for the Presbytery of Yukon Meeting in Anchorage.

I know these transitions are always hardest on the congregation; but the congregation just elected two strong classes of church officers of Deacons and Session Elders. They will be able to lead you on this journey as you await your new Interim Pastor. It is my prayer that you will continue to seek the Holy Spirit to fill you and show you the direction of the path God the Father and Jesus Christ has set before you. I know you will prevail, for God is always with you.

In the love, peace and name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Rev. Ian MacInnes-Green

Denial Is a River in Egypt

Grace, greetings and Happy New Year.

I realize that it has been a while since I have written. A couple of things come into play for this; one I write things out in my head while I am away from the computer, and then when I arrive at the computer, I lost what I wanted to write. Two, as I look back on the past six or seven months, I need to come to terms and admit that I was more depressed than I had realized. (Yes, I was on medication throughout the time, just as I have been most of my adult life).

The depression was different this past year than in other times in my life, which is why I had a hard time seeing the depression for what it really was. Usually, along with my depressive moods and lack of energy, I would have the depressive thoughts as well. But this time, my moods varied and the thoughts were not so depressing; it was more that I did not have the energy to do the things I wanted or needed to do; like keep in contact with others outside of Barrow, via email, telephone or this blog.

Now comes the point in life where I need to move forward; there is nothing I can do about the past. As one person keeps reminding me, in the Bugs Bunny comics, Bugs would pop up out of the ground with a map in hand and say: "I knew I should have turned left at Albuquerque." It was there and then that the adventure started, not returning to the point of the wrong turn. So where do I go from here?

I am not sure where the new year will take us, but I know that God will be a part of it all. I continue to invite you to be a part of it.

Peace and blessings.