I finally retired for good last year. I wondered if my usefulness was depleted. But as I just completed a new Master’s degree in Religious Studies this week, I realize that in retiring, I opened new doors that will bring new beginnings. So, retirement is not an end; it’s a strategic career move.
Seeing my name on the Commencement program was amazing and joyful, but what now, I ask? I started class last month to become a Lay Servant Minister in our church, which requires me to study new precepts and doctrines and take classes, so I can preach and teach in the denomination. It is an opportunity that I would miss if I stayed working. It is a door that I never saw coming open.
Retirement is a time of renewal, not of loss. It frees us to try new tasks and reach our fullest potential. It is a move toward purpose and being all the Lord calls us to be. Philippians 1:6 states, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Retirement means moving from the old to the new, taking on new duties, and reaching to fulfill all of our purpose. I am not looking for a salary as much as to be all I can be while in the land of the living.
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Help from Heaven 
Congratulations by the way are you a part of the United Methodist Church
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Yes, I am. I joined my husband last year at the UMC from aBlack Baptist church where I was an associate minister. It is so sad what has happened to the UMC. Our church lost about 70 percent of the members. It is awful. I am praying about where God wants me, but I won’t leave because of gays and lesbians. My grandson is gay. Thank you. I will miss going to class and writing papers. I finished graduate school with 4.25 because I love writing essays and looking up new research. But, I will let the Lord guide me.
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Wonderful to hear what you have accomplished. The UMC has always been open hearts, open minds, open doors. I believe that the Lord wants us to accept everyone regardless of who they are because he knows our hearts and not humans. I have been in journey to become a local pastor however having a daughter who is chronically ill it’s on hold and when or if I should continue my education is in the Lord’s hands. I have been blessed to preach in many churches and I have met many wonderful people. I am part of the New Jersey conference.
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Congratulations on your graduation
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