Kinda. Sorta. Maybe.
On July 1, I will retire from the active ministry after 36 years of honorable full time service.
Only, there's another chapter opening in my ministry career.
On July 1, I will begin to serve, in retirement, part time, two small rural country churches in rural northern Baltimore County, an easy drive from our new home in Hanover, PA.
Here's church number one, which has a 9 AM Sunday service:
I would give you the name of the church, but it's not officially announced yet.
Protocols, you know.
This old church was built in 1814, before my time, before any of us, for sure!
I am assured that no charter members are living.
Just think, this lovely rural church has been standing here, in the open farm country, for 195 years!
Wow, that's a long time.
And, it's the original building, built to last.
What a legacy of service and witness it has had all these years!
An officer of this church says don't drink too many fluids before coming to this church.
You see, there is no modern bathroom.
Well, there is a "privy," and that's okay with me, if I need it.
Now here's church number two, built years later, in 1871 (what were they waiting for?).
It has a 10:30 AM Sunday service:
Protocols, you know.
This old church was built in 1814, before my time, before any of us, for sure!
I am assured that no charter members are living.
Just think, this lovely rural church has been standing here, in the open farm country, for 195 years!
Wow, that's a long time.
And, it's the original building, built to last.
What a legacy of service and witness it has had all these years!
An officer of this church says don't drink too many fluids before coming to this church.
You see, there is no modern bathroom.
Well, there is a "privy," and that's okay with me, if I need it.
Now here's church number two, built years later, in 1871 (what were they waiting for?).
It has a 10:30 AM Sunday service:
Now, this fine church, with its fish scale shingles, warm red brick, bell tower with large church bell (which is still rung on Sundays!) is a jewel, too.
Look at the beautiful red azaleas blooming out front.
The sanctuary inside is quite beautiful with unique features.
There's a large parking lot at both churches.
This one, number two, has a large building attached to it in back for Sunday School, meetings, and a Pastor's Study.
And did I tell you, this one has a working, modern bathroom, in fact it has three of them.
I thought you might be wondering about that.
I am glad that these two churches have become available to serve, part time.
I am honored to take them under my pastoral wing, which can still flap a bit.
It will be a privilege to serve these two fine churches in "retirement."
We don't know know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.
Rev. Darryl C. Zoller, who is about to retire ... kinda, sorta, maybe.
Look at the beautiful red azaleas blooming out front.
The sanctuary inside is quite beautiful with unique features.
There's a large parking lot at both churches.
This one, number two, has a large building attached to it in back for Sunday School, meetings, and a Pastor's Study.
And did I tell you, this one has a working, modern bathroom, in fact it has three of them.
I thought you might be wondering about that.
I am glad that these two churches have become available to serve, part time.
I am honored to take them under my pastoral wing, which can still flap a bit.
It will be a privilege to serve these two fine churches in "retirement."
We don't know know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.
Rev. Darryl C. Zoller, who is about to retire ... kinda, sorta, maybe.
Comments
Beautiful church buildings, with great stories to tell no doubt. I hope for your sake there is life and energy in the congregations, with desires to be relevant and ministry oriented in the greater communities and world.
Congrats! Keep the updates going.