A Time of Transition

9th March, 2008

To the Saints Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian BERMUDA

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

Some of you have been around for a lot longer than I have. So perhaps you won’t be surprised that Paulette and I have been in Bermuda for almost 8 years. 8 years – it hardly seems possible. Yet, on these lovely islands, inhabited for the most part by loving, welcoming people – time does fly.

After a few years you start thinking, “Yes, I could stay here forever. I love Bermuda.” I think that most people who come here come to feel that way. And of course a minister, and his wife, who are closely involved with the lives of Bermudians in their church family, perhaps we get to feel it more than accountants, actuaries and chefs.

“Yes I could stay here forever.”

But very wisely the Bermuda government gives us a reality check. “Sorry you can’t stay here forever.” Because you know if they allowed everyone who would like to stay here forever, actually stay here forever, your little islands would start to resemble an ants’ nest. And it’s really the kindest way to tell you sooner rather than later that you can’t really stay forever. A couple of years ago Immigration rules restricted guest workers to a six year term limit. So you see I have really been blessed to enjoy 2 years beyond the regular term limit.

For the past year or two, Paulette and I have been weighing our options. Would we apply to stay for one more year? Would we seek new opportunities back home in Canada?

What direction was God leading us in?

We loved Bermuda, but could only stay for another year if we applied. Our children and grandchildren love to visit us here – but it’s so expensive – we would see them all more often if we lived closer. I’m not getting any younger – I turned 56 on Wednesday. Most churches in Canada would hope that they could get at least 8-10 years from a minister before retirement. Opportunities for ministry would perhaps start to disappear if I spent any more years out of sight and out of mind.

And we have had a very good ministry together – you and me – we have done a lot over the last eight years.

Our congregation is younger and more diverse. Our worship has become more informal and relaxed, blending traditional and contemporary elements. We finished Andrew’s Place after years of blood, sweat and tears. Your church is now on a good footing to go forward into the future. You have a more youthful and entrepreneurial leadership team.

Perhaps God was telling us that it was a good time to be moving on. Two weeks ago I preached in the pulpit of Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church in Toronto. The folk there need a minister. They’re very much like you – working and middle class folk – no big shots – Koreans and Chinese, Africans and West Indians, Columbians and Filipinos and a bunch of Scottish, Irish and just plain ordinary Canadians.

After meeting me during a weekend which was like a three day interview punctuated by lots of eating (I told you that they’re very much like you), the congregation issued a unanimous call to me to come to them as their Minister.

They’re hoping to see us up there in August. I expect we’ll be leaving Bermuda soon after my work permit expires on July 10th.

Over the three months or so that we have left I would very much like us to celebrate what we have achieved; to enjoy our friendship (that won’t come to an end I hope); and to rejoice together in gratitude for what God has done, and is doing in your midst.

I give thanks to God for each one of you and for the amazing way that God has used your gifts.

And friends this is not goodbye – just “fare thee well”. Bermuda and Canada are not in different universes. We expect to see you in Toronto, and we hope that we’ll see you down here in the years to come.

I feel the need to quote a song from that immortal song smith Kris Kristofferson – although he spends more time acting in Hollywood movies these days.

Your minister and friend,

Duncan