Like a lot of people of my generation the Forrest Gump soundtrack introduced me to some great American music. Among the songs on its soundtrack that have stuck with me is The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” With words taken verbatim from Ecclesiastes 3 it’s no surprise why it is on my mind as a group of us work through that book on Wednesday mornings.

The song’s lyrics, originally compiled by Pete Seeger, speak to the changing of seasons and the experience of time’s inevitable march. That there is a time and place for certain things, even sad things, resonates this week as we prepare to say goodbye to the Comiskeys. As Nick begins he’s new job as rector of Church of the Apostle in Raleigh, NC there is a lot to be excited for, but there’s also the real sadness of seeing he and Meg go. It’s time to say goodbye.  

We’ll have a chance tonight (see you at the Otts between 6:30 and 9) and this Sunday to corporately celebrate and send off the Comiskeys. I hope you can join in! I also wanted to take a moment to express how much I’ve enjoyed working with Nick and been blessed by he and Meg’s presence. Nick has faithfully and generously served our community. I will especially miss his wisdom, strength, sense of humor (!), and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in leadership. Meg has been a faithful and welcoming presence in our community, and I know she has blessed many of us with her generous friendship. Please keep Meg and Nick in prayer as they make this transition, for favor in this new role, and for the Lord to go before them as they move their lives. Pray also for us at COTC as we go through our own transition. 

One of the only words in the song that Seeger actually wrote himself is the command to turn, repeated throughout. In context it is a call to turn toward peace and acceptance. Each week in our study we have been asking how the text of Ecclesiastes points us to Jesus, the prince of peace. As we navigate what the Book of Common Prayer refers to as the “changes and chances of this life,” including saying goodbye to Meg and Nick, the encouragement we receive in Scripture and from the Spirit is to turn to Him - in prayer, with sadness, and in sure hope. Turn to the one who is our peace, by whom we have peace with God, and through whom we have peace that surpasses understanding even as the seasons change and time marches on. Whatever the season, it is always time to turn to Him. 

Turning with you, 

Peter+ 

Ps. I’ll leave it to you to make any connections between Forrest Gump’s bumbling but charmed protagonist and Nick!