How many times has it been lamented, “All good things must come to an end”?

Specifically, two good things have now come to an end here at Choctaw.

Billy VanCuren is stepping down from the eldership so that he and Judy can take full advantage of his retirement.  Just this week a “little bird” overheard Judy say, “Billy has been all around the world without me, but we have never gone around the country together”.

She and Billy have made plans to do just that, which is why Judy is also “retiring” from five and half fruitful years of working with the staff in the church office.

Of course as you would expect with Billy and Judy, this is certainly not the end of the good they are doing.  One of the main reasons for this synchronized changing of hats, is so that they can both be free to start a new venture doing mission work as Sojourners.  This new work will require them to be away from us for extended periods, but at least we know they will be returning home.  Well, that is as long as Jaelin doesn’t plan to go anywhere.  Ha!

Both will be missed as a shepherd and those of us working in the office will certainly miss Judy’s quiet presence, but we are thankful for sure to know that they will remain vibrant “living stones” (1st Peter 2:5) as a part of this congregation.

Officially, today, October 13th, 2013 is their last day of service in each of their respective areas.  They are, however, appropriately already gone on a trip to Texas to train for their future work as Sojourners even as you read this.

So, when they get back please be sure to congratulate them on their faithful and dedicated service to us and encourage them in their newfound work of serving others!

Yes, it would seem that all good things must come to an end.  With Billy and Judy of course, that just means that another good thing immediately begins!

Marty Kessler,

For the Elders