Rev. Jon Strother, Sound District Superintendent
In his book, Aging: Growing Old In Church, Bishop Will Willimon reflects on the “whole new life” that awaits those who retire. He also notes that even when moving into the whole new life that launches in retirement, the followers of Jesus don’t retire from everything.
Your old life goes on without you. They somehow get by down at the office without your services. The school doesn’t fall apart after your last day in the classroom. You can’t get the old life back. You need to lay hold of a whole new life. I think those of us who are moving toward retirement (and isn’t that just about everyone here?) could do much more to prepare ourselves to make that transition to a whole new life. If our only life is our work, we are in big trouble unless we can find some new life after work. For Christians, to be retired is not to be unemployed or out of work. We can retire from being a paving contractor or a dishwasher, but we can’t retire from discipleship.
For me, these words took on a much deeper meaning when I submitted my retirement request letter to our bishop. That letter follows.
Bishop Shelton,
Though it seems a bit surreal, I am writing today to formally acknowledge my request to retire from full-time active ministry effective June 30, 2024. This will mark forty-two years of ministry under appointment for me in The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. In those years I have received far more grace than I could ever properly acknowledge here. Almost one-fourth of my appointed years have been lived out serving in superintendency; a tremendous honor. Thank you in particular for the privilege of serving this latest challenging, and yet, rewarding chapter of our Church’s life with you, and our wonderful cabinet team. Your kindness, caring and encouragement have strengthened us all. In so many ways, you and our cabinet are an extended family for me.
In these forty-two years I have been privileged to serve under seven episcopal leaders, all of whom have poured into me and served as shaping-agents in God’s work of sanctification. Bishops Cannon and Minnick placed hands on me and ordained me on behalf of Christ and the Church; first as Deacon, and then as Elder. Bishop Edwards warmly encouraged me, and then gently uprooted me to assist in planting a new church in Raleigh. Bishops Gwinn, Ward, and Fairley join you in granting me the privilege to serve the clergy and laity of the Raleigh/Capital, Sound, and Beacon districts. The clergy and laity of each of these districts have deepened and strengthened my faith.
While seeking the “retired” status, I hope to continue serving our annual conference in ways that will strengthen our shared life and ministries. Cathy and I plan to call Greenville our “home” in retirement. Cathy will continue to practice law a bit longer, which is a good thing for the people of eastern North Carolina. I hope to have a little more time to roam this world with cameras in hand, to listen to good stories and music, and to continue encouraging pastoral colleagues and laity. I will be seeking new ways to serve with, and on behalf of others, and by God’s grace – to run the next leg of the race set before me…
Yours In Christ,
Jon
photo credit: Jon Strother