God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
may the Shepherd’s care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.

The lovely hymn God be with you till we meet again was composed and based
on the origins of the word “good-bye,” which means “God be with you.” It is
traditionally sung as a benediction as ministers take their leave from a
congregation. The four verses and the chorus are essentially a parting
blessing and a prayer. (Source Hymnary.org.) Verse 1 (printed above) prays
that God will guide and uphold you and that the Shepherd’s care (the love of
Jesus) will enfold you. These words were inspired by Paul’s parting words to
the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:32 where he says: “Now I commit you to God
and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheri-
tance among all those who are sanctified (made holy).” Therefore, it seems
both appropriate and fitting to share all these words as I take my leave of you
and as I move onto pastures new in 2024. As I do so, may I take this
opportunity once again to say a big thank you to you all for your love,
support, prayers, and encouragement that you have shown me as your pastor
and for your friendship which will of course continue. I leave you trusting in
the knowledge that God will lead His church here at Whitehouse in the
coming months as you continue to be beacons for Jesus and make him
known; and with this prayer and closing blessing for you all: May God’s loving
counsel guide and uphold you; may the Shepherd’s care enfold you; may God
give you His peace now and always; and may God be with you till we meet
again Amen.

Ongoing prayers, blessings and love,

Robert x