Happenings @ MESSIAH | JULY 2024

To my friends and family at Messiah,

I cannot believe a year has gone by already! It has been such a blessing, getting to know everyone here. There is never enough time or words to convey to each person how y’all have impacted my life and my future ministry. I had no idea what to expect when I was given the call to come to Clio. Of course, the first trial was figuring out how to say it, then the next was – where on earth is that? Now, I don’t think I can ever forget.

I’ve been honored to be here. I have joined the ranks of the previous 42 vicars that have gone before me, and now I must move on. There are so many things I’ve gotten to be a part of that have impacted my view of ministry and made me grow more than I ever could have imagined. Beyond that, I’ve been touched by the lives of people here, the family of believers at Messiah, and I will truly miss all of you. From my different Bible studies on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, to Hydrate, to the countless volunteers that helped with Trunk ‘r Treat, the Chili Cookoff, the Easter breakfast, the Mission Trip – all of y’all. I’ve been incredibly blessed to be connected to so many faithful believers here in Clio.

Just because my time has come to a close, does not mean that the work I have been a part of is over. The church as a body of believers will far outlive my time, and there is a new vicar to welcome in! He is a good friend of mine, and I hope that y’all will show him the same gracious welcome and stay here as you have done for me.

I used to never like the idea of saying “Goodbye,” because it always felt so cold and final. That was until I learned about the etymology behind the word. It is not simply an exclamation of saying “I’ll see ya,” but rather is a blessing in one phrase. Originally, it was “God be with ye,” a phrase spoken in the late 14th century, and influenced by the phrasing of “good-day” or “good evening.” Now, when I think of saying goodbye to anyone, I think of the blessing that is given – God be with y’all.

May God bless each one of you, and keep you in His care, now and always. If I don’t get to see you again on this side of heaven, I look forward to seeing all of you in the better life to come.

Daniel Bueckman

Vicar #43

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