I’m sure by now you’ve heard that I’m retiring this summer; in fact, you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about it. I promise neither to gloat nor to rub salt in whatever wounds there are, but here are some things to be said about my upcoming transition. First, although I’ve given reasons for retiring in the email or letter you received last week, I really didn’t spell out my plans or how these plans came about. When Debbie and I started to think seriously about retirement a couple of years ago, we consulted with Mark Kleindienst, our (and maybe your) Thrivent Financial agent. Mark has managed most of our investments since we arrived in Wayne 24 years ago, and he has done a splendid job. Much to our delight, he told us that we could afford to retire when I turn 65. When our cheering and high-fiving ceased, he posed a very serious question: “what do you plan to do in retirement?” The obvious answer was: “not work,” but we realized almost immediately that we hadn’t given much thought to how we’d occupy our time when we were no longer employed.

I’ve seen many people through retirement over the years, and it surprises me that Mark’s question hadn’t occurred to us earlier. People who don’t consider how they’ll occupy their time in retirement often find retirement dull and dreary. Couples who haven’t prepared themselves emotionally for retirement frequently discover the true meaning of the adage, “familiarity breeds contempt.” Long-term marriages suffer because of poor planning, and sometimes they even fail.

Mark gave us a lot to think about, and think we did. When I mentioned my retirement in a Facebook post yesterday, and a friend from college asked, “What happens next?” I found myself typing furiously as I organized my future aspirations for the first time. “We bought a place outside of York (PA). We have lots of yard work and some painting to do. We’re going to see a lot more of the kids and their families. We’re going to walk and ride our bikes as much as we can – it’s a great neighborhood for both, and there’s a fabulous rail trail nearby. We’ll explore PA Dutch country and volunteer at community events and maybe at a local tourist railroad or museum. We’re going to look for a church home. I’m planning to build a new train layout, write some model railroading articles, and get involved in railroad historical societies. We’re going to

enjoy having days off together and getting weekends back [with the exception of time spent in worship, of course!]. In a year or two I may offer my services as a supply preacher, a visitation pastor, or even an interim pastor at a vacant church.” It occurred to me later that I’d like to play the ukulele and maybe even the guitar a lot more than I have recently. Of course, Debbie has aspirations of her own, and we’ll undoubtedly find other things to do that haven’t yet dawned on us.

Again, thanks to Mark Kleindienst we’ve been making plans. But Mark, while he deserves much of the credit, doesn’t deserve it all. Many of you retirees at St. Timothy have inspired us as well. From the time my tenure began, I’ve been mightily impressed by our retired members. For many years the Property Committee consisted almost entirely of retirees, and the Monday Morning crew performed services that most congregations pay professionals handsomely to do. St. Timothy’s gardeners have likewise been mostly seniors and have worked tirelessly in the blazing summer sun and bone-chilling autumn breezes. Retirees have held memberships on council and numerous church committees, have prepared and served church dinners, have functioned as our IT department (you know who you are!), and have gathered to sew quilts and study scripture. Many of our Heart ‘n Hands volunteers are seniors, and retirees have represented St. Timothy on the board of the Wayne Interfaith Network. Moreover, many of our retirees have interests and activities in addition to their church work, such as: traveling; caring for grandchildren; taking on new physical challenges (one of our members hiked the entire Appalachian Trail after retiring); volunteering at local hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, and social service agencies; taking advantage of educational opportunities; even starting new business ventures. In so many ways, they have taught me that (new) life begins at 65 or at whatever age we retire.

The Psalmist says of the righteous: “They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap…” (Ps. 92:13-14). We learn by example, and the example set by the people of St. Timothy has been truly outstanding. I thank my many mentors at St. Timothy; I rejoice that they – you! – have taught me by their energetic retirements and tireless service!

In Jesus’ name,

Pastor Robert M. Mountenay