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Dear Old Donation,
The oyster roast was so epic, it should be in all caps: THE OYSTER ROAST. The Bounce House. The oysters, pickles and Brunswick Stew - gourmet. Baked goods to boot. A book room to challenge a librarian, and white elephant stuff on steroids. You all are amazing, truly. I hear you made a lot of money which I know will be 100% put to good Outreach use. It is something for you all to be proud of for all the right reasons. It’s a shining example of what The Church can be for itself, the community and for the world. Thank you.
Well, it’s been 7 months with you. It is my last Chimes (insert a heavy sigh here). Even though it is time for me to say goodbye, I won’t do it. Why? My mother, 100% Dutch, taught my siblings and me the Dutch way to say goodbye. Instead of saying ‘goodbye,’ we say, “See you later.” So Dutch for “see you later” is tot ziens.
Since one of my favorite farewell scenes comes from The Sound of Music, I’ve taken the liberty to change up the lyrics for you:
The Children:
There’s a sad sort of clanging
From the bell in the lot
And the sanctus bells in the church balcony, too;
And over from her office
An earnest little Rev
Is popping out to say “boo-hoo.”
(Boo-hoo, boo-hoo.)
Sincerely she tells you
And firmly she compels you
To keep the faith . . .
So long, farewell,
Auf Wiedersehen, good night.
Marta:
I hate to go and leave my friends in Light.
Children:
So long, farewell, (DOK & Healing Prayer)
Auf Wiedersehen, adieu (Sundays @5, avec pets).
Kurt:
Adieu, (10:30 church) adieu (10:30 Gathering)
To yieu (Youth) and yieu (SCOPE) and yieu (Formation).
Children:
So long, farewell, (8am worship)
Au’voir, auf Wiedersehen.
Liesl:
I’d like to stay and taste my first fried oyster with gourmet pickles.
No?
Captain:
No!
Children:
So long, farewell,
Auf Wiedersehen, tot ziens.
Friedrich:
I leave and heave a sigh and say tot ziens! Tot ziens!
Brigitta:
I will miss you dearly, I cannot tell a lie.
Louisa:
I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly. (Not really but it’s nice alliteration).
Gretl:
The sun has gone to Eastern Shore Chapel and so must I.
Children:
So long, farewell,
Auf Wiedersehen,tot ziens.
tot ziens, tot ziens, tot ziens.
Guests:
tot ziens.
It has been an adventure, a lot of fun, and pure joy to be in your midst, to serve you. Thank you all. May God bless you by giving you the God-given desires of your hearts.
God’s Sweetest, Richest and Mighty Blessings,
Rev. Jean
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