Pastor Jim’s Parting Message (June 2026)

Dear Friends,

The history of the way we part from one another has long involved sharing hopes for good things for those we leave behind. The words we use at parting often carry blessings for those we may no longer see again. Even words like “goodbye” and “farewell” contain wishes for goodness and well-being. There are many others which convey similar intentions: bon voyage, Godspeed, peace, and many more. We speak them so often that perhaps we miss their meaning. Every time we say those words, we impart a blessing upon friends and family as we part.

We also have words like benediction and eulogy for times of parting. Both words mean essentially the same thing in different languages — Latin and Greek: “good words.” It seems we cannot leave one another without sharing words of blessing at the departure. Even at the end of life, our words are words of grace and peace.

And so the time has come for a parting of ways. The Sands family must depart for new adventures in a new place, and the churches of Aliquippa First and Monaca United Methodist will begin a new journey with new pastoral leadership.

As we part ways, allow me to share a benediction from my favorite theologian, Fred Rogers…

It’s such a good feeling to know you’re alive.
It’s such a happy feeling, you’re growing inside.
And when you wake up ready to say,
“I think I’ll make a snappy new day.”
It’s such a good feeling, a very good feeling
A feeling you know that we’re friends.
You always make each day a very special day. You know how — by just you being yourself.
There’s no one else in the world like you. And I like you just the way you are.

And so friends, unto God’s mercy we commend you. And the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, each one, this day and unto ages of ages. Amen.

God loves you, and so do I,
Pastor Jim

Please join Monaca and Aliquippa UMCs on Sunday, June 7th in giving Pastor Jim, Kristen, Ryan, and Molly a proper send-off. We’ll have a catered lunch and fellowship after 11am worship at Monaca UMC (approximately Noon).