I CELEBRATE GOD’S GIFT

On February 4 I celebrated my seventy-fifth year of life. In September I will have been ordained for 48 years.

THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS A PASTOR

I enjoyed 38 years in the pastoral ministry. I was fortunate to serve three different churches, be an associate, be a single pastor, head a multi-staff church. While there were the usual ups and downs, I have never regretted for a moment having responded to God’s call, nor did I ever doubt that indeed God did call me. I am proud to be part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and because of my Reformed Theological foundation, and my reading of Scripture, I never expected the church to be perfect or meet my expectations. I have experienced God repeatedly work through the “clay pot” that is the church demonstrating that the glory belongs to God and not our perfect faith. I have been richly blessed by the entire experience.

SUPPORT OTHER CLERGY

Shortly before I retired, I was invited to become part of the Presbytery Pastoral Care Network, www.pastoralcarenetwork.org , and sensed God’s new call to me in retirement to focus my energies on finding ways to support the health of other clergy. Since my retirement in 2006, I’ve been able to focus my energies in that direction. I’ve either lead or spoke at several national conferences and synod retreats providing strategies for nurturing clergy. I’ve been able to publish seven books with practical suggestions to nurture and support ministry and also enjoyed the fun of publishing a mystery novel, A STAR AND A TEAR, In addition I have published a book on the Psalms and on Matthew that I think can be used by clergy in their ministry. If you go to www.smccutchan.com , you can not only see the books that I’ve published but also my weekly blog  that explores ways for us as clergy to be healthy. You are probably reading this blog now.

I invite you to subscribe to the blog and peruse the books as possible resources for your ministry or for supporting a friend in the ministry.

I am currently completing the draft of a new psychological thriller, BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, that explores in story form how the church can approach the violence in our society.

I’M BLESSED BY GOD’S CALL

As I look back on my life, I can identify places where the invisible hand of God has touched me and invited me to a fuller life in God’s service. I continue in good health and look forward to continuing to respond to God’s call. If there are ways that I can be of service to you, either as a clergy or a person who is friends of clergy, I invite you to contact me.

My prayer for you is that you can sense God’s presence in your life inviting you to a fuller life and a faithful witness.