This past Sunday, I finished up my work as the lead pastor at Lockwood Community Church in Coldwater, MI. I have been in this role, in this place, with these people for 35 years. I did not end my service here because I wanted to move on to something better, nor because I was unhappy. I ended my work here because I believed the Lord instructed me to do so.
Below is a video of our Ministry Celebration. I was touched to hear friends, only and new, and our secretaries, administrative assistants, and especially our sons share. I hope you will find the video encouraging. If you only have a short time, watch our sons and they speak briefly (at 42:24).
We will spend at least a year away from Lockwood, giving the new pastor a chance to get settled. Then, if he and the church’s elders believe it would be helpful, we would like to return. In the meantime, we hope to spend time with another church family, serving, encouraging, and being built up. I also hope to work on a novel set in the early 18th century Germany, England, and America – but more about that later.
The Way Home 
Shayne and Karen you truly will be missed, but I feel Kevin will do a fine job and the church will grow and keep going. If you listened to his first sermon, I am sure you are so proud he did a great job. Walked away feeling everything will be ok.
Blessings to you both and hope you will enjoy your family in Texas and will find your calling again. Am sure God will lead you on the next adventure in your life.
God Bless you,
Walt and Janet Lane
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Thanks, Walt and Janet. We will miss our church family more than we can say, but we will see one another again before too long.
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Oh hope so.
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Shayne and Karen you truly will be missed, but I feel Kevin will do a fine job and the church will grow and keep going. If you listened to his first sermon, I am sure you are so proud he did a great job. Walked away feeling everything will be ok.
Blessings to you both and hope you will enjoy your family in Texas and will find your calling again. Am sure God will lead you on the next adventure in your life.
God Bless you,
Walt and Janet Lane
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