On Sunday, Oct. 27, I witnessed my pastor, Rev. Dr. Sarah Foulger, retire. A pastor that has confirmed me, baptized me, taken me to Guatemala City on a mission trip where I had the experience of a lifetime, been a friend to me, and taught me so much about the man above. It was sad to see such a wonderful human being, that God had placed in my life, retire from the Congregational church. It was also an eye-opening experience.

I walked into the church to see a full house. I didn’t know where to sit or who to sit next to. My mom had been in D.C. visiting my sister and my dad was on one of his long runs. I started to walk down the side aisle and I asked Holly Stover if I could sit next to her. With an instant smile she said, “yes.” We exchanged words on how Sarah has been the pastor for my whole church experience. As the sermon started, about half way through, something hit me: Not only have I been blessed with such an amazing role model and pastor, but I am also able to sit in my local church, stand and sing with my state representative, and experience a sense of community in a different way than I usually do in my everyday routine.

A community celebrating a great community member. Why am I writing about this? Although we complain sometimes about this small little peninsula of a town and do not always agree on everything, we are truly a family. A family that will call you out when you are wrong, that will check on you when you are suffering, and will gather to celebrate something great or someone great. Someone like Sarah Foulger.

Glory Blethen

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