After 39 years of serving five United Methodist churches, Reverend Steve Good concluded his pastoral ministry Sunday, Sept. 27.
Rev. Good preached on “Precious Memories” at a 9 a.m. combined worship at Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Oswego where he has served for 10 years. A reception in his honor followed the worship service. Retiring October 1, he is Good Shepherd’s 61st pastor since the church was founded in 1861.
Rev. said, “So much has happened in 10 years: births and deaths, illnesses and miraculous comebacks. So many of you have shared your stories with me and allowed me and the church to be part of that story. For that I am so grateful.
“As I approach my retirement, I have been keenly aware of the last times I’ll experience things as a pastor at Good Shepherd: Christmas, Holy Week/ Easter, Teaching Bible Studies, pastoral care, sacraments, funerals, weddings, etc. There is a finality to saying goodbye to a pastor that is similar to a death, with obvious differences.
“Abiding by United Methodist policy for former pastors, I will no longer be able to worship and fellowship with you, or be asked to do a baptism, a funeral, or a wedding. It may take some time to find peace with that, for all of us, but this is what Good Shepherd has done for 60 pastors before me.
“I know you will continue to thrive as a church, partnered with your new shepherd, Pastor Eunbae Doh. He will work with our other church leaders to continue to create a beloved community of faith where you already call home.
“In the meantime, imagine Kari and I enjoying retired life together. For me, this will include traveling, canoeing, visiting family, playing my banjo, climbing mountains and running marathons. I will certainly be remembering you. With a full heart, in Christ’s love, pastor Steve.”
Rev. Good grew up in Downers Grove. After a two-year student ministry experience assisting at Broadway UMC in Chicago, he was ordained in the Northern Illinois Conference in 1987. Since then he has served full time at Geneva UMC, First UMC Elgin, Sugar Grove UMC, Channahon UMC and Church of the Good Shepherd, Oswego.
—Al Benson