"My ministry changes from a generalized practice to a more focused one, dealing with the elderly," said Faulkner. "We're quite sad to leave the area. We were in the process of putting down roots and developing some fine relationships. We really have mixed emotions leaving."
The congregation gave Faulkner and his family a fond farewell after services last Sunday in the church's hall. More than 120 people attended the ceremony, which touched the mild-mannered reverend.
"It was very humbling," Faulkner said. "It was nice to feel the outpouring of their kindness and caring. They are definitely people of grace, and they expressed it quite profoundly."
Faulkner said that he knew that the congregation had planned a gathering after his last services, but had no idea the turnout would be so large.
"I knew they were doing something, but I didn't expect a formal program and I never expected the turnout," Faulkner said. "My wife and I were deeply touched."
Dorothy Feitl is the chairperson of the transition committee that will look for a new pastor. A member of the church for her entire life, Feitl said that Faulkner had developed a good relationship with the community. "He is a man of compassion and a man who truly understands people," Feitl said. "In that position, he needs to have the ability to work with and relate with people, but Rev. Faulkner has a heart for Christian work and was able to preach and live the Gospel. He endeared himself to the congregation. We came to love him and his wife, Karen. They did a great job to continue on in our tradition."
Feitl said that finding a replacement will not be easy. "It took nearly three years to find him," she said.
"Hopefully, it won't take as long this time, maybe a year or so. I'm just happy that we were able to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to Rev. Faulkner. We bid him farewell and we wish him well. It will be hard to find someone who can continue to point us in the right direction, to keep us growing and functioning."
Feitl said the congregation will probably invite visiting ministers to conduct Sunday services until a permanent replacement is found.
Faulkner said that he plans to visit the congregation that he called home for the last three years. "I leave with fond and good memories, but I plan on getting back as often as possible," he said. "We've made a lot of friends in the area."
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