Pastor Ivy

to Retire

Dear St. Timothy friends and family,

It’s still Easter, and we continue to celebrate our Lord's victory over sin, death and the devil. This year, Easter fell on my son, Christian’s birthday, April 20. In this part of the world, we tend to think of holy days as one and done. We celebrated Easter, and that’s it for another year. However, the church calendar is very different from the calendar of this world. 

It is the living Christ and his continuing presence that lead and guides us. Ray and I have been wanderers ever since we got married. I moved from Rochester, NY, to Rhode Island, where we lived for five years. Then it was off to seminary in Gettysburg, PA, for three years, with one year of internship in West Virginia. With continued discernment, I was assigned to the Upstate NY Synod. So, our next move was from Gettysburg to Portville, NY. There for just under three years, it was once again time to move. This time, we moved to Bemus Point. 

Bemus Point is the place we’ve lived in the longest. Our ten years with you have been a time of growth and change for all of us. Some of our members have joined the church triumphant. Others have moved. Change is the one constant in life.

I’ve told many people that the year I turned 69 marked the beginning of a year of discernment regarding if I would retire at 70 or continue on a few more years as pastor. Well, particularly in light of health issues from multiple falls, it became increasingly evident that I should retire. My official retirement date is August 1. My last day in the office is July 25, and my last Sunday is July 27. 

We will be relocating to Rochester to be closer to my daughter and son-in-law. In retirement, I expect to have plenty to do, such as covering for pastors who are away, but I will not overdo it. After all, it is retirement we’re talking about.

The thought of moving and leaving you and this beautiful area saddens us. However, God will lead us all, and God is good all of the time. I know and believe that God has good things ahead for us all.

In Christ’s love and care,

Pastor Ivy Gauvin

St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Dean Southwestern Conference