12/31/2023
Today, 12-31-2023, at 10:45 AM I will preach my final sermon at Inter-Community Church of God in Covina, CA. I have been blessed to serve here for 26 full years.
My theme is "Relieved, Not Retired" which comes from a scene at the end of the 2009 Star Trek where James Tiberius Kirk is promoted to Captain assigned to replace Captain Christopher Pike on the Star Ship Enterprise.
Pike is recovering from the assaults he has faced, and as Kirk is assigned to the Enterprise to relieve Captain Pike, Kirk greets Pike by saying "Captain Pike, I relieve you," to which Captain Pike says, "I am relieved,"
So, following this morning's sermon and the potfaith meal following, it is my turn to say "I am relieved." I leave the church in God's hands, and for the leadership that God provides.
I am grateful for all that has happened here for the Kingdom of God over 26 years I have been privileged to serve as Pastor. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of so many, inside and outside the congregation, and grateful to God for allowing me this extended blessing.
I am not retired, however: the call of God is still on my life, and I will continue to serve as God allows. May the Grace of God be with you all.
-Dave Collett