It was five years ago—more or less—that Robert Lemon sent me a note asking whether I might contact a friend of his who was moving to Oregon. This friend was resigning as Minister of the Modesto Christian Church and taking a job with "Youth Builds" in Corvallis. The name of the friend was Jerry Burd.

      I wrote Jerry, offering what aid I could, including an invitation to stay at our home for a few days while he settled in. He wrote back, accepting my invitation.
      So, one day the doorbell rang and there stood a fellow who introduced himself as Jerry Burd. It turned out that his wife, Lynda, was staying in Modesto with their daughters and dogs until the school year ended, or until Jerry found a place for them to live. As we talked about things the invitation to stay was extended. Jerry ended up staying about 6 months.

      There were times to talk about the ministry, its good and bad, especially problems that made the institutional church a difficult arena in which to work. Jerry was going through the process of putting the dreams he had for ministry behind him and moving on.

      Move on he did. First he began to get acquainted with his new job. He worked under the umbrella of an organization called Community Consortium. It is a government-related enterprise that serves different kinds of needs. Jerry came on because of his background in social services and carpentry. He would set up building projects, recruit teachers and supervisors, recruit high school dropouts, and build houses for low-income people. And that's just what he did.

      In addition, Jerry had to write grants to fund his projects. He learned how to do that successfully, and to help other projects find funding. He won respect and promotions.

      While awaiting Lynda's move from California Jerry found other occupations. Needing some extra income he took on some carpentry jobs. He also took on an evening job as a telephone canvasser. Not one of anyone's all time career favorites. But he did it night after night with patience that only a minister who has been used to hearing people say "no" can have.

      Another thing Jerry did was go out exploring. One place he explored was a local winery—Bellefountain Winery—where he became friends with Rob and Jeanne Mommsen. He was soon involved as a volunteer winemaker.

      Jerry missed Lynda and his dogs, so finally found a place that would accept all of them, and moved out of our house. She wanted to do some work, hopefully with animals in a vet clinic or kennels. She soon found a job in a veterinarian's business. Her main job was cleaning out kennels. It soon became clear that this job didn't have a future. She moved on to an office manager's position. She figured out that the company really didn't need her position, so she looked further. Finally she landed a great job in the front office at the Corvallis School District. Like Jerry, Lynda established herself and became a highly valued employee.

      They bought a house and fixed it up. They made friends. Lynda did some art. She had some shows. They had parties in their home. Jerry did some weddings and child blessings and baptisms. He also did some Solstice and Equinox services at the vineyard. We listed him as a "Moment Minister," because that is what he was. Jerry got involved with Habitat for Humanity, something he had done in Arizona. He is finishing his term as Chair of the Benton County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

      But now they are flying off to New Mexico. They are seeking blue skies and new challenges. They are following a dream. They are hoping to have a winery. They have proved that people can make mid-life changes. They have demonstrated what willingness to risk and to work can produce. They have lived out an internal faith and spirit. They have shown how one can enter a community and make a difference and establish relationships to such a depth that when they fly away they will be greatly missed.
 

A CELEBRATIVE "FLY AWAY" PARTY for Lynda and Jerry will be held Wednesday, June 9 at the Bellefountain Cellars (25041 Llewellyn Rd – 2 miles West from Bellfountain Road) gathering at 6 PM. Salmon Barbecue provided to accompany a Potluck Supper. Jointly sponsored by Moment Ministries and Bellefountain Cellars. Save the date