Pastor's Weekly Musing
Hey everyone!
I am continually overwhelmed by the love and resilience that emanates from our community of faith. This church has journeyed through challenging times, faced unexpected departures, and navigated turbulent waters of change. Somehow, through it all — the highs and lows, the good news and bad, through all the joy and all the sorrow — you have remained steadfast in your love for one another and your devotion to our shared mission of being “a church that loves to declare and display the liberating power of the Gospel.”
Have you ever had such a deep ache in your soul, a sentiment or emotion that was almost impossible to describe, and then you read something that articulates that feeling perfectly and you say, “That’s it! THAT’S how I feel!” The Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica were exactly that to me this morning, when he wrote, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:8).
That NAILS it for me personally. You guys are easy to love. Easy to be on mission with. And easy to share our lives with. It’s a delight.
I have witnessed the extraordinary love, support, and unity within our congregation despite the changes and challenges we have faced recently. Your unwavering faith and commitment to love one another has been a true testament to the grace of God working in our midst.
I’m so proud of you all, so proud to be your pastor, so invigorated by seeing you stand firm in the faith and embrace the opportunities for growth and renewal that God has placed before us. By God’s grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, I am hopeful and assured that making much of Jesus will continue to be our focus and that we will do exactly that with great devotion and fruit.
Paul said In Philippians 1:3, “I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” I remember reading that years ago and thinking, “Seriously, Paul? You thank God EVERY time you remember them? Come on, man. You’re exaggerating.”
But Paul had been through some rough terrain with the flock in Philippi. Rugged, rough terrain. And his affection for the church through it all went to new levels after surviving it, levels he probably never knew he was capable of.
Today, I can truthfully say, “Ok, I get it, Paul.” My gratitude for you all has gone to heights I never knew were possible. And this gratitude and hope is built not only on experience but on Christ Himself, that “He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Portia and I love you all dearly.
I am continually overwhelmed by the love and resilience that emanates from our community of faith. This church has journeyed through challenging times, faced unexpected departures, and navigated turbulent waters of change. Somehow, through it all — the highs and lows, the good news and bad, through all the joy and all the sorrow — you have remained steadfast in your love for one another and your devotion to our shared mission of being “a church that loves to declare and display the liberating power of the Gospel.”
Have you ever had such a deep ache in your soul, a sentiment or emotion that was almost impossible to describe, and then you read something that articulates that feeling perfectly and you say, “That’s it! THAT’S how I feel!” The Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica were exactly that to me this morning, when he wrote, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:8).
That NAILS it for me personally. You guys are easy to love. Easy to be on mission with. And easy to share our lives with. It’s a delight.
I have witnessed the extraordinary love, support, and unity within our congregation despite the changes and challenges we have faced recently. Your unwavering faith and commitment to love one another has been a true testament to the grace of God working in our midst.
I’m so proud of you all, so proud to be your pastor, so invigorated by seeing you stand firm in the faith and embrace the opportunities for growth and renewal that God has placed before us. By God’s grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, I am hopeful and assured that making much of Jesus will continue to be our focus and that we will do exactly that with great devotion and fruit.
Paul said In Philippians 1:3, “I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” I remember reading that years ago and thinking, “Seriously, Paul? You thank God EVERY time you remember them? Come on, man. You’re exaggerating.”
But Paul had been through some rough terrain with the flock in Philippi. Rugged, rough terrain. And his affection for the church through it all went to new levels after surviving it, levels he probably never knew he was capable of.
Today, I can truthfully say, “Ok, I get it, Paul.” My gratitude for you all has gone to heights I never knew were possible. And this gratitude and hope is built not only on experience but on Christ Himself, that “He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Portia and I love you all dearly.
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