Monthly Calendar Driving Directions Pastor's Piece The Clarion Newsletter Service Schedule
Pastor's
Piece
| There are times when saying “Thank
you” just does not seem to be enough. I am honored and
humbled by the celebration of 20 years of ministry shared with you. Peace does have a special place in my heart and the hearts of my family. It is here that Katherine and Jonathan grew up and their lives were shaped. It was here that they found their surrogate aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins. It was here that we found caring and support in difficult times in our lives. I look at the list of numbers of baptisms and confirmations and weddings and funerals Mark compiled. I see more than numbers. I think of people with whom I have shared laughter and tears and frustrations and hopes and dreams. I think not just of the people in the numbers but their families. I think of many of you who also have been part of their lives. I look at the photos in the brochure and wonder how it is we have changed, yet look so much the same in spite of more or less hair, of changing hair color, of a few more inches in height or girth. (For those who have seen the brochure, yes, I am the shortest one in the black and white photo of my parents and older brother.) I think of the changes which have come to Peace during the 20 years: the music & worship, the new worship books, the changes to the facilities, the banners, the quilts and I wonder what it will be like in 20 more years. What is the legacy we are building to leave to the next generation? We stand, as it has been said before, upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us since the first worship service 118 years ago. But soon others will be standing on our shoulders. But key to it all is the shared faith we have in God who loves us, cares for us, inspires us, guides us. For that I give thanks and rejoice in your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now And I am sure that the one who began a good work in your will bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:5-6) Our ministry continues, although I am quite sure that we all won’t see 20 more years together which is why we need to be mindful of the legacy we are building. We can be mindful by the nurturing of our own faith, the faith of our children, and of each other through prayer, study of the scriptures, worship. We can be mindful by serving God in the world in all the places where we live, work, and play as we serve others, following the example of Jesus. We can be mindful as it says in the Service of Affirmation of Baptism, by striving for justice and peace. Or, in the words of the Prophet Micah, What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) Thank you. God be with you. Pastor Ron Kempe |