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A Message from Pastor Jeff,
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
After worship Sunday I leave for Louisville for
a Seminar entitled, “New Vision for the Long
Pastorate.” Before attending I’m to write a
couple of papers reflecting on my ministry with
you here in Pickerington these last seven plus
years. It has me thinking! At dinner several
months ago, a member remarked, “You’ve only been
here seven years, it feels like forever.” She
said it as a compliment! Others may think:
“seven plus years – will we ever be rid of him!”
After all we get rid of presidents after eight
years. Next year I’ll be into my third cycle of
a three-year lectionary; I often ask myself,
“Have I told that story before, have I used that
quote recently?” I wonder, “Can I offer a fresh
word to you who have heard me often?”
We’ve traveled a long road together: some I’ve
confirmed are now married; others who I came to
love moved away, joined another church or died.
I’ve held your hands and prayed with you. You
applauded when I announced my engagement to Sue
and many helped with the wedding, you prayed
with and supported both of us when we each lost
our mothers.
There are more of us now than when I arrived and
we’re a more diverse lot. One thing that drew
me to POP was the age diversity – when I look
out on so many congregations they look the same
– some churches are filled with gray and bald
heads while others seem to be all families and
children and not a senior in sight. The
spanning of ages that brought me delight when I
first arrived has expanded to include diversity
of race and culture. I see the scripture “they
will come from east and west and from north and
south and sit at table in the kingdom of God”
lived out in our common life.
The
Pastor Search Committee affirmed my prior
mission experience saying the congregation
wanted to get more involved in mission. We have
– mission trips, POP Arts, Food Pantries,
Habitat, Red Cross and a host of other
opportunities. As we’ve grown we’ve also added
new ministries like the DOG and Bell Choirs and
Rockin’ Praise, Women’s Circles and dining out
groups. If it weren’t for dedicated volunteers
we would not have the white house for church
school and mission. These have been challenging
and growing years!
Where do we go from here? Where will our
journey together take us? What new ministries
does God ask us to accept? What new challenges
need to be faced? Are we willing to work
together in patience and love, can we accept the
changes, the divided votes, the set backs as
well as the successes? And are we willing to
risk or sacrifice for Christ’s church here in
Pickerington? We’ve got challenges before us –
in worship, regarding building and location, and
growth and program issues! As I reflect and
pray for God’s guidance for the years ahead I
invite you to join me in prayer and reflection.
Where will we be eight years from now!
God
Bless,
Pastor Jeff
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