In his Christian classic, Life Together Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer."  Bonhoeffer cautions the young pastors, to whom he is writing, never to take this for granted.  Christian community, to have people near to support, challenge, admonish, teach, nurture and comfort; people who will rejoice when you rejoice and grieve when you grieve; people who will share the love of God, is a precious gift from God.

This was certainly made clear on Sunday, with the moving offering of music in our worship; the joy filled reception, including the delicious cake; the wonderful painting of our church, which will have a prominent place in my new office; the generous gift; and, the countless thoughtful comments and letters, acts of kindness and warm hospitality, we have received, particularly these past few weeks.  For the better part of twelve years, we have enjoyed the blessing of "life together" here in Monmouth.

As I have mentioned, our family is grateful for having had this time together, especially for your influence upon our children.  As many of you have shared, they became your children.  This, I believe, has more to say about who you are, as people of faith, than who they are.  For, we have seen the care and concern you have shown our children shared with other children in the church, as well.

Your kindness and compassion are demonstrated daily, not only to our family of faith, but to countless others.  You read regularly in the newsletter about the work you are supporting through Kandithankulam, Jamieson Center or the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  You hear tell of the activities of our children and youth, receiving and sharing the love of Jesus Christ in countless ways.  You have had your spirits lifted by the glorious music in our worship.  You have enjoyed the warmth of our fellowship.  What you may not realize is how deeply your life together has changed people's lives.

In the process of packing, I am having to sort through countless cards.  Most of the cards are filled with notes about how your ministry has made a difference.  Many are related to the pastoral care you provided in times of sorrow and grief, when a person was desperately ill or a family member died.  However, you might also be surprised by the number of letters that came from people who were in jail; who were going through a difficult time in their marriage; or, who were repenting of poor life choices.  Yes, I actually have a card that says, "Thank you for the repentance sermon."  I have also had people, some no longer members, stop by my office and thank me for sharing in the ways God has changed their life, through the ministry of this congregation.  I know Margie has had similar cards and comments.

I hope you noticed, in sharing this illustration, I focused on how these cards reflected your ministry not ours.  Yes, Margie and I, other staff and volunteers, are often the vessels through which much of your ministry is fulfilled, but it is still your ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, as the people of Faith United.  This is important.  Pastors come and go.  Sadly, so do some churches.  When the pastor leaves, the ministry continues.  When the congregation leaves, the ministry leaves with it.

If you have heard me say nothing else for twelve years, you have heard me say this.  Your evangelism and your financial support of this congregation are the two greatest challenges you face.  This should not be, not because you have too much to lose, but because you have so much to offer, as the people of Faith United.

Godspeed,

Pastor Myers

revhaggis1@hotmail.com