It is hot in Southern Illinois! But then again it is July 4th eve. Our 2020 pandemic continues to be a daily learning experience. Forty states are experiencing extreme spikes in COVID-19 cases, with yesterday being over 50 thousand new cases within 24 hours. When I think of planning for the future I am struck with the uncertainty and the black-hole that the Coronavirus has presented us with. It is a time that we must follow the expert advice of our health care professionals and rely upon the gift of wisdom from God.
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I have been a member of First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale for 22 years…and when I became a member I thought that I was old… In those days our church had three boards; Session, Deacons, and Trustees. I had not been a member a year when my friend, Barbara and our Interim Pastor, Karen, came to visit me in my office at the Physical Plant to ask me if I would consider becoming a member of the Trustees. I was so moved by Barbara’s pleading with me…that I reluctantly accepted. I remember being in a trustee meeting on the evening of 9/11. I have always been a reluctant candidate for church leadership. Even in the early days of serving on the trustees I had been involved in church leadership for 30 years. I am convinced that there are others much more qualified than I for any leadership role…and that bedrock belief is a cloak that I wear proudly!
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Recently I was asked if I would serve on the Session, which is the board of church members who are the elected representatives that comprise the governance of the local Presbyterian Church. I said that I would…and forgot to mention that I would do so for a year rather than the 3 years of a typical term. You see, that I am very serious about my firm understanding that I have little to offer and my abilities are meager. A year of my 3 years has come and gone and I have been ruminating on a humble and delicate way to say that my time is over.
From the beginning of my Session service, this time, I have been struck with the humility and sincerity of my colleagues and are Interim Pastor, Kerry. We had a Zoom meeting earlier this week and I was blown away with the consideration that Kerry exhibited for differing of opinions and the welfare of all members of the group! I mentioned that I have been involved with church government and assisting pastors for over 50 years. I have not witnessed a more compelling example of a pastors heart…than what I saw and felt from Pastor Kerry!
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In days gone by I have been a first hand witness of over reaching and arm twisting and hidden agendas in the christian community. Earlier this week I was a member of a group that God was in the midst of…
And so I will hold on a little longer…because I want to see and be a part of what happens next…and Christ will not let me go…
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