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.  

Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com

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!  

Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.com

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!  

Photo by Ekrulila on Pexels.com

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…

Photo by Zukiman Mohamad on Pexels.com