Something completely breathtaking and wonderful happened today. The community got together and decided that they needed to say thank you to the church I currently serve for the work we have done in this community. The school board sent us a thank you note for the contributions we have made to the Fern Ridge School District. The Ministerial Association sent a message offering thanks for our membership and support. Other groups were represented at worship today when a speaker got up and shared the way our church has made a tangible difference in this community. And apparently there is more coming.
As the woman got up during announcements to speak I had no idea what was happening. Her mother is a member and this woman has attended very sporadically, and it was surprising to see her come over to make an announcement. As she spoke I felt my heart strangely warmed. The people of this community clearly understand what we have been doing, and how we have been striving to faithfully follow Jesus and to share God’s love with our neighbors.
This makes it so much harder to leave and so much easier to leave. I know that the work we have done has been felt and seen, and, in the case of the community meal, tasted. I know that there is more work to do here, but I also see that some of the things we have done have worked and I’m anxious and excited to try them in our new setting. I know the spirit will continue on in new and surprisingly holy ways here and in Sellwood.
I’m inspired and revived and hopeful and humbled that people have thought our ministry worthy of note. Today I feel like Buffy at the prom.
E
What a wonderful story and experience! Thank you for sharing! I'll be thinking of you during this time of transition and beginning!