Eight Years And Counting!!
This coning Sunday, June 21 begins my 9th year as the pastor at Fields Chapel United Methodist Church. I was shocked as I began to count the years…really 8 years!!!! WOW, what a ride.
As with most anniversaries we take a moment to look back and review, it is no different for a Pastor. I am truly moved by the working God. What God has done. The lives God has touched. Probably what I am most impressed with is the work God did in spite of me.
I have learned so very much in the past 8 years. I have learned about smaller congregations…the gift they are, the power they have, the life the breaths every day, the working of the Spirit is undeniable. I have learned about simplicity…that God’s light shines through one candle just as bright as a thousand, that a choir of 6 that includes a 90 year old and a 5 year old, brings tears to your eyes, a study of 3 reminds you that “wherever two or more are gathered…there is love.” And I have learned that my pride and ego have no place in the service of our Lord. But that did not stop God for God has the ability to redeem all things, even me. Praise God!!
I am grateful for God’s redemptive power for myself and the church. God has much to do and I am thrilled to be working for such a great boss!!
God led me to the following scripture passage as God’s words for me this next year, my 9th, as I lead Fields Chapel.
Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control you hearts – a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. -Colossians 3: 12-15
The following words were also given to me and I share these with you as well…
The Five Watches
Watch your thoughts… they become words.
Watch your words… they become actions.
Watch your actions…they become habits.
Watch your habits… they become character.
Watch your character… it becomes your destiny.
May God’s will, be lived out through me, my thoughts, words, actions, habits and character, so it becomes all of our destinies!!
I have this scripture passage and poem on a bookmark and would love to send it to you if you would like. Please contact me through The Chapel.
