June 23, 2021
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south… they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, from his wonderful works to humankind. – Psalm 107:2-3; 28-31
This week marks the completion of 2 years of ministry as the pastor of St. Mark. Reflecting back sometimes it seems as though I have been among you much longer, and at other times I feel like I still have just arrived. We might all agree that the past two years have been quite the challenge, especially as we have navigated through a global pandemic. Through all we have encountered I’m reminded of the gathering hymn written by Charles Wesley, often sung at times of Christian conferencing; “And Are We Yet Alive.”
Wesley writes of how in the midst of all of life’s ebbs and flows we yet remain to see one another again, we know that there are some whom we have lost along the way, but by the wonderful grace of God, we are here on the other side, despite all previous trouble, trial, tribulation, to assemble for God’s glory here.
We know the hardships this church has faced in recent years as well as years long gone by, at the same time we know that wonderful things that have occurred in this place, and among our people to bring glory to God in both the hard times as well as the good. In all things, we can be reminded that God is working to gather us together, that we might give thanks for the steadfast love that leads us on. God’s wonderful works keep us remembering that there is more wonder and beauty that is still to come as we work together to see His kingdom come.
I’m grateful for the love and support you have all given me over these past two years, and I’m looking forward to starting a third year knowing God will see even greater things happen among the people of St. Mark.
Grace & Peace,
Sam