"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil.1:3-5).

While we were not surprised, we were still amazed. Rick and I knew what a wonderful group of disciples you were, but we were not prepared for how completely you would step in to make sure the daily privileges and responsibilities of the church would continue while we were gone. Amazing!

When we got the call Good Friday that Rick’s mother had a stroke, God began preparing the way for us to go be with her in Florida. As a pastor I had moments of angst at the thought of leaving with such important worship services immediately ahead, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise and Easter Communion. Those are services into which pastors pour extra time and energy so that God’s redemptive story of Jesus’ resurrection will be well told and experienced by all.

I happened to be having lunch with three congregation members, two of them elders, and by the time lunch was over, together we had formulated the plans for how worship would continue. Barbara Rhinehart, Linda McElroy and Melissa Ham helped me think clearly as to what needed to be done. Linda said she would lead the evening’s Service of Shadows and Easter sunrise, and Barbara and Melissa assured me that all would be well. After a few more phone calls the plans were completed. We would leave. You would continue. Blake and Marcia’s calm and steady presence over the phone reminded me again of what wonderful, trusted colleagues they are and trusted friends, Rev. Cyndy Dixon and Paul Blair promised to work together to help provide the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ with communion.

I imagine you were not surprised or amazed at how well the services went. From the stories I hear of your past, you have always been a church who steps up to serve. I hope you were delighted with how God worked everything for good. I hope you were reminded by God how the story continues. Even in death there is new life. New gifts for leadership are being realized among you; new stories of God’s people at FPCJ are being told.

Rick and I are grateful for your love for God and for us. Without your love and respect for us, the memory of Mom’s last days would have been very different. Because of you we were able to be fully present with her and other family members as we realized in new ways that even in death there is new life. Thank you for your love and prayers. Good Friday and Easter have new depths of meaning in our lives, as we hope they do in yours also.Thanks be to God for his immeasurable love.

Grace and Peace for the journey,
Pastor Sue