Sunday Sentiments

 

It’s pastor appreciation month, which isn’t a new topic for me on this blog. I’ve shared before about some of the pastors who have influenced me over the years, but I’ve also learned from even more since the last time I wrote, so I’m returning to share my gratitude today.

            I was in upper elementary school when my childhood church brought in a new minister, and I loved him and his wife so very much. Their names were Fred and Naomi, and they felt like joy-filled grandparents. I remember such specific things about them…like how they requested a church directory before they even came and learned our names and faces. In the weeks leading up to their arrival, he sent audio greetings to be played in our services, so we could get used to his voice. And not too many weeks after they came, I fell off my bike and broke my leg. They were among my first visitors, bearing gifts and prayers. (They drove a good half hour to visit a sixth grader with a broken leg, and even then, that wasn’t lost on me.) They both became great encouragers in my life. Naomi nominated me for a youth award in our district, and I still remember her confidence in me! They moved out of state when they retired, but Mom and I had the privilege of visiting them in their home years later, when we were out visiting my sister in Kansas. It was a great joy to see them one more time.

            I was in college and mourning the slow decline of my childhood church when God led me to a new (to me) place of worship. I was excited to find a healthy church where I could learn and grow as I made my way into adulthood. Pastor Steve preached  wonderful sermons that taught me so much, but it was his friendship and personal investment in my life that meant even more. I had some turbulent personal years while I was there, and he sat with me, listening and offering wise counsel. I remember one time when he came to my defense and stood up for me in a moment when I felt so alone. His wife, Cheri, is still a dear friend, and I appreciated learning from and with her in women’s Bible studies and ministries. Both of them gave me such a strong foundation in my growing-up faith, and I am grateful. (I am not sure how I don’t have a picture with Pastor Steve, but here is one with Cheri!)

            When Ryan and I lived in Kokomo, we were thankful the Lord led us to the church we attended. So many great friendships – many that still exist today – came from that time.  I served on the staff at that church for a few months before we moved to Grabill, and that was when I really became close friends with Pastor Liz. She was the music minister and had been for many years. (She retired right around the same time we moved.) Ryan and I had served as narrators for her music programs while we attended there, and when I went on staff, I worked for her. She and I spent many hours talking, and I don’t know that I’ve ever met a wiser woman than Pastor Liz. She is grace-filled, careful to study and think through each thing, and she is also so funny! How we made it through staff meetings without getting in trouble, I’ll never know. We still text pretty regularly, and I am forever grateful for her investment in me…the non-musical one.

            And now, here we are at a church where we get to call our friend our pastor and our pastor our friend. Jonathan and Julie have been my friends for over 20 years now, and it is a great privilege to get to attend their church. I love learning from both of them, but I also love getting to live close to our friends again! I appreciate how they listen and pray and offer sound advice. I appreciate how they get to know their congregation and how deeply they love every single person in it. I love how fully they serve and how they inspire me to do the same. It is a sweet gift to sit under Jonathan’s teaching and to know that if we need prayer our counsel, he’s right there.

(The picture is old. Ryan's fine. LOL!) 

            Like I said, these are just some of the ministers who have influenced my life. I’m thankful for all of them. I’m grateful for each of these men and women who have helped shape my understanding of God!