Dear Peace members and friends,
Last Wednesday evening was a big-bash gathering to celebrate our ministry together over these last 19 years. The room was packed with many of you. The program included a testimonial or two and there was a song and a poem written especially for the occasion. There also was an awful lot of laughter. As Marcie and I drove home, we couldn’t stop talking about how much fun it all was.
Maybe God knew what we needed. What we needed was to laugh and tease; not in a sanctuary but in a party room at a country club. Everything good that has happened during my time at Peace has come by God’s grace. And the best response to grace is praise, gratitude, joy…….and maybe even a bit of laughter. I found myself wondering how the farewell committee, staff, and leaders of the congregation knew a party was what we all needed. What I want to believe is that they knew our leaving this loving community was as hard on us as it was on them. What I do know is that people don’t laugh when they are afraid or anxious. If that is true, it can only be because we have trust and faith in God’s faithfulness.
Sunday back here at Peace we’ll continue to celebrate God’s faithfulness in worship (9:30am). We’ll sing God’s praises, overhear a message to the gathered children, share in Holy Communion, and say and pray a formal farewell.
Following worship, there will be a potluck lunch (bring something/anything to share), a brief program I’m told, and, yes, I’m sure…….more laughter. I look forward to seeing you!
Grace and Peace, Mark