Cards & Letters

It is not really appropriate to compare one church with another, since each represents a particular time and place.  In spite of denominational structures, there is no “McDonaldization” of churches, especially churches like those in the United Church of Christ, with our emphasis on congregational (local) polity.  Every church – like every person – is unique, with strengths and weaknesses peculiar to that particular church.

But every now and then it is good to note differences, especially if one perceives the difference as healthy!

My mother died in 2002.  I had been Senior Minister of that church for six years, and mom had been a faithful member for four years, participating as her health allowed with a group of senior women.   When she died we got one card and a nice casserole, and several people expressed their condolences to me in person.

My brother died in 2011.  I have been Lead Pastor of this church for 14 months, and no one here really even knew I had a brother.  My mailbox has been filled beyond counting with kind notes and thoughtful cards, and more than a few members of the church have stopped to chat with me after worship and to share my loss.

As pastors we don’t always know exactly how the life of faith is lived out in our churches.  We get so involved with the many tasks of ministry that we aren’t always able to authentically experience the results of those ministries.  But every now and then we see and experience in a very personal way what it means to be part of a particular community.  There are collections of people who gather at a church and there are communities of faith who are the church, and we must understand that the two are not necessarily synonymous.   

I am very grateful and humbled today to serve a community of faith.

See you in church.

Kevin