A message from Pastor Marc:
From the pastor's heart: reflections on a new appointment
I remember driving up to Dove of the Desert for the first time, seeing the beauty of the rose garden, the well-tended grounds, the expansive property yearning for future development and hearing the sounds of falling water. All of this made an impression on me. It left a feeling of tranquility in the midst of my inner uncertainty and the knowledge that change would soon come again to the McDonald house.
Change. They say the only people that truly enjoy change are babies with dirty diapers. Although we often fight it, change is the source of our growth. Without change, without the constant and continual renewal of our bodies, we would simply cease to exist. Change also brings an anticipation that ignites the fires of our imaginations. We wonder with a mixture of both anxiety and excitement about what may lay ahead.
Sometimes unrealistic and exaggerated expectations accompany change. I remember reading somewhere the description of the perfect pastor. “The ‘perfect pastor’ preaches exactly 10 minutes and condemns sin roundly but never hurts anyone’s feelings. She/he works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also the church janitor. The ‘perfect pastor’ makes $40 a week, wears good clothes, drives a good car, buys good books and donates $30 a week to the church. He/she is 29 years old, and has 40 years’ experience. He/she never forgets a name and spends most time praying to God. The ‘perfect pastor’ also knows when somebody is sick and needs visitation without even being told about it. She/he loves to spend time with her/his family, and has no problem with you dropping in unexpectedly. She/he remembers everyone’s birthdays and of course, their anniversary dates as well. Before and after services, he or she never fails to speak to each person present and will also take time to listen to you for 15 minutes. The ‘perfect pastor’ always smiles and tells you what you want to hear. The ‘perfect pastor’ eats nutritiously, gets enough rest, exercises daily, and is always there to listen to you night or day. The ‘perfect pastor’ has a burning desire to work with teenagers, and spends most of his/her time with senior citizens. She/he makes 15 home visits a day and is always in the office to be handy when needed. The ‘perfect pastor’ always has time for every team/committee meeting, is active in the Annual Conference and in the community and is always busy evangelizing the unchurched.”
Just a tad unrealistic! What I have come to know is true of myself and the churches I have served is that none of us is perfect. But the deeper reflection is one of call. You see, just as I have been called by God to ministry and called by our Bishop to serve the good people of Dove of the Desert, so each and every one of you has been called by God to be in ministry together in this place. We are both blessed in this new relationship. It will be a period full of challenge and potential for Dove and for your new pastor, but it takes both pastor and people to make it happen.
I have appreciated so much the ministry of prayer that has prepared the way for this transition and I truly feel blessed to be in your midst to serve and witness to our Lord Jesus Christ. Together we will continue to increase love for God and neighbor. There are great days ahead! Remember, you are loved!
Scripture Readings for Week of July 7
(Read the Bible in a year)
Monday - Leviticus 13-15
Tuesday - II Kings 6-10
Wednesday - Psalms 81-83
Thursday - Proverbs 10
Friday - Ezekiel 25-30
Saturday - Luke 19-20
Sunday - Colossians 1-2
Prayer of Reflection
Almighty God, may the transforming power of your gospel be at work in my life today and always. Amen.
