I was literally born and raised a proud United Methodist. My mother sat on the back row of our church when she was pregnant with me, beside the Associate Pastor's wife, who was expecting their second child too. One thing all good United Methodists know is that ministers are appointed to serve in a church by their Bishop, and they are subject to being moved to different churches from time to time by the Bishop. As laity, we comment occasionally ..."if you've got a great pastor, who is a 'good fit' for your church, it's only a matter of time before you will lose them; but, if a pastor is sent to your church, and they are not a 'good fit'…be patient; it won't last forever."
Since I graduated from grad school, I have lived in
the same State, but in several different towns. As a Methodist, when you do
this, an interesting thing happens. Not only do you know laity from all over
the State, but you have the awesome privilege of interacting with clergy
throughout their ministry as they zig zag, or circuit ride, throughout the
State. So when a respected pastor and his wife, retire after 45 years in
ministry...you get a glimpse of heaven on earth...
The date was set and the word sent out that a
retirement party was being given for this retiring ministerial couple at a
local United Methodist Church. This respected couple had pastored churches all
over the State, had served in administrative roles, which included District
Superintendent, and had served as a pastor in one of the first cross racial
appointments in the State. This man and his wife had touched my life, and I
wasn't about to miss their retirement celebration!
So, just picture the diverse attendance...young,
old, black, white, laity, and clergy- all persons whose lives had been touched
by this couple. But then add the unexpected ingredient of the interconnection
of pastors and laity in attendance, who had also lived in different parts of
the State, as had I. It was a grand
reunion. Pastors and parishioners exchanging hugs and well-wishes to persons
they had worshipped with and served with, but hadn't seen in years! It was a time
of laughter, a time of heavenly music, and a time of remembrance. A celebration
of God's servants, of persons united in faith, of God's love.
It was an awesome gathering! And, it was an awesome
sneak peak of what is to come...One day, persons from all over the world, since
the beginning of time, representing all denominations, all nations, and
tribes...will be hugging, singing, and praising the one true God...and at that
homecoming, you won't even need a name tag!
Although we are all on our spiritual transformation
journey, and preparing for the time when we will be reunited with God, our
loved ones, and our family of believers, don't undervalue the importance of
seizing opportunities to celebrate with your brothers and sisters in Christ
while waiting for the grand heavenly reunion! It’s one way you can experience ‘heaven
on earth’ and it’s bound to stand out as a spiritual marker in your spiritual
transformation journey!
Your
kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-11
Matthew 6:9-11
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