Scripture: Acts 23:11
That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
Thought for the Day: As many of you know, I have been out of town this week. Part of it was spent on retreat in the North Carolina mountains, but the second half was spent in Kansas City where I was able to spend a little time with my good friend, Rev. David Merrick. David and I have been friends almost 30 years, and when he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back, I was devastated for him…and selfishly, for me. He has fought courageously, continuing to do the ministry he loved at First Christian Church of Olathe, KS, until recently. I appreciate and respect David for so many reasons, but most of all, it is his passion for the church that is both authentic and full of integrity. He has and will continue to be my model for ministry. Not even nurses and care givers can tell us how much time a person has left, but as I wrote in a Facebook post yesterday, “… David is rapidly moving toward death.” It was painful to see this amazing man so feeble, yet in his moments of clarity, there was still humor, faith and brutal honesty. At one point he said, “The irrelevant chit-chat is a funny game we play when someone is so close to death.” Our conversation had been pretty frank, but there still appeared to be a dance of denial in my questions and reflections. He was right – at times it was irrelevant chit-chat. I trust that the God David knows so well will be the God who will continue to know him in death. But let me add, I already see the resurrection in the lives of those who remain. David’s sense of humor, passion for inclusion, commitment to the church despite all its faults, and his unmistakeable love of people are not only contained in the memories of those who loved him, but they are etched on our very beings. Though David moves ever closer to the end of his earthly life, his life-witness is more alive than ever in the multitude who called him friend and brother.
Prayer: O God of life, death and life anew, we give you thanks for all the marvelous witnesses you have given us. They are for us a witness to your reckless and redemptive love that has chosen to embrace all. Amen.
TODAY – SUNDAY
Join us as we officially welcome
Tami Nelson
Director of Children’s Ministry
Reception in Holy Grounds
9:00 – 9:30am & 10:30 – 11:00am
