Reflections on 30 Years
September 11 was a wonderful day as we celebrated God’s Work/Our Hands and my 30 years of ministry at Zion. I’m deeply grateful to the entire congregation. We packed 302 school kits for children around the world, enjoyed a delicious potluck, and sent $1,800 to Philadelphia Seminary. You couldn’t have found a better way to celebrate my anniversary.
In many ways, it’s hard to believe that I have been here for 30 years. Of course, the pictures posted on the internet from back in 1986 make it clear that it has been 30 years. My mind swirls with memories. I remember the renovations to the parsonage when Bonnie, Scott, and I first arrived. Who can forget “my blue heaven” as the theme for the second floor? I remember the congregation getting use to a pastor that didn’t preach from the pulpit. At that time, I was taken by the deep commitment of the congregation to ministry, in particular, a commitment to reaching beyond the walls of Zion. I’ve watched the list of ministries grow from Family Promise, to Oasis Village, to Faith Kitchen, to HCMAP, to Edna’s Haven, and now to Feed My Staving Children. And to think, this is only the short list.
In thirty years, I’ve baptized, confirmed, and married many young people in the life of our congregation and had the joy of watching them grow up and launch out into the world. They will always have a special place in my heart. I remember every Vacation Bible School, Youth Gathering, trip to Rehoboth Beach, and even Sunday evening pizza. The children of this congregation have been a source of joy.
I have loved every moment of worship in our congregation. There has been a richness to our worship life that has fed me as I have tried to feed others. The music has been an added blessing. I close my eyes and I can hear the voices of the choir and the ringing of the bells. Every time we have gathered, it has been a time of grace.
Yes, I remember and celebrate the ministry we have done together, the young people we have raised, and the worship we hold dear, but most of all I remember the faces of the people I have known and served. I cannot list them all, because the list would be too long. I can truthfully say that I have known saints, and have blessed by each of them. My life is richer because they became a part of my life. I am grateful every day for them.
Yes, it’s hard to believe it has been 30 years. I am thankful beyond words for the years we have been together and the ministry we have done. I am also looking forward to the years to come and what God has in store for us. God has certainly blessed us. I am forever grateful for those blessings and people I serve.
With a Thankful Heart,
Pastor Summer
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