Dear Rose Park,
Yesterday morning I had coffee with Randy and Cyndi Bachman. As many of you know Randy is battling total renal failure as well as complications from various cancer diagnoses. Despite these setbacks, Randy has a positive outlook and remains committed to the faithfulness of God. It was a delight to sit and chat with them as we shared stories, laughter, and the fellowship of Christ.
It’s perhaps my most favorite part of being a pastor. Don’t get me wrong, I love Sunday morning worship. I love prepping for services, I love writing sermons and crafting series, I love presiding at weddings, funerals, and baptisms but I especially love spending time with you all. I love coming over for coffee and chatting with you. I love meeting you out for breakfast at Russ'. I love seeing you and your family at the Saturday morning soccer game. I look forward to when that all can happen more regularly and without restriction.
As I sipped coffee and munched on a cookie, Cyndi mentioned how grateful they are for Rose Park. She said that Randy has received over 100 cards of well wishes and prayers. She said how meaningful the cards, phone-calls, and porch-side visits have been. In that moment, I was reminded yet again of how grateful I am to be your pastor. Thank you. Thank you so much for being the church. Thank you for caring for one another as Christ would care for us. Thank you for sharing Christ’s love with brothers and sisters who are both celebrating and struggling. Thank you.
When I left the Bachmans I was filled with pride knowing that it’s a privilege to be your pastor. At the same time, I heard the voice of my high school swim coach in the back of my head: “good job, but keep going!” I want to echo those words to myself but also to our community. Great job, but let’s keep going! We’re making great strides in connecting, empowering, and reconciling but let’s keep going. I hope and pray as your pastor and as a church that we never become complacent and throw it into cruise control. May the Holy Spirit continue to work in and through us so that we might pursue God’s call for our lives with passion, intentionality, and faithfulness.
I’m so grateful for how God continues to lead us and I’m so thankful to be your pastor.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark