Dear Rose Park,
Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for all that you do to bless not only Sam, Simon, Winn and I, but all that you do to bless Rose Park, the community of Holland, and the Kingdom of God.
Let me briefly but intentionally say thank you to all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes here at Rose Park. To Jessica VanderSlik, Jim Kiekover, Diana Beltman, Carol Tuesink, Ryan Lemire, and so many others who give of their time and talents generously and consistently. This is what the Apostle Paul must have felt like when he wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5).
It is a joy to share in the gospel with all of you. It is a joy to hold hands and pray with all of you. It is a joy to meet with you over coffee and cookies. It is a joy to gather in God’s good creation and worship with you. It is a joy to meet you at the Lord’s Table and experience God’s goodness with you. It is a joy to surround the baptismal font and witness God’s grace with you. It is a joy to share in the gospel with you. And because it is a joy, it is only appropriate to say, ‘thank you’.
But can I ask one more thing of you? I recognize offering a request immediately following a ‘thank you’ isn’t the politest. However, as I say thank you, I am reminded yet again, the next generation is watching and listening. Every word you and I say, they soak up. So, here’s my request: be mindful of what you say and do, because the entire next generation will be watching and listening.
If that fact doesn’t make you second guess your words and actions, I don’t know what will. I better stop drinking milk straight from the gallon and start using a glass. I better stop mumbling under my breath when the car ahead of me drives five miles under the speed limit. I better stop rolling my eyes and sighing when I disagree with someone. I better take notice of my words and actions because the next generation is watching and listening.
If we take the communal vows of baptism seriously, then we have been entrusted to set an example of Christian faith and character for the next generation. I expect that out of you, just like you expect that out of me because the next generation, our young people, and all our children are watching and listening. They’re watching how we love our neighbors and they’re listening for how we speak to one another. They’re watching and listening to see if we teach the gospel of God’s love even when it’s hard. They’re watching and listening to see if we give the strong support of God’s family in fellowship, prayer, and service. And they’re watching and listening to see if we love, encourage, support, and say ‘thank you’ to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
They’re watching and listening just as God is watching and listening. I don’t mean to scare us, but rather to encourage and remind each other that our words and actions do not go unnoticed. Our words and actions are extremely powerful; they have the power to curse and bless, to shatter and shape, and to scar and heal. So, again, let me thank all of you for your love and hospitality, but let me also encourage you to intentionally let your words and actions be a place for the gospel of love to live today.
Let your words and actions be an echo from the promises we make at every baptism. And let your words and actions be an example of Christian faith and character to the next generation.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
Photo by Rob Laughter on Unsplash