A Message from Retired Pastor Berry
(This is an archive of past columns by Pastor Berry)
THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JANUARY 2011 SPIRE
As retirement quickly approaches, I cannot imagine not being your Pastor. Nor can I quite grasp what it will mean to be retired. As meetings have been set for the New Year and vision plans mapped out I have found myself saying, over and over, "We have to do this ... we will want to remember that .... " Of course, I should be saying "You .... " I will not be part of your decision-making. You will be in my prayers, as I will be in yours. I am confident that you will have the guidance and strength of the Lord for whatever you do.
I face my own future, which is, as yet, not well defined, expecting that God will show me the way, as God always has, even for those things I may not yet imagine. I have learned that whatever God wants to have happen will come about. That is true for me, and you may be sure that the same is true for you.
You enter 2011 with enthusiastic, strong leaders. You enter the New Year, as you have every year, in God's hands. The Lord is with you. Thanks be to God!
Thank you all,
Peter
Go to past columns:
August 2008 -
July 2008 -
May 2008 -
April 2008 -
March 2008
Dec. 2007 -
Nov. 2007 -
Oct. 2007 -
Sept. 2007 -
Aug. 2007 -
July 2007
June 2007 -
May 2007 -
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March 2007 -
Feb. 2007 -
Jan. 2007
Dec. 2006 -
Nov. 2006 -
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Aug. 2006 -
July 2006
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May 2006 -
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Jan. 2006
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July 2005
THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - AUGUST 2008 SPIRE
People ask me, "How is your summer going?" As August begins it occurs to me that the season is half over! I have to confess that part of the answer to the opening question is, ''Not much." There have been family visits and mini-excursions. More of the same is planned for later in the summer. Those things are wonderful, so maybe I should change my answer. A little "down time" is good. Children, grandchild and friends are "wonderful," relaxing, and refreshing. Sitting on the back porch sharing the events of our day and eating a quiet supper are good things too. Summer has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy them alL They are far from being "not much."
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
The big project at our house this summer is to clean out and reorganize the garage. If you saw my garage you would sympathize. There was a time when we could blame the chaos of the garage on our children who took turns storing the contents of apartments in that space. Their stuff is all gone now and the chaos belongs to Ma and Pa. I do miss the convenience of someone else to blame. Maybe the real project is taking responsibility for my own mess.
"Each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)
How is your summer going? What are you working on?
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JULY 2008 SPIRE
Many have been encouraged by the attendance at our one Sunday service of worship so far this summer. Did you know that in other settings dozens of church members and friends worship and grow in faith on a monthly basis? We offer the ministry of Community Reformed Church in homes and local residential and extended life-care facilities!
The Guild sponsors a service once a month at Twin Bridges. There are Bible studies and communion services at Whiting Health Care and Crestwood Manor each month. Regular visits are made to church members by Lay Pastors. That involves something like one hundred people, many of whom cannot come to church for these ministries. I would be remiss if I did not mention that the Guild and its circles meet for worship, Bible study, and prayer too.
Community Reformed Church is "on the road" and"on site" sharing God's Word and gathering at the Lord's Table. Praise the Lord! There are so many people involved: leaders, volunteers, and participants. Thank you to each and every one.
All this reminds us that the church is not a building. The church is people; people who experience for the first time a communion service in their own living room; people who pray with those who are worried about health or how they will manage; people who sing hymns with those whose faith memories are mingled with tears of joy.
Pray for these expanding ministries of your church. Request those services for yourself or for others. Volunteer to participate in at least one of these opportunities. There is no better time than now for you to do this.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MAY 2008 SPIRE
The telephone number for the home in which I grew up was 444-6464. Simple, right? Unfortunately, Capasso Brothers, the local garbage collecting company's number was 444-6465. You see the problem. We regularly got calls that began with "You haven't picked up my garbage!" I cannot print the rest of what the callers often said.
One night during my college years I called my parents. When my mother answered the phone, I asked, "Is this Capasso Brothers?" She said, "No!" and hung up. I called her back, collect this time.
Communication can be complicated. You have to be careful and clear: no tricks; no slip of the tongue; no angry or hurtful words; no hanging up or giving up.
Communication is so important in the church. To facilitate communication in our congregation there are about one dozen Lay Pastors, a larger number of Shepherds engaged to telephone numbers monthly, and two clergy Pastors to keep us all connected. Even so, not everyone gets visited or called as often as any of us would like. If you have felt ignored or forgotten, let me reassure you that your name was not removed from the church's list and no one at church is angry with you. We wish that we were not so absentminded and preoccupied, but, more often than we'd like, that is the case.
We could do more. If you know of someone who has been absent, give them a call. If you hear of someone who has been wondering why no one from the church has visited recently, visit them or let one of the Pastors or Shepherds, or a Consistory member know AND ask that person to make contact. Please do not wait for someone else to act and do not commiserate with the person in need about how terrible it is that no one has called on them. Remember, communication is complicated but can be made easier if we all do our part.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - APRIL 2008 SPIRE
Wouldn't it be great if all the recent financial bad news about the economy turned out to be one BIG APRIL FOOL'S joke? We could all have a good laugh and get on with living! Of course, that is not likely to happen.
However, if past experience tells us anything, we can and will survive this national and world-wide crisis. That does not mean that we have to like it. That does not mean it will be easy. And just what we will have to do is hardly agreed upon.
We are tightening our belts and being more and more cautious with our own family budgets. The church family's spending is under close scrutiny too. On many levels, the things we like to do and purchases we'd like to make have to be put on hold, even if we have the money in hand.
I want to throw out a challenge for us not to put everything "on hold." We need to think in terms of what can be done, not just what cannot be accomplished.
While an eye on the "bottom line" is necessary, what about our call from God to live out a ministry of faith and service? Is that to be put on hold too? The possibility of losing sight of our vision and mission would be more problematic than just about any crisis we can imagine.
New people will not be attracted to us because we need their financial support. But we can, and must, be reaching out to all the residents of our community. Inviting people to attend worship or special events here costs next to nothing. When was the last time you brought a neighbor to church?
New people will not want to participate if there are more complaints than positives spoken about the congregation. You know the old saying: "If you can't say something good ... don't say anything at all." A good word does not cost much.
In the economy of things they say that you use fewer muscles when you smile than when you frown.
Keep smiling. God loves you.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MARCH 2008 SPIRE
Lent's deliberate pace befits a season of contrition and confession, neither of which come easily. During Lent you revisit and reprise childhood moments when you stood with broken heart before the disappointment of your parents. Having to own that you broke the window, got an F on your exam, or lost your new jacket could ruin an otherwise happy childhood day.
I doubt that contrition and confession get any easier with age. Praying a prayer of confession in the presence of God as well as others, you confront thoughts and deeds you have spent days (years) pretending are not a part of who you are. You like to think you are a good person who cherishes a good name and that any sin in you should be understood as some benign eccentricity of the aging process.
In the course of the seven weeks of Lent you gain honesty about yourself and experience healing. Such things take time. You know from personal experience that forgiveness, like confession, does not come easily. When you have been hurt by another person It is easier to hold a grudge than to forgive. If you consider the hurt you have caused God in a day, and a lifetime, you may wonder how, or if, God can continue to love you.
Lent may be deliberate and difficult. but the whole point of Lenten discipline is not to feel bad, but to be relieved of the burden of sin and guilt. As you bow before God to confess, know that God wants to reach out to you and say, "Get up; go; and sin no more; your sins are forgiven. At Lent's conclusion, the wonder of God's gracious forgiveness bursts to life in all of Easter's glory!
May you have a prayerful Lent and joyful Easter!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - DECEMBER 2007 SPIRE
Did you ever wish you could be another creature? I've wanted to be an eagle, soaring high, on the hunt. Problem is, I'm not the hunter type and I'm afraid of heights. Can you be an eagle and not hunt or fly? I probably will have to wait for fulfillment of God's promise, "They will soar on wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31). I'm only human after all.
We are entering the Advent and Christmas season. There is much we expect of Christmas. We dust off and redo our traditions and shop for perfect gifts for those we love. If we do not get too wrapped in our own expectations or become too busy with our schedules, we might even have time to be reminded that Christmas is about a perfect gift bundled in the first centurys' equivalent of a receiving blanket, not in glossy paper tied with glistening bows. The Nativity is about our God who is not afraid to relinquish the heavenly heights for the simplest and poorest of earthly life - who is willing to become human after all. The Good News declares that the Holiness of the Almighty is positioned amidst a sinful people, seeking out the least, the last and the lost. Then ancient promises of God are fulfilled to ordinary folk, senior citizens and shepherds alike: Now ... again ... always.
May the wonder of the Savior's coming glow in you life and shine through you into the entire world!
A Blessed Christmas to all!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - NOVEMBER 2007 SPIRE
Lester and Minnie knew the joys and trials of life. They knew this from more than fifty years of marriage. Life was good, except when it wasn't.
Lester brought Minnie flowers once in a while. And the leaky faucet that for weeks had annoyed Minnie was mysteriously fixed. Lester hadn't told her about the repair work, but there it was. She smiled to herself and reminded herself to thank him at suppertime. Minnie would prepare Lester's favorite dinner even when there was no special occasion. When he smelled the meal cooking he would get a panicky feeling that he'd forgotten their anniversary or something. Minnie had the habit of laughing loud and long at Lester's foibles until he had to chuckle too. Sometimes Lester could say just the right thing. And other times he kept his mouth shut while he held her hand or passed a tissue to dry her tears.
Relationships are gifts of grace we receive and give. Sometimes we do everything just right and everything goes smoothly and life is good. At other times it seems we either cannot get anything right no matter how hard we try or if we didn't have bad luck we wouldn't have any luck at all. When life isn't so good, or just plain hard, the other graces of forgiveness, patience, and endurance must come into play.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. "( I Corinthians. 13:4-7 NN)
However many years God gives us for our relationships, those words equip us for faithfulness and the good life.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - OCTOBER 2007 SPIRE
As a general rule I try to make these columns positive. It would be easy to make this a forum for whatever I might want to complain about. You'll have to decide how well I follow my own rule.
I want to talk about saying "No" (but in a positive way!) The right to say, "No," is one of the principles of our new church structure. We want you to be free to say, "No," when asked to serve in any capacity. You do not even have to apologize. You have reasons. By the same token, those seeking help with a project or needing to fill an office will not presume to know whether or not you can or will serve until they ask. You need not feel as though you are backed into a corner simply because someone asks you to do something.
Before you use your right to a "No" answer, perhaps you might want to think and pray about your answer. Should the answer still be to decline, so be it! Occasionally, people have remarked, that while they do not think they can take on anything else, they appreciate that someone thought them qualified and having the necessary gifts for the task or office for which they have been recruited.
There was a phrase popular in youth work: "Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet!" Consider the possibility that God is calling you to serve because God is not finished with you yet. Yes, you might not be able to work heavy construction, but maybe you can offer your hard-earned wisdom for planning a ministry or carrying out a task. If the time and energy necessary to do what is being asked becomes too much, it is perfectly acceptable to say, ''No,'' with our thanks.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - SEPTEMBER 2007 SPIRE
You know the expression, "easy as pie?" I do not know the origin of that phrase. A friend would remind me that I could "Google" it. I tried, but using Google on the internet is not "easy as pie." But then what is.
Making a pie (something with which I have a little experience) is not easy. Being a parent is never ending, a wonderful blessing, but not as easy as pie! Growing old is something we all face and know to be anything but easy. I am often advised, "Don't grow old." Like we have a choice about that! consider the alternative. You get my point.
I often find myself wishing that ministry was easier, that church was easier, that life in general was easier. The truth is that "easy as pie" does not apply to the life of faith. Praying, for instance, can be a comforting and peaceful experience. But sometimes it can be the most difficult thing we have to do as words don't come to us, God is silent, or the answer we get is not the answer we wanted. Forgiveness is another challenge. We know the prayer: "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." At times we have trouble forgiving ourselves and/or believing that even God can forgive us. Forgiving others is not as "easy as pie" either. Jesus testifies to that.
When life or faith become hard we are reminded that "God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can endure."
(l Cor. 10:13) A contemporary prayer says, '''Lord, there is nothing that will happen to me today that You and I cannot handle together."
Life may not be "easy as pie" but God's grace is sufficient and always available.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - AUGUST 2007 SPIRE
You know how it is that things can turn out differently than you had planned. Pat and I went to a Lakewood Blue Claws baseball game on July 4th. We were more interested in the fireworks after the game than in the game itself. Watching a group of adolescents devour nachos, French fries, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and sodas (all by the fourth inning!) proved to be more entertaining than the minor league game. We endured eight or so innings of the game before it was announced that, because of the rain, the fireworks would be canceled.
It struck me that that experience was illustrative of life in general (you knew I was going to get a sermon out of this didn't you?). Sometimes life goes along at a slow and boring pace and we wonder when, or if, things will pick up. Just when we think that there is not much to our liking or we have experienced yet another disappointment, it dawns on us that there are lively and entertaining things happening right before our eyes. I hope we are not merely spectators in life but, nonetheless, are able to see and appreciate life all around us.
From time to time people have said to me, "I never thought life would turn out this way for me." Perhaps you share that sentiment. We may not be able to do the things we used to do. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." But we still have the choice: to become consumed with complaints and fears; or, to see and be thankful for the blessings God has placed in our lives and in lives around us. So what if the fireworks get canceled.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JULY 2007 SPIRE
Around here nearly everyone has already retired so to say goodbye to persons who are just now retiring is a little unusual. I find myself having to adapt to the retirement of two friends and colleagues: Eltje Brunemeyer, Pastor of the Pinelands Church, and Sandy Bell, the CEO of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.
Eltje opened the pulpit at Pinelands as a neutral site for me to preach so the Search Committee could experience my worship leadership and preaching. The rest, as they say, "is history." Since then we have become close friends, good neighbors, and brothers in Christ. I am glad that he is not moving away so that I may continue to lean on him and, of course, to enjoy his friendship.
I met Sandy Bell at a Whiting Clergy meeting at which she was promoting the fledgling Caregivers organization. They needed a church to give space for a satellite office in Whiting. The rest, as they say, "is history." We've housed that office here ever since. That has not ended Sandy's challenges to me or to our congregation. Her vision and encouragement have given us ways to live out our mission.
From the service of Farewell and Godspeed are these words we all would do well to think about regarding all friends we are blessed to (have) share some of our lives: "0 God you have bound us together for a time ... to work for your church in this place. We give you thanks for the ministry we have shared ... " for your never-failing presence with us through these years, and for the deepened knowledge of you and each other."
Godspeed and thanks!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JUNE 2007 SPIRE
I suppose that most of you know that I had surgery May 11th. By the time you read this I hope to be back to church and good as new. In the interim, I need as many prayers for patience (seemingly in short supply) as I do for healing (which is progressing well). I must say that being on the other side of the hospital gown is a strange and not altogether enjoyable experience.
Even before the scheduled date for surgery, many who heard what was pending (there being no secrets in Whiting) sent cards or let me know I was in their prayers. Since the surgery dozens of "Get Well" cards have arrived in the mail. Bringing in the mail one day this week, my son, Adam, announced, "You've got more 'fan mail'." That is not what the cards are about so I need not pray, "Lord, keep me from the pride of celebrity." Surgery is not a fun or much sought-after route to such status.
The cards contained handwritten notes, underlined words (indicating the sentiments were those of the sender as well as those of the greeting card company), and a delightful blend of prayer and humor. I cherish them each and all! People have told me how much cards and notes mean during recovery. I can now say, "Amen," to that.
To date, I am not supposed to drive or do much of anything. I have not ventured to drive the car, and have been, more or less, good about not over-doing.
Until the doctor releases me, thank you for your prayers and cards. And, as they say, "See you in church."
In Christ's love,
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MAY 2007 SPIRE
There used to be a lull after Easter, or maybe I just have a faulty memory about "Good Old Days" that never were. In any event, a lull does not happen. We are not set adrift after the Easter celebration with nothing to draw our attention until we get to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In the month of May we have Mothers's Day (13th) and Memorial Day (28th). Without down-playing those occasions, we have other days that deserve our consideration. The fortieth day after Easter is "Ascension Day" (17th). Churches used to have services on that day, even though it falls on Thursday. If you are getting revved up for an Ascension service, let me be the first to tell you, we are not having one. Sorry I mentioned it.
There is also Pentecost Sunday for us to celebrate. Pentecost, the Birthday of the Church, the occasion of the Holy Spirit's breathing life into the disciples of Jesus, and the beginning of a relationship between God's people and the Spirit that remains intact to this day. In observance of Pentecost I invite all to wear something red (the liturgical color for the day).
We will also have a brief time in the Memorial Garden after each service that day, reflecting on the work of the Spirit in the lives of the saints who have gone before us.
Come, breathe in the life giving Spirit and be refreshed!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - APRIL 2007 SPIRE
As I write this there is a winter storm brewing that has the potential for rain, sleet, snow: all of the above; or none of the above. Here in mid-March we might have expected that eighty degree weather would not last, but, then, neither will snow, sleet, and rain. I went for bread and milk anyway.
The outcome hinges upon the track of the storm. There isn't much we can do except to wait it out. A little extra bread and milk might ease our worry, but we have more than enough in the house to get by for the few hours necessary for the weather to change so that we can restock.
As we revisit the events of the last week in Jesus life we experience a gamut of emotions. The triumph, good-byes, betrayal, arrest, denial and abandonment, torture and death Jesus endured are remembered in whole or in part. There isn't much we can do about them, except "watch and pray" with him as he asked the disciples to do. The outcome is certain. When all is said and done, our faith will be replenished, our awareness of what it means to be Easter people will be restocked, and our living in resurrection victory strengthened.
As Holy Week unfolds we might expect Good Friday's darkness will not last and Easter to dawn in a blaze of light. We do not passively wait out these events to happen. We have the opportunity to actively participate in them once again, so that we may join the Easter people of every age and place saying, "Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed!"
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MARCH 2007 SPIRE
This year for the season of Lent we have decided to try including a Bible Study as part of our mid-week services. The Bible study takes the place of a sermon. The first week, Ash Wednesday, the Bible study, to me, felt a lot like a sermon. Well, we have five more Wednesdays to get it right or learn the hard way that maybe you can't teach old pastors new tricks after all.
The Lenten Bible study focuses on the Passion of Jesus, stories so central to our faith, yet so heavy and so hard to study and understand. Most of us have little trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. It is not so easy to travel the road to Jerusalem and the cross with Jesus. Many revel in Palm Sunday's triumphal entry and then skip right over to the good news of Easter without pausing to mark the event of the week in between.
There is a Lenten hymn that captures the true significance of the season and of a Lenten study:
Lord, who throughout these forty days
For us didst fast and pray,
Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins,
And close by thee to stay.
And through these days of penitence,
And through Thy Passiontide,
Yea, evermore, in life and death
Jesus! With us abide.
Abide with us, that so, this life
Of suffering over-past,
An Easter of unending joy
We may attain at last!
The Wednesdays of Lent will find us gathering for devotions and study. Join us!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - FEBRUARY 2007 SPIRE
According to the old rhyme, brides are to wear, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." I often remind people involved in weddings to, "Relax!" I offer the same advice about the church ministry structures we are implementing, "Relax!"
Much of how the church will operate remains unchanged, "old." We still have those familiar areas of ministry:
Worship; Evangelism; Congregational Life; Spiritual Growth; Missions; Buildings and Grounds. Even the new support council for Administration includes the "old" responsibility of Finance. The new Arts support council will provide audio, visual, and journalistic resources for projects of any of the other councils. We have "borrowed" tried and true practices as well as innovations from our own members and other churches. The only part of the rhyme left out is "something blue," unless you count the rumored worry that "we're changing everything." We are not changing much at all! And again I say, "Relax!"
Three important goals of this new structure need to be highlighted: first, a commitment to work on communication between councils, consistory, and congregation; second, those serving as the core group of a council are not expected to do all the work — we want to change the perception that people must serve for a lifetime plus three years; third, a concerted effort to utilize the gifts of more folks in the ministry of our church by offering participation in task groups that will plan and carry out a project and once the project is over their responsibility is done, unless they want to be involved in another task.
A new time and talent survey is being put together so that we will be able to identify potential participants. Surely there is something old, something new, something borrowed for you to take on for the New Year. Relax! God is not done with you, yet!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JANUARY 2007 SPIRE
Happy New Year! Those three simple words, forming a familiar greeting, are loaded with meaning. First, we wish for happiness for ourselves and others. The happiness we want may relate to having a better year than last year, or just as happy as last year; or a more specific wish for a particular blessing to be realized in the year ahead.
In the same way you cannot answer the question, "How are you?" with a long list of ailments, so we cannot enumerate what we mean by "Happy New Year" in the time it takes to call that out as we pass someone in the store or shout across the street to a neighbor. So the catch phrase, "Happy New Year" must suffice.
The newness of a year wears off quickly. The courageous resolutions we make are too soon abandoned. The emerging year looks more and more like last year and the year before. Another way to look at January first is to see it as one more day. We are not another year older, we are one day older. (Notice, I did not add "wiser.")
The hope expressed in our greeting is that we may truly experience a fresh start. In many ways our Christian faith is all about that new beginning. "If anyone is in Christ," St. Paul writes, "they are a new creation; the old is gone, everything has become fresh and new!" It is something like that we offer to friends, loved ones, and even strangers ... the world.
"Happy New Year" may then be understood as a prayer. Oh, one more thing: let's not forget that it is the activity of the Lord, not our effort that brings true happiness. As the psalmist said, "You (God) crown the year with your bounty." (Psalm 65:11)
Happy New Year! Amen.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - DECEMBER 2006 SPIRE
In the fullness of time ... God ... sent his Son. (Galatians 4:4)
Until that time came to be, humankind wanted and wanted and wanted some more, despairing of God's slowness to deliver on the promise to provide a Savior. And when it did come to be, humankind asked,
"Who are you, and how come you are different from what we expected?"
My family asks me, "What do you want for Christmas?" It drives them to distraction when I reply, "Oh, a tie or a shirt." Our giving and receiving at Christmas has to do with what we know or think someone we care about might enjoy having, or that we would like to see them have. I do not really need presents from my loved ones and friends. The gifts we exchange are tokens of our affection and remind us whenever they are worn or used of our connections to one another.
Giving gift ideas to those who want to buy us presents is a far cry from what we expect and need from God. In prayer we regularly make requests of God. We also pray to God for others. God invites us to pray.
But, of course, God knows what we need even before we ask, even before we know that we need it. What God gives is always the right size. We cannot exchange it for something else even if we want to and heaven knows we try. Christmas is not weeks away, it has already come. Christmas does not arrive December 25th, it happens many days throughout our lives.
In the fullness of time God sends his Son. A blessed Christmas to you!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - NOVEMBER 2006 SPIRE
It is hard to believe, but nonetheless true, that November and December, Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. Summer 2006 is fast becoming a distant memory. Unless you are Joshua (see Joshua 10:13), "Time," they say, "stands still for no one."
There was a little boy at the Dutch Fair holding his mother's hand as they pushed through the crowd of shoppers. Not surprisingly, he appeared overwhelmed — the adults towering over him. I lost sight of him eventually. Later I saw him outside with his mother, free from her protective hold. There along the walkway he was bent over one of the mums. He was leisurely inspecting the bright blossoms and gently touching one flower at a time as though giving his blessing. Amid the noise and press of the Fair he had found a peaceful place and took the opportunity to enjoy the beauty before him.
Church is a place where we learn, no matter what our age, to appreciate even the smallest parts of God's Creation: fragile, but beautiful; seemingly out of place, but placed in our midst for a purpose; overshadowed by the speed and noise of life as it rushes by, but there in reassuring tranquility, if only we will take the time to touch the chrysanthemums.
There isn't much we can do to slow, let alone stop, the persistent march of time. We can take advantage of the blessings of the beauty to be found along the way. And we can enjoy all the seasons of life no matter how quickly they come along .
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - OCTOBER 2006 SPIRE
Someone asked about the new way I have been leading the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession in the service of worship. About three months ago I began offering that prayer amid the congregation, walking up one aisle, across the back, and down the other aisle, pausing to pray parts of the prayer at various locations along the way. I had seen this done in a church I attended in Pella, Iowa, during the General Synod meeting of the Reformed Church. I rather liked it.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession sometimes has been called The Pastoral Prayer. When I was a teenager we called it "The Long Prayer." Perhaps if you are anxious to catch the bus home or make a Sunday dinner date the prayer at the end of the service is still too long. My walking around the congregation while offering the prayer does not make the service any shorter!
It is an enjoyable change to the service (for me at least). More to the point, the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession is "The Prayer of the People." The Pastor is charged to pray for and with the congregation. By placing myself amid the congregation and allowing times of silent prayer I am better able to literally pray with you.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - SEPTEMBER 2006 SPIRE
In the game of baseball relief pitchers and pinch-hitters move from being spectators to participants in a matter of moments. They are called upon to instantly perform and succeed. Theirs is a "make-it-or-break-it" task. Even the good ones succeed only about one quarter of the time. Those who are exceptional at such things succeed all of one third of the time.
Are you the kind of person who can speak and act on the spur of the moment? I often come up with the clever thought or decisive answer fifteen to thirty minutes after they were needed or appropriate. No one but me gets to appreciate my keen mental powers or wise actions.
A timely word or action is often ours to give. In a traditional prayer of confession we ask forgiveness "for the things we have left undone (or said)". How often we need to pray such a prayer!
If we were to speak and act when it is needed most AND succeeded as much as a quarter or a third of the time, I think that would be a decided improvement! We do not have to wait until fifteen to thirty minutes after the fact to come up with what to say or do. It is nice for us to know how brilliant and/or caring we really are. A kindly word or deed is something we all have opportunity to offer and something we each can successfully accomplish, to the glory of God.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - AUGUST 2006 SPIRE
Jacob D. Eppinga, author of As Long as I Live, tells of a time when he was making a pastoral call to one of his parishioners in a rest home. As he visited, he recognized the man in the next bed as one who, forty years before, had served with him as a church officer. He had not seen this man since, and was struck by how the man had aged: no hair or teeth, sunken cheeks, sallow skin. As Eppinga greeted the man and identified himself, the man slowly opened his eyes, searched Eppinga's face, and said, "Boy, did you get old!"
Most of us do not like to think of ourselves as getting older, but, then, there is no denying the facts. I had two reminders of my age recently. The first came in the form of a gift from Pauline Wallace, who manages the Caregivers' office in our building. She made a wallhanging that identifies my ordination date of June 28, 1970. "Boy, am I getting old!"
The second reminder came while at a meeting in New Brunswick. During the meeting I started to say, "When I was a Rutgers student over forty years ago .... " I kept that to myself, thinking, "Boy am I getting old!"
Sometimes people will say to me, "Don't get old." While I know where they are coming from, I think I'll stick with the getting old thing. Consider the alternative! Besides, we have a God who says to us, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you." (Isaiah 46:4) Life is too full to fret over growing older!
Peace,
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JULY 2006 SPIRE
Our backyard ends in woods where birds and squirrels venture forth and argue over the seeds even when the feeders are full. The peaceful setting is regularly disturbed by their quarrels. The Creator has provided more than enough for all, but territory is territory and what one wants always seems to be what others claim for themselves.
When we join the church we promise "to seek the things that make for unity, purity and peace." Somehow, and in myriad ways, we manage to let our personal claims break the unity, purity, and peace we once vowed to seek. It is no easy thing to live up to our promises.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Christian Pastor-- martyred by the Nazis: ~ once headed a seminary. He instituted a rule that stated that members of the seminary community were not to speak about another member of the community, even if what they had to say was good, except in the presence of that person. That rule proved to be exceedingly difficult for the seminarians to abide.
Given the reality of our human nature, there remains for us a constant need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation. - I think that that is the only way we can hope to come close to unity, purity and peace. Otherwise we're just squirrelly.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JUNE 2006 SPIRE
I once had on my study wall a cartoon from a church magazine that had a family entering worship and being asked by the usher, "Clapping or non-clapping?" We do not have different sections of the sanctuary for those who might be moved to applaud during worship and those who would not. We are all thrown in together. In the same way, we cannot predict or control who might laugh, cry, harmonize, or sing offkey. We cannot make people applaud or refrain from applauding. There are folks who desire a meditative tone to worship and dislike any break with that. There are others who think worship should be a celebration from start to finish.
In church, is appreciation for something well done, such as an anthem, ever appropriate? The answer would be, "No," in light of the fact that choirs sing to praise God, not to engage in popularity contests (one anthem being worthy of applause, another, not so much). The answer should be, ''No,'' if we ever think that worship is about us instead of being about the Almighty. The answer could be, "Yes," when we have been moved to respond in some way. Applause is a way we are used to reacting, so we can reasonably expect that some may break into applause in a worship setting too. Perhaps God is more open to such expressions than we might think.
Clap your hands, all you nations;
Shout to God with cries of joy.
How awesome is the LORD Most High,
The great King over all the earth!
Psalm 47:1-2 NIV
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MAY 2006 SPIRE
Many years ago a member of the church I was serving confessed, "I almost blurted out, 'Amen,' at the end of the call to worship today." I assured him that no apology was necessary.
Most of us are not used to chiming in that way. The Reformed theology of worship holds the position that a congregational, "Amen," is exactly what parts of the service invite, even require.
"Amen" is not necessary at the end of a unison prayer (although we often have them there) or at the conclusion of a hymn. When churches first started omitting "amen" at the end of hymns some folks were upset, but I do not hear any complaints about that these days.
"Amen" means, "So be it," or, "Right on!" "Amen," whether it is printed in the bulletin or not, is often appropriate. Add your own "Amen" if
you want to affirm something that has been said or sung. Everyone will not respond that way - everyone does not have to respond that way - but if the Spirit moves you, I say, "Amen!"
Next month I plan to say something about applause in church.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - APRIL 2006 SPIRE
Preaching may not be back-breaking, physical work, but it can be exhausting. If you imagine that preachers should be the only ones working during the service of worship, let me disabuse you of such a notion. I am not just going to point out that the organist and the choirs as they work hard at what they do. And I am not referring to the contribution of the custodian, ushers, communion servers, and the like. Worship is supposed to be work for all of us. Our services follow a liturgy or order, wherein we intentionally do certain things. The very word liturgy originally meant the work of the people.
Yes, we can sit back and wait to be entertained or made to feel good. There are times when we need that kind of thing. Worship moves to a whole different level when we invest ourselves in what is happening, in other words, when we work at it.
There is something wondrously energizing to a preacher to see people in the pews actively following the sermon or letting the preacher know by eye-contact or body language that they are on the same page. That takes work.
To sing a new hymn, to discern what the words and tune have to do with what we are offering to God., or how they "fit" with other elements of the service - all that can be work. To follow the words of the lessons or prayers may require a high level of concentration, work. And even before any of those things happen, we sometimes have to work at preparing ourselves for worship: leaving our grudges at the door, or better yet/at the altar; praying for the service, the musicians, the preacher, and those who sit nearby.
Since God in Christ has worked himself to death and back to life for us, can we do any less than make an effort to exert ourselves? Because Jesus has offered himself, we offer ourselves, not to earn God's favor, but because nothing less comes close to being a worthy response for what we have already received. Could that be what Jesus meant when he said, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling"?
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - MARCH 2006 SPIRE
Who is that sitting in front of you in church, or across the aisle? Did you notice those folks who arrived during the first hymn? Did you wonder why they slipped out so quickly after the service was over?
Why is that person several seats over weeping? Is that other one sitting alone by choice or because they do not know anyone? Would the church building collapse if I went over and asked if I could sit with a person I don't know?
Many people have asked themselves questions like those and wondered who was supposed to take care of such matters, or why no one offered assistance or introduced themselves. "Somebody ought to do something about that!" Are you a "somebody?" The answer to that question is, "Yes."
Many church members are shy and introverted. Did you know that most clergy are introverts as well? Being introverted is a personality preference, not an excuse.
You have probably figured out where this is going. You are that "somebody" who is to offer hospitality. After all, you are a "somebody" in the eyes of God and Jesus died so that you might know that.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - FEBRUARY 2006 SPIRE
I think it would be safe to say that we prefer comfort to discomfort. When we go to church we expect to be made to feel good, uplifted, comforted. Life is otherwise too full of unsettling situations and difficult people. We need church to be an enclave of comfort. As far as the songs, sermon, and prayers are concerned, we want to be reaffirmed, even soothed.
I would have said the same for most church meetings so I was somewhat surprised at our Consistory retreat day that one of the expectations voiced as we began the day was to "get out of our comfort zones." I suspect that there was plenty of opportunity that day for discomfort. Assuming new responsibilities can be discomforting. Being involved in an organization you know little about can be disquieting. Figuring out a whole new set of expectations and procedures is stressful.
The fact that Consistory members were expecting to be out of their comfort zones and willing to place themselves in such a position was significant. As a church and consistory we are currently involved in the Natural Church Development process which will require openness to change.
To borrow from an automobile commercial of a few years ago: "This is not your grandfather's church anymore." While that may be a stress-inducing notion, accepting that statement is the first step in envisioning the future to which God is calling us. Church consultant Lyle Schaller used to ask, "Do you know what year this is?" It is not 1956. It is not 1976 (our charter year). It is 2006. Remembering that is important for more than getting the date right on your letters or checks.
Worshiping and following the God who "is the same yesterday, today, and forever" does not mean that we will always be the same. We do not worship for our own comfort and good feelings. We worship the eternal God who provides all the stability and strength we will ever need, even as we venture out of our comfort zones.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JANUARY 2006 SPIRE
Happy New Year! To that common greet, we hasten to add, "And, a healthy one, too." Perhaps the greatest unknown for the short-term as well as the long-term is that matter of how our health will be.
It is easy to become pessimistic about the prospects or to fall into worry about what is not yet and may or may not come to be. We all have our own, or know of 'friends' and family experiences with scary false alarms, if not real frightening diagnoses, sudden hospitalizations, and long rehabilitations. We now say, with great seriousness, "I'm not getting any younger!"
What year was it we stopped expecting the worst - or when will it be that we do that? Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" And Jesus said, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:27 and 34)
It often happens that when I am talking with someone about how they are enduring some trial I will start to say, "One day ... ," but before I can get those five short words out the other person chimes in to complete the sentence, "at a time." We know what it takes to face life, but sometimes we need a little reminder.
We have just celebrated Christmas. We heard again how we are given "Emmanuel - God with us." Yes, God with us; God for us; God strengthening us; God blessing us - one day at a time, according to our need.
As 2006 dawns, I wonder what the next 365 days hold for us. What is it you expect and hope will come your way? I don't know about you, but I want to begin with the faith that God is with me as the year unfolds and I won't have to wonder where God is all the year through.
Happy Year!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - DECEMBER 2005 SPIRE
I might have hung the outdoor Christmas lights while the weather was so warm during November, but I didn’t. It is something of a tradition with me to delay that project until it is nice and cold, with a good strong wind-chill. I like a challenge. Or, I am a glutton for punishment. I might have claimed, self-righteously, that I refuse to be swept up in the popular culture’s rush to the holidays. Truth is; I am just not that well organized.
By the time this issue of The Spire reaches you we will already be in the season of Advent. Advent used to be called “the little Lent,” a season of penitence and preparation, and anticipation for the Christ who came and will come again. In a slower-paced world people were not in a hurry to get on to the next thing. In today’s fast-paced world we jump from Halloween (the second most popular holiday) to Christmas (the most popular holiday). Thanksgiving is almost lost in the shuffle. Advent is barely on the radar screen. By the time Christmas arrives we cannot wait to get beyond it. The traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas” remains in our consciousness only because of the popular song.
What if we kept Advent as it was intended to be and saved the celebration of Christmas for December 25th through January 6th? Although that notion is outside the mainstream, isn’t the church supposed to be counter-cultural? God sent us his Son in accordance with the divine timeline, plan and purpose, not when it fit into our schedules. I always thought that was a good thing. And it does not require me to be too well organized, just receptive.
A blessed Christmas to you and yours!
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - NOVEMBER 2005 SPIRE
I love Fall. I love everything about the season. However, the thing I enjoy least is that every year at this time we face an invasion of catalogues. Every day there are a bunch of catalogues in the mailbox. There are multiple copies from places through which I may have purchased items in the past: catalogues for women; for men; for children; for home furnishings; for pet supplies. Then there are offerings from companies with whom I have never done business: for tools; for gadgets; from museum gift stores. One of our daughters receives (at our address) a catalogue for truck accessories. I get a catalogue for western wear, so the next time (which will be the first time) I vacation at a dude ranch I'll be right in style! Then there are the sale offerings at local store chains. Everything one could ever want is available through a catalogue!
Usually we call those catalogues, "junk mail." You can derive real satisfaction from discovering that there is nothing in a particular catalogue that you cannot live without. And then, every once in a while, you discover something that is irresistible, the perfect gift for that especially-hard-to-shop-for individual.
The trouble is you have to look through a lot of over-priced and useless stuff before you find just the right thing. The same might be said for all the appeals for money, including church requests that come with the approaching holiday season. But maybe this year it will strike you that the perfect thing for you to do this year is contribute to the training of seminary students here at home, the work of one of our missionaries in far away places, or a new ministry here.
As you gear up for the holidays, may God surprise you with an opportunity to do something special.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - OCTOBER 2005 SPIRE
Millions have been uprooted by the hurricanes that have hit along the Gulf of Mexico. Our hearts ache for those fleeing into uncertain futures. We sympathize with each one who has lost loved ones and neighbors, as well as their homes and possessions. We watch, stunned, as people are rescued by helicopter or languish in traffic-jams heading north, or anywhere, to safety. In the past we have seen such sights in news reports from faraway places that we have trouble even pronouncing. Always this church is quick to respond with assistance.
Once again, our congregation has rallied to help. Many have given money. We have prayed together at our Sunday services of worship, in small group settings, and individually during times of devotion. I am confident that we will continue to give aid and to pray. This is what we do. This is who we are. Thanks to God who calls us and equips us to serve and to share!
The recent storms reawaken us to the power of natural forces. For all our high opinion of ourselves, and even our commission, as humans, to have dominion over creation, we can still be humbled by creation and the Creator.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake
in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
"Be still and know that I am God.
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth!"
. . . Psalm 46: 1,2,3,10 RSV
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - AUGUST 2005
The invitation came for the fiftieth wedding anniversary party of our friends.
The day was a Saturday in July. Ordinarily Saturdays are not good days for pastors
to take on additional, extended, activities. It would be an understatement to say
that attending the anniversary party would make for a long day. Our friends live
near Binghamton, New York, and traveling there would require driving four hours or
more each way. We had good reason not to go. We went anyway.
We arrived almost one and a half hours after the starting time for the party and
stayed for a little more than an hour. What were we thinking? Perhaps we made the
trip because on too many occasions we have not been so serendipitous, choosing to
stay comfortably at home instead of going the extra mile (pardon the pun!) even for friends.
Near Scranton, Pennsylvania the skies threatened rain. Directly over Scranton
there was a blue sky and bright sunshine to the south and west; to the north and east
were dark clouds, rain and mist, obscuring what are called "The Endless Mountains." Up
to that point the trip had been easy. The evident change in the weather was not
something we would be eager to experience. That was where the route we were traveling was headed, so we had no choice.
Days of sunshine and clear skies would likely be our preference over stormy times and unpleasant experiences.
In life we do not always get to pick the easiest, most comfortable and convenient. Sometimes we have to go where the road takes us. Sometimes we have to move out of our comfort zone and be a friend when the opportunity comes along. Life, as well as
friendship, does not come cheaply, but then we learn that both are worth every cent.
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JULY 2005
Remember when you needed to spell words so the children would not know what you were talking about? Those days should be long gone for us because our children are all grown up. But, now we have to be careful of what we say around the dog. Our Labrador Retriever loves to go places. If we mention going to the bank, he turns himself inside-out, because, at the drive-up window the tellers give him dog biscuits. Say the word "walk" and you better stay out of the way if you do not want to be knocked down. So, we have taken to spelling certain words in his presence. I don’t know what we’ll do when he learns to spell!
A dog owner needs to understand that he or she is "Alpha Dog," in other words, "in charge." And the pet needs to know that the human is ultimately in command. This need not and should not be carried out with cruelty and abuse. Some people treat others worse than they would treat a dog. Others feel no better than ignored, barely tolerated pets, or like curs.
In the course of life, we no sooner get used to others and their pattern of behavior when they change, grow, and mature. Even old dogs surprise us when they learn new tricks. Over and over again, we have to adjust and adapt, learn to stand our ground or compromise with the development or decline of many of persons with whom we live or work. We do not always get our way. But is that even really necessary or desirable?
St. Paul put it something like this: "Welcome others, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. …No longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. … Adults ought to put up with those who act less than adult and not to please themselves. … Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor."
In other words: be an adult! Isn’t that why you moved to an "adult" community?
Pastor Peter
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THE NEXT TO LAST WORD - JUNE 2005
It took many hours and hundreds of miles to travel to Rochester, New York, and back. Spending time with our eldest daughter, Sarah was, as the commercial says, "priceless." Getting in on the Lilac Festival was pretty nice too.
During that long drive I began to notice how many places the Interstate highway crossed over other roads. There are hundreds of bridges of varying lengths along the way. Nearly every bridge was preceded by a sign that read, "Bridge surface may be icy." Those cautions, necessary and helpful during winter months, remain posted year around. Like an endless string of "terror alerts," I wonder how much attention is paid to them in season or out of season.
Something similar might be worthy musing when it comes to the church. The Gospel is not something we tack up along life’s byways no matter the season or circumstance. Our responsibility to make the Gospel known and understood needs constant tending if we are to be faithful to our Lord.
To that end the Consistory has taken the initiative to assess the ministry of Community Reformed Church through a process called "Natural Church Development." The first phase of this process is a survey completed by thirty church members to give us a picture of our strengths and weaknesses. The subsequent steps are much more difficult: establishing ways to increase the identified strengths and reduce the weaknesses. We have taken this step because, while we are a very active church and have worked hard to reach out and grow, we do not want to become complacent in any way about our ministry and mission.
In the months ahead you will be hearing more about this Natural Church Development and what it means for our congregation. Some of you will be asked to respond to the survey. Since only thirty people can participate in that survey I hope you will not feel slighted. When the time comes, there will be more than enough for each member to do.
We ask you to be open to the possibilities of Natural Church Development, to ask questions, and offer your encouragement and support. Most of all, we need you to pray that we will trust the Spirit to shape our ministry into a sign of hope and healing.
Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and give glory to God.
Pastor Peter
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