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Being the Church |
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Location: Blogs Brad's BlogMid-Week Missive |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 2/11/2009 4:20 PM | Greetings on this blustery day,
I knew there was something different about today, but it didn’t hit me exactly what it was until just a few minutes ago. Today is the third anniversary of my father’s death. On one hand it seems so long ago, while on the other hand, it seems like yesterday. There are still days when I reach to pick up the phone to ask him a question when I am caught up short by the realization that he is no longer here. Of course, I still do that in regards to my mother, too, and she has been gone more than 10 years! I miss them both terribly. But one thing I know: without the loving embrace of Christ’s church, my loss would have been just about unbearable.
When my mother died, the people at Peachtree Christian rallied around Carol and me. I remember walking down the church hall when one of my favorite people in the world, Virginia Weaver, stopped me, reached up from her wheel chair and hugged my neck and whispered, “I’m not your mother, but know that I am here.” Her husband Grant then hugged me and repeated the promise to be there whenever I needed. Whey my dad died, the folks here at Brookhaven stepped up and helped in so many ways. Notes of encouragement, loving hugs, offers of help whenever I needed it. Simply being there, arms open, shoulders ready whenever I needed to cry.
But what I remember the most is not that these outpourings were so helpful, although they were. What was really important was that the promises they conveyed were fulfilled. Grant and Virginia WERE there, whenever I needed them. The good folks at Brookhaven WERE there to prop me up when I was unsteady. And that is what the church does: it doesn’t just pay lip service to being present: the church IS present. And for that I am oh-so-grateful.
On this anniversary, I wonder for the 1000th time how I can best honor my parents memory. Then it hits me: I can best honor them by being there for someone else when they need support. It is what my parents did and it is what I learned growing up in a loving community of faith. It is what this congregation does so well. The fact is, the church exists to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, to provide safe haven from the storms of life, to support and nurture all those who seek the loving presence of God. And those things are never so evident as when the church gathers around those who need the hope of better days. May it continue to be so, now and always.
For an updated prayer list and list of coming events, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
For your prayer list:
David Daunch, Chuck’s brother, as he continues to struggle with health issues. Also keep Chuck and his family in your prayers.
Upcoming events:
This Sunday, February 15th, is the third Sunday of the month, which means it is Pot Luck Fellowship Dinner Sunday! Please bring a dish or two to share, along with good fellowship.
Reserve Sunday February 22nd, immediately following worship. That is the date for the next Board Meeting. At this important meeting, we will be discussing possible renovations at the church. Official board members are expected to attend, but all others are welcome. In fact, we will do the meeting as a Pot Luck (Yes! Two weeks in a row!) to make it easier for folks to attend.
Please mark your calendar for a special Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday February 25th at 7:00 p.m. This year’s service will once again be in conjunction with Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church and will be a somewhat different service than years past. Come and begin your Lenten journey of introspection and repentance with this special service.
On Saturday February 28th, there will be an information session at the church concerning possible building renovations and financing. It will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday February 28th, so if you have questions, please make an effort to attend.
There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately following worship on Sunday March 1st. So, come to Praise on Peachtree and stay for this important meeting.
I hope you can make it to worship this Sunday as once again we celebrate the Lord’s Day together. Rev. Jennifer will be preaching a sermon entitled “But We Don’t Have Enough!” and the scripture is Matthew 14: 13-21. Have a great rest of the week!
Be peaceful,
Brad
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