March 31, 2006

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

When we reflect upon our lives, often we recall the highs and the lows. That’s normal. We remember well those times when things were going well, and we certainly can’t seem to forget the times when life wasn’t as good as we would have liked. I’ve been amazed in reflecting on my own life that it was often during the rough spots that God’s presence was most evident. He was there during the good times as well, but my need wasn’t as great, so I didn’t depend upon Him as much.

Even though we often talk about our lives focusing on the highs and the lows, most of the time life isn’t lived at either extreme. Instead most of our lives are spent doing the common, everything stuff like taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, fixing dinner, etc., etc. Of course without this common, everything stuff being accomplished, very little would get done in our lives. Yet we take so often such things for granted. They don’t seem as important, even trivial, but they are the very stuff of living. 

As we approach the 25^th anniversary of The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church much will be said about the highs, and even some of the lows, of the last twenty-five years. It’s only natural that we do so. What we may forget, even lose in the midst of our reflection, are those common, every day things that are the very stuff of a church’s existence.

People gathering Sunday after Sunday for worship. People bowing regularly before God in prayer. Members reaching out to one another in times of need, reaching out to the community and world through our prayers and actions. Conversations around a coffee pot in the church office or in the courtyard. Children playing in the playground, being taught the stories about Jesus in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Young people going through Confirmation, joining the church family. Celebrations when life begins, and thanksgiving when we celebrate a life well lived that has ended.

When we think about our lives it’s not just about the highs and the lows, it’s about all the stuff in between. The same is true for WCPC.  There’s a lot to give thanks for, but even more that we can’t recall or even remember, but which God used cumulatively in our lives to make us into the people we are today. I honestly can’t remember one lesson I was ever taught in Sunday school as a child. I can’t remember too many meals my mom fixed me and my family either, but I was nourished by them, just as I was nourished by the lessons that have long since been forgotten but which never-the-less laid in my life a foundation I am still building upon.

I’m looking forward to the picnic tomorrow beginning at 2:30 p.m. at North Shore Park, and our celebration on Sunday at both worship services will be full of thanksgiving and praise for God’s past and continuing hand in our midst as a community of faith. I promise you worship will be energizing. It has to be since early Sunday morning Daylight Savings time commences. So go to bed a little early Saturday night and wake up open to another high moment in the life of WCPC that God prepared us for by all the everyday stuff that the last 25 years has witnessed.

To God be the glory!

David Jones