October 9, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

                A “cool” front is arriving this morning.  Personally I can’t wait.  It’s been a very hot and humid summer.  Let’s hope this front signals the beginning of our fall season.

                Life is full of seasons.  The writer  of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted…a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance…”  (3: 1 – 4)

                As I reflected upon the lives of the members and friends of WCPC I know that all of you, including your pastor, are going through different seasons of life.  Some of you are in the season of parenting young children; some in the season of parenting teens.  Others of you are in the season of being an empty nester.  For some, it’s the season of health issues and doctor visits.  For others, the season of distress over relationships.  Some are in the season of grief and loss.  Some are in the season of unemployment and still others in the season of concern over their current job. 

                I could continue the list.  Maybe it would be best if you fill in the season you are in right now. 

                As I’ve reflected back on the seasons I’ve experienced, both the joyous and the troubling, two realities have blessed and sustained me.  First, the reality of God’s presence in the midst of my life through Jesus Christ.  And second, the presence of others in my life to either share my joy or to comfort and encourage me when I was eager for a particular season to end. 

Whatever season, whatever situation you find yourself in, know that you are not alone.  Know that there are others in the community of faith at WCPC willing to pray and stand with you, because many have been in that same season themselves.  And know that our God stands with you as well through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

I often look back on past seasons that were difficult, seeking to understand them better, to learn from them, to discover some truth about myself or the world around me.  Sometimes I’m at a lost to see anything coming out of those seasons that are worth holding onto.   Then I remember God’s presence and the presence of others and think to myself, that’s really enough!  What else do I need?

The scripture passages for this Sunday are Exodus 20: 1 – 7, Deuteronomy 5: 12 – 15 and Exodus 31: 12 – 18.  Christa’s message is entitled “Permission to Rest.”

See you on Sunday.

Your pastor,

David Jones