TWO YEARS

 

This week marks our two year anniversary with the congregation at St. Mary’s. It seems that time moves so quickly and we wonder what happened to the last week, month, or year. We have worked together, laughed together, and cried together. I read of a preacher who was approached by a member of the congregation with the question, “Isn’t there anything you like about us?” His preaching had become so negative that the member wondered why he even continued working with the congregation. There is a need for rebuke and correction, but there is also a need for edifying and encouragement. I pray I never become so negative that someone would ask me the above question. My family and I are truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful group of God’s people. I would like to give you a few reasons.

 

Leadership. When we first learned of the congregation’s search for a preacher, we were not very interested. One reason why was the lack of an eldership. I have two older brothers, as well as several friends, who have preached in congregations without elders. There are many challenges unique to that situation. Also, I believe a church is not as effective as it can and should be without elders. I have never worked without an eldership and I was not excited at the prospect of doing so. However, after visiting and talking with the members, I realized appointing elders was an important goal. A short time after my arrival, the process was begun (at the urging of the members) and two men were selected. I believe the congregation chose wisely in selecting Linwood and Terry as shepherds of the flock. These two men have sincere hearts to serve God and His people. They possess a commitment to God and His word. With the love and support of the members, they can lead this congregation to many years of great service in this community.

 

Love. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,” (1 Peter 1:22). From our first visit, we could tell this was a group of people who loved one another. I have seen you demonstrate that love toward one another when life’s problems attack. This congregation made an impression on many people by exhibiting this love toward the Key family last summer. I personally experienced the depth of your love last month in the illness and death of my father. You may never know how much that meant to me and my family.

 

Lord. Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). I mentioned earlier the commitment of the elders. I also believe this to be true of the members. There is an individual determination, as well as a congregational one, to remain true to Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. One of my favorite songs is “Jesus is Lord.” We sing it from time to time, but I believe you are living it day to day.

 

Two years have come and gone. I pray we will have many more to serve God together in His kingdom here at St. Mary’s.

--Lamar