November 2008

Peace to you,

 

I will be updating this soon, but let me say welcome to Tom Shrum, out newest staffer.  We planned for him to merge into the life of the church, but I managed to short circuit the process.  I have kidded Tom that he went immediately from the merge lane to the passing lane - on the Autobahn!

 

He, his wife Shannon and daughters Grace and Hope (and little guy coming) are welcome additions in the life of the church.  Tom comes from the Wesleyan church and officially is on board as Pastor of Family Ministries.   Our search process included elders, members of the youth group, and members of the personel committee.  We are blessed, and look forward to a long time together in ministry.

 

I remain your servant in Christ,

Chuck

 

                                                                                                                                                December 2008

Dear Family,

 

It is with great joy that I write to you.  It was a month ago that I experienced my heart attack.  Some of you have been on this road, and you know the emotional cost of having life out of control.  It can be quite overwhelming.  I very quickly realized that things weren't as bad as it seemed.  The doctors and support staff who have been working with me have demonstrated care, comfort, and compassion.  I have been surrounded by prayer and well wishes that seem to be from places as far as the other side of the globe.  You have been supportive and encouraging in ways that have overwhelmed both Melinda and me.  I discovered a number of things along the way.  I am actually not Atlas (the guy with the world on his shoulders).  Our leadership team has kept things going quite well, and it seems that nearly everyone has stepped up a notch to make things go smoothly.  Tom is a blessing.  Ruth, Caroline, Jim and Kathy have allowed me to be comfortable in stepping back, in the knowledge that everything would be taken care of.  In everything, I have been blessed with a peace from God to which you have all contributed.  

 

I also came to realize how much I count on your support.  As you read this, I should have gone through the next step of my healing process - the actual surgery.  I go in the full knowledge that all will be well, and that God will be guiding the hands of the surgeon, and that the end result will be to the glory of our Lord.  In the meantime, I feel as if I have been given a great second chance.  For the past month, I have been able to try to tie up some loose ends, and that is really comforting.  It seems that second chances are real gifts.  It is wonderful that this is the business that engages our Lord!  On a regular basis, we are extended the loving hand of one who was willing to give us grace and peace, even though we don't really deserve what He offers.  As for the loose ends, it seems that God manages to tie them off well enough for us so that we can move on in the confidence of His eternal love.  Our only requirement is that we need to look away from ourselves and accept His peace.  It is a treasure that is worth more than everything we hold, and like a pearl of great price, worth trading all to purchase.  

 

In the knowledge of that peace, I remain your servant in Christ, (soon to be a new and improved version),

 

Chuck

 

I am grateful that in my time away from the pulpit, we will be led by Tom Shrum, Kathy Shirey, Doug Holben, Matt Caldwell, and Jason Freyer.  What a blessing to have such friends, and you will be blessed as well.

 

Just a reminder, that on Christmas Eve, we will offer one service at 7 pm and it will be in the sanctuary.  We will share the good news of the Coming of the Christ, and we are planning to be in worship with our little ones, the Chancel Choir, and perhaps a surprise or so.  All are invited.