“And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.” (Acts 2: 44, 46)
June is here and we didn’t want to see it arrive. It is a time of sadness and adventure all at the same time for two congregations and two pastor’s families. It brings to mind these familiar comforts:
“God will take care of us.”
“With God, all things are possible.”
“God is in control.”
“It’s not about me, it’s about we.”
“Thanks for the memories.”
“God is good.”
It’s been a wonderful five years having Pastor Park and his family serving with and for us.
To all those who had a hand in bringing him and his family here, thank you. And to God, we give thanks for answered prayer that it would be the match He wanted.
There are many people in our church who expressed their feelings about Park and his giving service. I think of Kayla Cisler’s wedding. When the date was set, there were no conflicts until the Annual Conference moved their meeting date to that same weekend. Pastor Park was being ordained at that conference. With the help of Anna-Lisa filling in at rehearsals at conference, Pastor Park was able to come home and perform the wedding. It meant a lot of driving and time manipulation but it all turned out well!
Another example is the way Pastor Park helped Juliette Guth edit and publish her book “Praise the Lord!” They anticipated selling 100 books and to date they’ve sold over 700. The Guths are forever grateful and as Juliette would say, “Praise the Lord and thank you Park!”
Just recently he entertained Lucy Kohnert during a prayer meeting. Marcia and Lucy attended the meeting for special prayers and anointment. Park kept Lucy busy playing on the floor with Legos while we continued with the prayer meeting.
A similar situation arose during a visit to Jim and Irene Lewis to help them with their grieving. He took it upon himself to change the baby’s diaper. Ministry is often practical and messy.
Arden Emmerich recognized Pastor’s gift of having genuine interest in youth of all ages.
Notes from Julie, Debi and the Wirsbinski family expressed how Park was always there to be supportive and led in a humble, gentle, comforting, intelligent and thoughtful way for the church and church family. He was also there for those hurting in the community with the love of Jesus showing through.
One comment that came to me was when he got caught in his own sermon (as he pointed out last month). This year’s theme is “We not Me” but sometimes he really does mean me! As a congregation, we all know that the “me” was few and far between!
There are probably many more stories that weren’t shared, but you get the picture.
We will miss you Park, but there will always be a place in our hearts for you and your wonderful family. We wish you the very best and know “God will take care of you.”! We hope you will come back to visit occasionally. We know we will see you next April at our 150 year celebration.
Thanks for the memories
and God Bless You
Carol Anderson & the Church Family
Psalm 42:4 “My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be; I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks-it was the sound of a great celebration!”
Park, keep on whistling!
James 1:4, “So let your faith grow, for when your endurance if fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for everything.