THANK YOU for 8 YEARS!

It is hard to believe that this past week marked 8 years for me as your pastor here at First Friends. It seems like only yesterday, I was taking that selfie with our Meeting at the beginning of my first message. The guy in that photo had fewer gray hairs and clearly didn’t know all that he was getting into, but it has been a growing and fruitful experience. This past week, I have been a bit nostalgic thinking back through all the wonderful moments we have shared and all the amazing ministry that the Spirit has led us into. Here are some of our unique highlights…                        

 

There is something about serving cheese sandwiches, milkshakes, and scooped ice cream together at the Dairy Bar to raise money for our youth. Teaming up with Jim Kartholl to be the “Laurel to his Hardy” each summer for the opening skits during VBS have been a magical time of helping our children grow in their faith. Then there has been the Christmas caroling to our shut-ins where the Fa-La-La-La-La is accompanied by Friends in Santa/elf hats and sleigh bells bringing Christmas joy! I have also loved to make those “signs with a deeper message” that I have held up or shared with IFCL to protest or encourage change, and many art installations or paintings to enhance my messages and our worship space. Having the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the Quaker Way at Spirit & Place, partner churches, within our community, and even on the steps of the Capital helps me see the Quaker Way still is relevant. And gathering with a group of Seeking Friends who always want to go a bit deeper or sitting in silence with Friends awaiting the Spirit’s nudging nurtures my soul.   

I am always moved to tears every January when we stand hand-in-hand around the inside of our Meetinghouse in solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of building a Beloved Community or holding lit candles and singing Silent Night in the darkness of our Meetinghouse during Vespers. Those road trips to Indiana landmarks with our Seasoned Friends and hearing the stories of our past root me in this place. Watching the eyes of our youth open wide as we walked our Quaker history on the streets of Philadelphia and at the Underground Railroad Museum offered tangible hope. And the laughs and stories shared with the men over a beverage and dinner at Threshing Together each month keeps us from the isolation of this world.

  

With many of you, I have had the honor of holding a hand, giving a hug, crying and praying with you, and finally celebrating the lives of many of our loved ones who have passed from this life. There have been joyous celebrations for graduations, special honors, and numerous marriages in these past 8 years. Each have reminded me of the joys and challenges of this life and the blessing of our God. And then there are all the times I have been privileged to hear your stories, share some spiritual advice, laugh or cry with you over a cup of coffee or lunch. Those have been some of the most meaningful moments.  

As well, there are the many hours I have put into preparing over 400 messages in these past 8 years – that averages out to about 2400 pages of written work -- hard to believe this is even possible for a kid who struggled with reading and whose writing was so-so. Along with sharing messages, I have appreciated being able to contribute devotionals for Fruit of the Vine, articles and art for Friends Journal and Quaker Life, and providing our messages in video and podcast form each week with the help of the amazing Rebecca Lopez, our office manager.  

Speaking of the team of people I have had the privilege of working with over this past 8 years, they have blessed my life and my family’s life in so many remarkable ways. Rebecca Lopez, Beth Henricks, Eric Baker, Dan Mitchel, Aaron Thornburg, and now Ezra Ross and Chrissy Sommer, you are some of the most talented and committed people I know, and it is both an honor to work with you as well as call you, my friends. These people have helped walk First Friends through many challenges, inspired us, formed our children, helped us find our voices, cleaned up after us, and even helped get us through a pandemic – 2 ½ years out of the 8 years I have been here. 

So…reflecting back over these 8 years, it has been a wild journey, so many good times, and sure, some challenges along the way. Overall, I have been blessed and that’s because First Friends is not about a building or the programs we offer, it is simply about the people – ALL OF YOU!  THANK YOU for these past eight years, you have taught me so much, and I continue to learn the uniqueness and beloved-ness of this welcoming, affirming, and thriving community. May God bless you as you have blessed me and my family. 

Not only does this year mark 8 years of ministry with First Friends, but this summer also marks my 30th year in professional ministry overall. I deeply appreciate you affirming and supporting my need for a sabbatical this past Sunday by approving my plan. I hope it will continue to inspire me, refresh and renew me, and help me better lead you for as long “as way opens.” 

Grace and peace,