If the stories of our lives and efforts were written on a ledger, it would be unbalanced beyond comprehension. On the con side, there would be an infinite list of debts we owe, our mistakes, false starts, weaknesses, shortcomings, and sins. On the pro side, there would be nothing--nothing we have accomplished on our own to offset even a minuet portion of the debt we owe, and the life we’ve lead.
On our own, there’s nothing; but as people of faith, we have never been on our own. All the righteousness we need to cover all our shortcomings has been bought and paid for by Christ. His blood covers our sins and cancels our debt through grace and our belief in Him.
Our District is in transition, and I will try to express my thoughts of debt to Christ and all of you for the loving support and prayers offered for our departing District Superintendent, Rev. Susan Cox and the countless ministries she’s touched.
For the last four years I have been privileged to partner with this wonderful servant of God and devout Wesleyan with a front row pew to witness her inspiration, participation, leadership, concern, and celebration of the successful ministries in the Heartland North Congregations. Susan has been so gracious allowing me to have walked along this path as a full partner, and I am very humbled and appreciative of that opportunity to witness the many expressions of outreach, and Christ-centerdness from the congregations she serves. We have all been blessed by her leadership and care.
Our congregations have many more good works ahead and I look forward along with all of you to seeing those bear fruit. Sadly, for many of our Clergy partners they are unable to do this as they sow the seeds and move on to another calling of ministry within the church. Our personal ledgers overflow with Rev. Susan’s planting and her giving and enlightened spirit from God, there will be much fruit and we can all be thankful.
So as we review our ledgers in our remaining time together reflecting on this wonderful servant leader of Christ we’ve come to know, may I suggest we take a moment to jot a note, a poem, or Susan’s favorite, pick a special hymn to share with her in celebration of the garden she’s tended so well, and the bountiful harvest we will care for as she goes on to serve the congregation of McMurry UMC, in nearby Claycomo.
All of us in the Heartland North District will always be on bended knee for you as this faith of ours grows stronger every day, and the vision cast floods our lives with hope, peace, and joy.
Godspeed – good and faithful servant. On behalf of all the laity of this wonderful district, go in peace and know you will be missed.
(PS . . . the District Office has moved! The new office number is 816 505-2100, just in case you want to call and offer thanks )
