As I thought about the reality of saying goodbye to First Covenant Church and the community of friends built up here over the past year and nine months, I knew it was necessary for me to do so with a blessing from this congregation, or as we've come to call it after studying the book of Galatians, the "right hand of fellowship." I recognize that I do not bear a message like Paul's, nor will my work or writings be instrumental in laying the foundation for the Christian Church, however I think there is wisdom in those early apostles actions, and their understanding for the necessity of fellowship, accountability, and the mutual support for one another's ministry; all the while never failing to remember those in need at Home. This morning I ask to be grafted, (an agricultural word for our friends at the USDA), into your hearts as a friend and brother in this equal and universal ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I seek your favor, your accountability, and your prayers.
But first off, I want to retrace some of my fondest memories and experiences here at First Covenant, highlighting the initial revelation of God's Faithfulness, the fun moments and fellowship, before closing out with a parting word.
If there is any one thing that truly defines this church more than all others, it is its people. In the many facets of what make a "church" in the context of its building, weekly services, etc...I was drawn exclusively to each of you. My first visit was a Tuesday night bible study. It was September, perhaps early October 2009, and I remember it being a prayer night. I coupled off with James Salvatore and Brian Flores, and vividly remember the tears that came down Brian’s face as he shared a heart weighed by truly difficult and trying times, but what struck me was his consistent and almost childlike understanding that God was and is faithful. Being able to witness God’s answer over the next months and year has been remarkably inspiring, and all the more encouraging to follow and trust God when it doesn’t seem to make rational or financial sense.
Over the next months I had the chance to meet most of you, to sit within your homes, and experience the hospitality and welcome one would show family. James and Beth, your pineapple chicken and rice has transformed my cooking tendencies over the course of the past 2 years, and anyone whose been invited to my house can attest that without fail, I serve that very rice, chicken, vegetables, and pineapple creation. Not to mention the evening walks, archery, gardening, and child-rearing tips, and hours of counseling and prayer. Brian and Erin, you must have received a tip from Beth, because you also made chicken, and I later recalled needing to apologize, for feeling so at home at your table, that by meals end I was picking at the caesar salad and chicken with my fingers. And if none of you know about Brian’s Hip-hop/rap career, Straight 8’s is going to be performing later this afternoon.
Other favorite memories, and these are more a genre of memories. I don't know if competitiveness is the tenth fruit of the spirit, but if so I would say this congregation has been baptized in fire. I can boast proudly this morning that of all my athletic accomplishments, none compare to witnessing Coco Minor concede the game point in the final round of steal the bacon. She thought she tagged me, I said she didn't, and in retrospect Coco, (I didn't tell Pastor Tristan I would be confessing anything this morning), but I think you definitely tagged me. And yet in our arguing, and sincerely, I thought she might punch me in the face, she gave in, which really turned the tides of those 2009 Shappie Olympic Games.
Other epic moments in the sporting category: Joshem breaking the nose of a church visitor at the Super Bowl Sunday two hand touch game, and of course most recently, Rachel Shappie's lay-out sideline, touchdown reception from Katie Mieras at Humiston Park Stadium, (First Timothy Two might say that women should be quiet in church, but that submission certainly had no bearing on the Football Field two weeks ago), and of course Brian Strickland's unceasing football-lodged-in-tree rescue effort, using only water bottles, while selflessly sacrificing his modesty and only pair of swim trunks.
I could mention countless other fond memories, or perhaps discourse the great lengths of Asher Salvatore’s innovation, but I did promise to keep it short. You now realize now why they only ask me to sing.
I keep a picture on the dashboard in my car, of the men of this church, posing peculiarly, rowed, in the Lones’ front yard to say goodbye to Riley, as he left with Alissa for Atlanta. It reminds me of the thing I love and will miss most: the community and fellowship here at this church. It is the reason for so much of our laughter, joy, and for some, our return.
My one charge to myself and to this community, and one of the primary motivations for desiring membership, is to continually remain accessible; for as I am not ashamed to attest, when our participation in each other’s lives climaxes at the once weekly nightly meetings, Sunday mornings, and special go-away functions, we fall short in bearing one another’s struggle with sin, and the need for consistent accountability and encouragement, and that picture alone in my car, as much as I cherish it, is not enough to walk you or I through the Christian Life.
For many years now I've held my pistols high, firing deadly bullets, round after round at the Church, and while this has enabled me to ask some much needed questions, and at times stand alone, I feel God's prompting to lay down my weapons, and instead stand beside the many of you who have been fighting for what the church should be all along. If I say anything of value this morning, let it be my desire to formally commit to partaking in the work and mission of this congregation, to rejoice in every success and steadily work through the shortcomings, in this great and beautiful ministry of reconciliation. Whether here or abroad in years to come, I want to recognize that our task is collective. I ask for your prayers, and promise you mine, prayers to grow in the love of Christ, and in the effectiveness of sharing that love here and worldwide.
