Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2a
Dear Friends in Christ,
Each day, we step forward into new opportunities, building on what has come before. We learn from successes and failures and from the example of others who long before us have plowed the fields, preparing us for this moment.
Last Sunday, we celebrated Bishop Don Wimberly’s forty years as a bishop. Before that, he had been deacon and then priest since 1971. This week, we celebrate Judy Alexander’s forty-one years caring for the children of St. Peter & St. Paul on staff in our nursery—since our building was built. Bishop Don and Judy show us what loving service to our Lord can look like, and what perseverance can yield for the world around you. My father was ordained 69 years ago, and at age 97 he’s still blessing me and his neighbors with God’s grace. We build on these examples and carry them forward to bless others.
In recent years, we’ve seen teens and young adults come to believe in Jesus and step forward to be Baptized. They are at the beginning of their Christian life, like my father and Bishop Don and Judy were at the beginning of theirs. We who have come before these new Christians can share in their formation as brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of us builds up each other as we pray together, study scripture together, and share life and ministry together—looking to Jesus, the pioneer and finisher of our faith.
Perseverance starts with the decision of each day, built upon the last, standing again when we have stumbled, building upon the foundation of prophets and apostles and saints who have come before us, trusting in God’s grace and power and presence to sustain us close to him. God bless you in each new day as you grow and help others grow in Christ!
Yours in Christ,
-Tom
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