Last week was a “full heart” week for all of us. In worship we celebrated the Baptism of Brooke Atkinson and welcomed her mother, Brittany, into membership of the church. We also welcomed home Jimmy and Susan Montgomery back into the life of WPC. In addition it was the last time for us to be blessed with the gifts of Mac McDougal and we celebrated his time with us as Music Director. We prayed for God’s guidance for Mac in his new experiences and for this church family with new life here.
Then last Thursday many of you gathered to greet Martha and Sarah Shumate, wife and daughter of the beloved pastor of WPC, Rev. Sam Shumate. These ladies received a warm welcome and a lovely meal in their first visit to Grace Hall! Everyone enjoyed reconnecting with memories of the past and shared treasures of their future hopes through pictures of grandchildren and family. It was fun to be a part of this and a joy to meet the Shumates! As we blessed our time together and our meal, we also prayed for the family of another saint of this church, the Rev. Steve Huntley. The night before he had entered into the Church Triumphant. That announcement brought up shared memories about Steve’s ministry, not once, but twice with this congregation.
Most people had to leave after lunch. A remaining group of us were headed to the sanctuary to show the Shumates the renovations, when David and Eva Ruth showed up! They were on the way to the beach for vacation and heard that Martha and Sarah were in town and they did not want to miss them. It was then that I learned how far back the relationship goes between the Shumate and Ruth families. And how much love they have for one another.
After oohing and ahhing at the renovations in the sanctuary Martha said, “Before we all leave we need to have a prayer for David.” (You may not be aware of it, but David is having some health problems that will require surgery.) Sarah said, “Well, Mom, you said it, so you pray!” And she did. We all surrounded David in the sanctuary and put our hands upon his head and shoulders while Martha prayed a beautiful prayer for healing and assurance of hope in Christ Jesus. That moment was a perfect window into what it means to be a part of the body of Christ.
Jesus says “I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you will do nothing” John 15:5. As the Body of Christ we are all connected to the vine and the fruit that we bear is his love. Grounded and rooted in Christ we are stronger. Not only that, grounded and rooted in him and his love we grow…in our relationships from the past and the future…in our faith…in the ways we show the love of Christ to one and to all. Thanks be to God for grounding us, rooting us, and growing us in love.
Peace, Josie
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