“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart…”
Paul’s letter to Philippi brims with affection and appreciation. Probably written near the end of his Roman imprisonment, Paul reflects not on the conflict of Philippi like he did with Colossians or Galatians, but on the deep love and gratitude for the ministry he shared with the Philippian believers. Lydia (Acts 16:11ff) whose generosity aided Paul’s missionary journey and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16: 16ff) who not only came to Christ but tended to the physical needs of Paul and Silas, would have been among the congregants there.
Philippians reads like a grateful pastor writing to a church he deeply loves. I quote it today because I feel like no scripture more adequately sums up my thoughts and feelings.
“I thank God every time I remember you…” for the two years God gifted us to minister alongside you. You inspire us! We loved visiting your churches on Sundays. Thank you for inviting us and receiving us with such warmth. Your faithful ministry week by week demonstrates your deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and your love for your communities. Jill and I will look back on our days as SCO DS “…with joy.”
Like Paul, we covenant to continue “…in all my prayers for all of you.” We are still members of the district and care deeply about its effectiveness in the work of the Kingdom. We will need to give the new DS plenty of space and time to connect with all of you. This is important as it offers your new leader the chance to “…have you in his heart.” Our great church is full of terrific leaders and God has prepared someone to take SCO to new heights. I’m excited to support our new DS and I urge you to quickly do the same.
Finally, hear Paul’s words and hide them in your heart, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We had some initiatives this year, we had a few plans taking shape for the future, but none of them is more important than bringing people to Jesus and helping them become Christlike disciples. God has begun this good work through his prevenient grace, join him! The church and the district will thrive as we keep our eyes on Jesus’ priorities.
I’m sure we’ll see each other often and when we do, know that we love you.
-Sam
