Serving Hilo since 1869 ~ Serving you today
Pastor's Message
For July 2008
The Season of Kingdomtide
Thoughts I’d Like To Share ........
The journey didn’t begin with a first step, though it did move beautifully along life’s way in pursuit of a dream. The journey began with the indwelling of Spirit; Spirit as real and as present as that first moment when, by the grace of God, it changed the lives of all those gathered so long ago on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit that day came to those who were gathered in the love of Christ. The Spirit that came prior to the first step of the journey yet unfolding in our midst, and before our eyes, came also to those gathered in the love of Christ.
Spirit inspired. Spirit led. Spirit driven. That is the reality of the journey being experienced by those in our church family who will be traveling to the National Youth Event in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the end of this month. This is not just a trip, not just a ‘youth thing.’ This is something far more important, far deeper, and far more meaningful. The Spirit that inspired them has become the inspiration of us all.
Over the course of these past many months Spirit has enabled prayerful and prayer-filled planning and activity. Growing as that tiny seed, there now rises before us a new reality that declares the glory of God and the presence of the Living Lord of Life. Young people, young energy, young hope, young faith has captivated young and old alike. We can, and do, gladly affirm hearing the voice of God that proclaims:
Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth,
do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
There is great joy in knowing that a path has been made through the mighty waters that surround and make beautiful our Island home; that a highway extends from our humble church to all the world. There is joy in knowing that former things, and things of old, have not hindered but have become a foundation upon which the new is being built. There is joy in seeing the new springing forth!
Our church family has nurtured and encouraged its young disciples to go forth in the name of the Christ. These young disciples have labored long and hard, they have matured. We can now see that their journey will carry them far past the NYE. The journey they have begun will carry them into life itself. What they have already experienced, learned and accomplished transforms the NYE into but a way point along a greater journey. Yes, they will be enriched by the many dimensions of the NYE and they will be enriched by the shared faith of June and Faye as they travel along. Their stop at St. Matthew Church in New Orleans will teach what mission is all about. Their visit to Tugaloo College will speak of the fruitful reward of the faithful struggle that brings freedom to life and soul. The NYE itself will overwhelm them with the reality that they are numbered in the thousands, these young Disciples of Christ. Their return home will remind them that rootedness in family and faith enables them to grow throughout a lifetime.
Quietly, beautifully, decisively the Spirit has moved within us and amongst us. We have indeed done far more than we could ever have imagined. Barriers have disappeared, the way has been made smooth, joy abounds.
In thanksgiving I pray … May God bless you all!
Rev. L. Walter