Rev. Mark Thomas, Senior Minister

Dear friends,
With the recent passing of two long time members of the church the promise of eternal life is front and center on my mind. Virginia Adams and Richard Van Hala are beyond our concern as they now live in the radiant grace that is God's promise expressed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are no longer limited by the frailties of an aging mind and confined by their physical body. That sacred spirit that resided in each of their hearts which made them unique from all others, is now enveloped within the welcoming arms of God.

A phrase I have been using recently on such occasions points out a truth learned when loss has entered our lives. "Death leaves a heartache nothing can heal. Love leaves a memory nothing can steal." Those who have experienced that "dark night of the soul," as a loved one passed from this physical life to the life beyond our vision, knows the first part of this phrase all too well. Time may heal all wounds, but even a wound can leave a scar that never fully fades. For thirty-two years I have stood before countless faces of mourning hearts and tear filled eyes. I have sought to speak of my faith in the promises of God that assure us of a new life to come. And it is, without a doubt, at the times the most frustrating moment when I am trying to bring the comforting assurance that the person being honored is not lying in the ground. It is but a body in the ground or ashes in the urn, for the true self that was loved and now missed - the true spirit that made that loved one unique - is now living with the Lord.

When he died, my father wanted me to have two things. One was an old pocket watch he had received from his father. The other was a collection of manuscripts: forty years of sermons he had preached on Sunday mornings. I could have been lazy and just used those sermons, saving the effort of writing my own. But, they are so dated and since my father had a very different view as to what the content of a sermon should be, they are without value regarding my using them in worship. But they have an inestimable value to me, his son. From time to time I enjoy reading them, particularly the ones from a long time ago.

On May 14th, 1950, two years before I was born, my father preached these words - and please forgive the outdated male- centered language:

"Most doctors secretly hope their sons will become doctors.
Most lawyers secretly hope their sons will take up the profession of the law.
Rare is the minister who does not hope and pray his son will become a faithful minister of Christ."

I do not doubt my father had such thoughts of his own, and I can but hope he was pleased with my choice of professions. I am so very aware of his presence in my life and every time I step up to that pulpit I am privileged to stand behind, I know my father is praying for his son - the son who followed in his steps. The point being that I have no doubt whatsoever that my father is more than a memory I hold tight in my heart, but that my father - and your loved ones - are far more than memories. They are a living presence in our lives that can encourage us and empower us as we live out our days on earth.

Virginia Adams and Dick Van Hala, whose deaths leave a loss nothing can fully heal, also left a memory and love no one can steal. They are with the Lord! Praise be to God!
                                                    Rev. Mark