Dear
Fellow Children of God,
August 20 is the 39th
anniversary of the day that Kathy and I were married in Memphis, TN. However, on that day 39 years ago the people
of Memphis were somewhat distracted by another minor event. Elvis Presley had died of a heart attack on
Tuesday of that week. Ask Kathy or ask
me sometime about how Elvis’ death affected our wedding. But, we can laugh about it today.
After 39 years of
marriage I continue to learn. For one
thing I learn more about Kathy and about myself. And as I learn I am amazed and thankful. What a woman of faith, of grace, of wisdom,
and of genuine personal caring God has used to bless her husband and family! What a wonderful caring, dedicated mother my
children have. I continue to learn and
to grow in being thankful for the blessing God has given me in my wife, Kathy.
After 39 years I also
continue to learn more about the wisdom and love of God in creation. When I have a tough day at work, Kathy is at
home to listen. That is part of the creation
plan of God. When I need a friend,
Kathy, my best friend, is already at home.
That is the plan of God from the
beginning. When I have been ill, I have
had a nurse at home to care for me, and sometimes to laugh at me. That too
is part of the plan of God for marriage.
When I seek to be father to my children using my values of discipline
and responsibility, Kathy is the other side of God’s plan for parents that brings
our children nurture and understanding.
That is the plan of God for parents and families. Our God is truly wise, and marriage between a
husband and wife is truly a gift from God.
I also know that not
all marriages are happy. Not all wives
or husbands know and follow God’s plan.
So, I have come to learn and understand the truth of Proverbs 31:29-31, 29
"’Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ 30 Charm is
deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be
praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her
praise at the city gate.”
But, I have also
learned of another way that Kathy is a blessing to me, and to my calling as
pastor. Being a pastor has never been an
easy job. Pastors have eternal
responsibilities to God and to His people.
And, as the values in our country change, there are more opportunities
for difficulties and conflicts for pastors in congregations. But, a pastor at least can do something about
a concern which arises. A pastor’s wife often
sits at home and simply tries to quietly support her husband. At least Kathy does. It is not always easy to sit on the sidelines
in prayer and watch someone you love go through difficulties.
And, how does a
pastor’s wife participate in a congregation?
There are various theories that are all valid. In some situations a pastor’s wife has been
like another unpaid worker, leading many of the congregation’s programs. However, sometimes people can complain that the
wife of the pastor seems to be in charge of everything. However, when Kathy and I were married the
pastor who did our pre-marital counseling gave us a different model. He said, “As a pastor’s wife do what you
would normally do as a church member, or maybe a little less. That allows others to grow by serving. And, no one else can be husband to the pastor.”
With that advice I
have watched my wonderful wife be a great pastor’s wife. She is a servant who has helped on various
boards and committees over the years (Fellowship Board, Youth Board, Adult
Education Board, etc.) And she has volunteered in our congregation by cooking
and sewing and teaching and being a mentor to younger women and wives. What a blessing my wife is to St. John! Imagine how much poorer our ministry would be
if Kathy were not cooking, or sewing, or helping in other ways in our midst.
Along with Solomon,
as our 39th anniversary is observed, both for our family and for our
congregation I again echo the words of God through Solomon, 29
"’Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ 30 Charm is
deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be
praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her
praise at the city gate.”
A
Child of God, Thankful for the Gift of My Faithful Wife, Kathy,
Pastor
Jonathan
P.S. Kathy and I celebrated our anniversary with a
dinner out on August 12. Here is a
picture from that celebration. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOieNvSdu0BR0bQedSokbYj89hqVequ_wXbS85dcIaGvono00gSoUnXXWeV_2A5EQ?key=LVR5LTdPeHFaZXpHU09wSzJncnBDVXJNeVdvelR3
P.P.S. I have taken a number of people fishing.
Jenna Sutton caught her first salmon ever on August 9. Here is a picture. https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipNfw4rkx8_9p3J0q_1lCrTcDWR36sm3WX0lBCfd
Jim Summers and I went fishing on
August 12. Here was our catch. https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipM5zKOBDHNh1YeaCD0UQbkPgI-tyiL-ExZBLpEU
Dave Nufer, Kym Miller and I went
fishing on Monday, August 15. Here is a
picture.
****
ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE
PASTOR’ - I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to
all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am regularly
adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this
e-mail for the first time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this
e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for
this message.
****
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