An Open Letter To My FBC Family

I'm bagging the 'church bus' idea, it just doesn't seem all that important right now. Maybe I'll try it again later, but for now, skip it and let's do something important instead. For all my readers in Tennessee, Oregon, California, London, Edmonton and other parts of the globe, please allow me to get something off my chest a little closer to home:

Dear First Baptist Family,

You rock. Last week was the hardest week we've seen around here in a long time, and there have been many issues that most of you don't even know about and may not ever know. But in the places you could step up, you did. When ReNee Perry passed away Monday morning, the love and care started spreading across our community. People stepped up to make phone calls, deliver food and coffee, and offer comfort and love to people who were hurting, from Lance and the kids to just about anyone you could think of. Everywhere I looked, there you were, helping, crying, hugging, sharing. Nice job.

Then, through the week, you continued to offer help. People from far and wide who used to be a part of this family called, encouraged, prayed, offered help in any way they could, and I'm thrilled by all of that, but here at home, you consistently offered assistance, expertise, encouragement and prayer. I personally was the recipient of a lot of encouragement, including much prayer. As your pastor, you didn't expect me to some how become Superman and have it all together. Many of you showed genuine concern for my mental and emotional states. The staff made sure that I knew that I didn't have to preach on Sunday if I didn't have it in me. As my bandwidth filled up, folks took notice and did whatever they could to help. This may not come out right, but I mean this in the best possible way: not every church has a clue how to take care of their pastor, and you showed that not only can you do that, but you can make sure that I don't run myself off a cliff trying to be someone I'm not. I'm so blessed to be a part of a church that can and will take care of their own, even the pastor.

An Thursday was one of the most amazing days of ministry ever. We filled the worship center with people, then put 98 folks in the Family Room for the video version of overflow. Then we filled both places with worship of our loving, grace filled God. Thank you to everyone who used the overflow room, and I'm sorry for wearing a white shirt. I won't do that again. But we made room for everyone who needed to be there, and then we showed them that a funeral could be a celebration of life. I am so proud of you. Words fail. You came through so big for Lance, Susie, Glen, Joni, Garth, Laura and Kyrol, and you came through so big on behalf of Jesus.

We turned the Family Room from overflow to dining room in record time, fed dozens of people, and made sure that there was love enough for everyone. There was even apple pie.

So in conclusion, I love you. You are the most amazing church family I have ever been associated with - I love you, and I am proud of you. And I'm pretty sure that Jesus is proud of you. I know He loves you.

Humbled by your love,

Bill