Dear First Pres,
How do you begin the ending? Writing this letter is one of my last summer tasks and something I hope and pray can convey a glimpse of what a special summer it’s been.
Our summer sermon series, Deeper Still, was truly God-ordained. As Pastor Jeremy and staff developed the series, their hope was that no matter where we are in our walk with Christ, we could go deeper still; receive more of God’s grace, grow in faith, and become more aware of the spiritual places that God is calling us into both personally and in community.
Jeremy officially returns from his sabbatical today, September 1. Will we find him changed? Will he find us changed? I believe whole-heartedly that we have all changed – for the better and in the same direction. Only the Holy Spirit can do that! We have gone Deeper Still, and as the depth has increased so has our love for Jesus and our connections to each other.
Early this summer, I referred to our sanctuary and church campus as Sacred Space. No matter who occupies the offices or worships in the sanctuary, it’s God’s space. During my 3 months as interim staff director, I have seen Him occupy that space in a number of ways:
- Our church community is becoming increasingly welcoming.
- We are living out our mission statement and getting a glimpse of “In Fresno as it is in Heaven.”
- Church leadership was pretty much catapulted into places it had never been. Session, OPS, and Deacons all had more than a few unexpected situations and events to deal with. They met each one demonstrating absolute care for our church family, respect for one another, and humility before God.
- One of the most revealing glimpses into their responses has been the heart, soul and tears poured into grieving, walking with families, and celebrating lives of those of us who have passed away.
- We have had a swirl of new hires, have said good-bye to some beloved staff members and at the same time are searching to fill key positions. During this time, staff has filled in and volunteers have stepped up.
- Jeremy often stands before us with a prayer card and says that staff prays for us every Wednesday. They do! Whether you connect through a card at church or online, staff and prayer warriors lift you up.
Each week staff also includes prayers for Jeremy. I hope you do too. I pray he returns to a congregation eager to keep going deeper still. I hope you shower him with love and encouragement and at the same time leave him re-entry space. We have had time to see changes and make adjustments. He hasn’t. We pray that he is well-rested and brimming with ideas and eagerness when he returns; that God has also been taking him deeper still.
Jeremy is a strong leader with a shepherd’s heart, and we need to cherish that “gift combination.” We as staff and a church community have done well because he set things in motion. A strong leader builds people up to succeed, and Jeremy has done that.
We are blessed to have a pastor who lives out Philippians 2:3. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Well done church. Welcome home, Jeremy!
With Joy,
Gerre Brenneman
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