Practice Makes Easy

Greetings, Beloved Christ the King Community,

I am extremely grateful for the almost two-year journey that we have shared together. I have learned and experienced much from you, and I hope that you have from me as well. We have laughed together, cried together, been challenged together, and dreamed together. Now is the time for me to cease being your pastor, but we will continue to participate in God’s mission together into the future.

I have thought long and hard about what I would want to share with you for my last Pastor’s Desk. One of my favorite Bible passages comes from the book of Philippians. Though the apostle Paul wrote this letter while in prison, he is able to write from the big picture perspective of what it means to be with and in Christ. I offer you my own translation of Philippians 4:4-9 as a message of encouragement in this time of transition:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your kindness be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious at all, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved siblings, all that is true, all that is respectable, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is pleasing, all that is honorable, if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things; what indeed you learned and received and heard and seen in me, keep on practicing these things; and the God of peace will be with you.

By now, you may have heard me use the phrase “Practice Makes Easy.” I encourage you to keep on practicing what we have explored in ministry together. Your particular ministry will be in my continued prayers of thanksgiving to God.

Grace and peace, and even more hope,

Pastor Jennifer