Summer 2017 IRONWoman by The Kirk Women's Ministry

THEODORA,   UNLIKELY EMPRESS AND CHAMPION OF THE WEAK   BY SARAH WHITE

AN INTERVIEW WITH   ANNA PORTER, BY KATY CLEMENT

GETTING TO KNOW   OUR 2017-2018 WOMEN’S COUNCIL

PARTING WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT BY COURTNEY DOCTOR

VOLUME I, ISSUE 3

What a Summer! Welcome back! by Michelle Howard Our last issue of IRONWoman was published almost five months ago! In that time, we have experienced a lot! We grew together at the 2017 Women’s Retreat where we were encouraged and equipped to tell our story and the story of Jesus’ transformative power. With that training, many of the ladies of the Kirk held neighborhood Bible studies around the city this summer and saw our Lord reach those around us in very tangible ways. A huge team from our midst traveled to Malawi to share the gospel alongside our missionary partners, the Spencer family, at the African Bible College. We celebrated new babies and growing families, and we said goodbye to long-time Kirk members and loved ones.   We even welcomed our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Ben Porter.

Now we are back to school (and schedules), surviving our signature summer humidity, and sending our beloved Doctor family to serve in a new and wonderful place. Through the routine of life, through the ebb and flow of everyday trials and overwhelming hurdles, God is faithful to His Word. In the context of a passage speaking to how we as Christians are to live through the routine of life in light of the Jesus’ return, Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica saying, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).   Each article and section of this newsletter is chosen that it might be a support and an encouragement to each of us as we live in the light of this reality. To this end we — what a team that contributes to this! — bring you the third issue of IRONWoman. In these pages, we’ll hear from the members of our

2017-2018 Women’s Council (and get a few book recommendations from their shelves). We’ll read reflections on both the Women’s Retreat and the neighborhood summer Bible studies recounting how God is working in our midst and how we have been encouraged to share our stories to His glory. We’ll get an exciting update from Lauren Spencer as she and her growing family are heading onto the mission field as full-time missionaries in Malawi, Africa. We’ll hear from Anna Porter, wife of our new Senior Pastor, and listen to her heart for ministry, as well as what she has been learning during this season of transition. We’ll also get a special peek into the life of Theodora, a champion of justice and protector of the weak, still shining as an example for us over 1500 years later. Last, but not least, we will hear a parting word from Courtney Doctor. Over the past seven years it has been our privilege to know Courtney, from her days as a student at Covenant Seminary to her role among us at the Kirk as the Director of Women’s Ministry and Assimilation. She has been a pillar of strength and grace, a confidante, mentor, and friend to so many of us, and we know that she and Craig will be faithful to serve our Lord wherever He may lead. With heavy hearts, we send them off with a farewell of love and encouragement, knowing that they will always have a home here and praising God that we have grown to know Him in new ways through their ministry among us. Courtney, you have challenged us out of our comfort zones and into a life of walking boldly with God; you have been a sharpening iron to us, focusing our hearts on the Lord’s Word and the Lord’s plan, and we thank you. We hope that you enjoy this issue of IRONWoman and that it causes you to meditate afresh on the steadfast love of our covenant God and His faithfulness to His people.

Celebrating the installation of our new Senior Pastor

Rev. Ben Porter August 20, 2017

An interview with Anna KATY CLEMENT RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH ANNA PORTER TO TALK ABOUT WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED DURING THE SEARCH PROCESS, HER HEARTl  FOR THE KIRK, AND WAYS       WE CAN SUPPORT THE PORTERS IN THIS NEW SEASON.

this process has allowed us to see the hand of God at work and has given Ben and me a newfound excitement for the things the Lord is already doing here. We began to get a clear sense that this is the community and the work God has planned for us.

What has God taught you during the pastoral search process? There are so many different things I have learned and continue to learn through this process. But the three I would share are patience, community and calling. To find contentment in the waiting is to learn that it’s not about my need for control. It’s about surrendering to the Lord and trusting that His ways are better than my own. I wrestled daily with finding patience through this process. I struggled to believe that full reliance on the Lord was actually my greatest need. God has clearly shown me that His plans, his timing, his desires are good and right and there is so much peace that comes in the wake of letting go of my own plans, timing, and desires.

How would you like to see the Kirk grow and change in the next 5 years?

Over the last year, Ben and I have become keenly aware of how deeply rooted we are at the Kirk. We have been loved and cared for by so many here. This church has become our family and we have developed deep and rich relationships. The Lord has generously given us a community to live in, to love and to be loved by. To have the opportunity to remain here is such a gift. Understanding God’s call has always been a blurry concept to me. To have front row seats inl

I hope to see the Kirk continue to grow in its transparency. I long to be in a church that models vulnerability toward each other, not because we love our sin but so that we can enjoy deep friendship, and in our friendships fight against our sin. When we come together as people who can admit we’re all broken, it becomes easier to show each other grace and grow in the Gospel.

What ministries have you been involved with in the past? How do you see yourself serving in your new role?   Many of the ministries I have been involved with center around my stage of life for the last 10 years — the consuming and beautiful stage of raising Ella, Drew & Aubrey. As opportunities to serve arose, I chose ministries that I could easily slip into as a young mom. I wanted to be involved in things that would allow me to incorporate my kids as much as possible.

I am just beginning to dream about this new role as Senior Pastor’s wife. First and foremost, I desire to be a woman who seeks after God’s Word and His heart. As I grow in my knowledge of who He is, I hope that it will guide me into the relationships and areas of ministry that He is preparing for me. Hospitality, leading Bible Study, and discipleship are areas that I want to continue to pursue. Over time I hope to discern other areas where I can serve at the Kirk. How can we serve and pray for your family during this season of transition? We ask for your prayers! In the area of personal growth, please pray that Ben and I would never become wear y of pursuing God’s word. For our marriage, please pray that Ben and I would love each other well, communicate well and move towards each other. For our children, please pray that we would love our kids well, that the church would always be a place they’re glad to come to, and that we would give them the time and attention they need as they are in their formative years. Another way Kirk members can serve our family (since you asked!) is by enjoying an occasional evening with our kids so Ben and I can have a date night!

Theodora: Unlikely Empress and Champion of theWeak palace, where her wit and beauty attracted the Emperor himself. Improbably, the scandalous young woman married Justinian in 523, and she was crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire in 527.

Theodora (c. 500 - 547) is a departure from women introduced in past articles. Not only was she born more than a millennium earlier, but her beginnings were humbler. She did not grow up with nurturing Christian parents or educational opportunities. Her childhood was traumatic. She came from a poor family in Constantinople (today Istanbul, Turkey). Her father had been a bear-tamer in the circus, but he died when Theodora was little. Her mother and stepfather could not provide for Theodora and her sisters, so sources record that the girls worked as “actresses” from an early age. More than likely, this means that they endured exploitation and abuse for many years. In her late teens, Theodora managed to escape her situation and was taken in by a government official in Libya, but he, too, abandoned her. Sometime during her sojourn in North Africa, however, Theodora’s life took a turn. She experienced a Christian conversion, returned to Constantinople, and began to work as a wool-spinner near the

Theodora possessed a strong intellect and undoubtedly influenced her husband’s policy decisions. Their marriage itself is a primary example. Under Roman law, it had been forbidden for aristocratic men to marry women of lowly background. As Christianity spread, these expectations were relaxed, but it was not until the reign of Justinian and Theodora that the change was written into law. From now on, powerful couples like themselves should not be an exception, but the law should apply to all. Justinian based his reasoning on God’s merciful character, pointing out that as God continually forgives our sins, we should imitate his clemency in situations where repentance is evident. Theodora had a particularly strong influence on a body of work known as the “Corpus Juris Civilis.” This collection of documents, a revision of the entire law code, was marked by concern for women and others vulnerable to exploitation. Among other reforms, the laws criminalized those who ensnared women into lives of prostitution. They ensured the financial rights of women who were unjustly divorced, allowing

their children to maintain the status of legitimate heirs. They made sure that if a woman’s husband was fined, her dowry would not be confiscated. They also looked out for women’s safety by demanding that even if a woman was imprisoned for serious crimes, she should be sheltered in a convent and not placed under the dubious care of male guards. Theodora personally ransomed all the enslaved prostitutes in Constantinople, providing each with a small sum of money and a set of new clothes to enable them to return to their families. For those who had no family, she founded a religious order called the Convent of Repentance. She also had a particular wrath toward those who exploited children, and she determinedly prosecuted such abusers, even when these men occupied elite positions. Society at the time was not inclined to be sympathetic toward children, slaves, and other disadvantaged people who accused the wealthy and powerful, but Theodora came down unflinchingly on their side. Her childhood experiences almost certainly shaped her attitudes and efforts on behalf of others. The historian Procopius claimed that the Emperor and Empress “never did anything apart from [each other] to the end of their joint lives.” It is not clear that the politically hostile Procopius meant this as a compliment. However, it seems to accurately capture the ll

tone of their devoted marriage. Justinian and Theodora were unable to bear any children. Though he longed for an heir, Justinian remained steadfastly faithful to his marriage, and he continued to honor Theodora’s memory after she died of cancer in her late forties. By all appearances, it was a deeply loving partnership. Described as small, stubborn, and possessing a fierce gaze, Theodora does seem to have had a hot temper. She sometimes made judgments and asked questions later. She had an eye for what was politically advantageous, and she made her share of enemies. Regardless of all else we might say about her, Theodora appeared to cherish the truth of God’s mercy toward the repentant. She believed in Christian marriage as a refuge for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks of society. Rather than defining herself by past tragedy, she leveraged her powerful position to look out for those who were as vulnerable as she had once been, t ra n s f o r m i n g s o c i e t y i n t h e process. For all the cultural and theological distance that separates us from the Empress, these facts alone make her an instructive figure worth knowing about.

SARAH PATTERSON WHITE   GREW UP OUTSIDE OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA. SHE AND HER HUSBAND, KEVIN, NOW LIVE IN SAINT LOUIS AND ARE MEMBERS AT THE KIRK. SHE HAS EARNED A B.A. IN ENGLISH AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES FROM HOLLINS UNIVERSITY, AS WELL A S A N M D i v F R O M YA L E DIVINITY SCHOOL.

“COME AND HEAR, ALL YOU WHO FEAR GOD, AND I WILL TELL WHAT HE HAS DONE   FOR MY SOUL.” (PSALM 66:16) It was 7:00 on a summer evening and ladies began to enter my home. We poured some iced tea — chatting together to catch up on life over the past week’s time. A summer Bible study session began. Jennifer Spohr and I coordinated our Summer Bible Study group together. Our group included Kirk women, women from other churches and neighbors. We met six times and studied “Names of God”  (by Douglas Connelly). Study of God’s Word always brings people closer together, and this summer study was no exception. As we shared from our weekly experiences, studying the passages and praying for each other, relationships developed and deepened. Summer offered greater opportunity for reflection as our schedules relaxed. Being intentional about studying God’s Word met the deep needs of our souls! As each Summer Bible study session finished with prayer time, conversations would continue as ladies walked to their cars. It was a joy sharing life together through Summer Bible study.

a reflection on summer studies

by Rebecca Donaldson

On our bookshelv SUSI BAYLISS: My recent favorite book is Quiet: The Power of

lp books, and Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. I like self-he thinking. this one opened my eyes to how an introverted friend was as readily as it s expres Introverts have internal power but might not must a is extroverts. I now appreciate their way of doing things. This is confirming reading for extroverts in relationships with introverts. And it for introverts to finally be understood!

KAMI BELMONT: A new favorite of mine is The Lifegiving Home. There is a chapter for each month of the year, inviting you to ponder how your home might be a place of rest and comfort for any who might enter its doors. With each new chapter, I am encouraged by the words of truth that I read and am inspired to purposefully build our home to the glory of God and the good of those around us. BONUS: There is also a study guide if you would like to read this with a book club or with your discipleship partner! Gables has ESTHER BRYAN: Anne of Green since I first been a favorite book of mine . The themes of girl ng encountered it as a you caused me to friendship and adoption have love for me and more carefully consider God's I just love the my love for other people. And places on Prince the all author's descriptions of t! Edward Island! I want to go visi

SON:   REBECCA DONALD y Randy My book is Heaven b ndy Alcorn. I love how Ra writing Alcorn’s insight and of opens up the window tiful au be scripture to give a view of heaven.

KATY C

LEM

ENT: Th attentio e Night n from ingale g the very the com ripped m first pag plicated y e! It is a relation they fac s tory abo ship be e the ha u t t w een two rdships France. of life in sisters a Their du s Nazi oc al storie challen cupied s of lifeged me o r d b e o ath cho th spirit was bea ices ually an utifully d morall written and rive y. This b ook ting . . . a must read!

JENNIFER MOEHRLE: I honestly can’t reme

is a picture of me from my webcam while I am r break,,.?! On my laptop? Well yes, because the su possible while I do not have classes to teach. So articles like this one that I am using for a particu you would like to read some juicy accounting ac

ves...

WANT TO GET TO KNOW THE 2017-2018 WOMEN’S COUNCIL A LITTLE BETTER? HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE BOOKS (AND RECENT SUMMER READS) THAT WE WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU. KAREN SCHUMACHER: I recommend

The Book of Hours. It is an engaging mystery involving secrets, priorities, prayer and friendship. I found this book in a used book shop, where I love to look for books of historical fiction, best sellers, Christian authors or classics.

LAUREN STAN FIL

BONNIE STAHL:

I highly recommend Jane Eyre as the next book for you to dive into because it is a true classic in literature, appealing with all timelessness. Jane's character continually shows virtue, sincerity, and an unbroken spirit, through which inspiration leaps off of the pages. Beautifully written, Jane Eyre exemplifies the character of a courageous and Christian women, prevailing in the face   of trials, and will uplift women of all ages.

L: In Uninvited, Ly TerKeurst shares sa the biblical trut hs she has applied to her fears, rejections and insecuritie She does so in s. her characteris tic mix of hum and transparen or cy, making the book as enjoyable as it is insightful. LIVE LIFE LOVED! SARAH STAIR: A good friend of mine recommended the

I book Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen to me recently and g seekin with le strugg am so glad she did! Though we often r perfection in our efforts, we will always fall short. The autho points to the ultimate sufficiency of Christ alone and emphasizes that seeking and knowing Him will provide us freedom and peace. It is encouraging, witty, and full of charm which makes the author seem so relatable. The book continuously pointed me to Jesus and challenged me to r seek His will and His grace in every circumstance, no matte feel. how mundane or how ill-equipped I

“YOU CAN NEVER GET A CUP OF TEA BIG ENOUGH OR A BOOK LONG ENOUGH TO SUIT ME.” — C. S. LEWIS

ember the last time I read a “summer book.” Instead, this reading an article in an academic journal on summer ummer is my time to try to get as much research done as o as odd as it may seem, the days when I can just read ular research project are the most peaceful days for me. If cademic articles, I am always willing to share!!

BETSY ZIESENISS: I thoroughly enjoyed

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. This quirky, fun and light-read book centers on an eccentric Associate Professor of Genetics who is approaching 40 and decides he needs a wife. He prepares a questionnaire to find the perfect spouse: No smoking, no drinking, non- vegetarian, punctual, logical, not a barmaid . . . Now enters Rosie, who drinks, smokes, is always late, works in a bar and is a vegetarian. Thus the adventure begins. I loved this hilarious romantic comedy and could not put the book down. In fact, I liked it so much, I loved sharing and reading it with my special friends as in the picture!

2017 Women’s Retreat SUSAN NEEDLER REFLECTS ON OUR MOST RECENT KIRK WOMEN’S RETREAT WITH CHRISTY GAMBRELL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING — ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO GOD’S REDEMPTIVE WORK IN AND THROUGH OUR OWN STORIES. Do I like retreats? Um . . .

absolutely.

Do I like to go on retreats with a bunch of my   favorite people and spend the night in the woods?

Of course.

Do I like retreats where one of my favorite people is the retreat speaker?

Wow! Yes!

This year’s Women’s Retreat was a particular treat for me because my dear friend Christy Gambrell was our speaker for the weekend. Christy is the Director of Women’s Ministry at a church in Orlando, Florida, and is also a gifted communicator. During the three teaching sessions, Christy hit on different aspects of the theme of “story”. We talked about understanding our own story (which is crucial), learning how to understand and hear the story of others (key: learning how to listen well), and remembering God’s story.

As I walked away that weekend, my biggest take-away was the concept of remembering. We are a forgetful people, I am a horribly forgetful person. Forgetfulness is honestly something that would define me in my daily life Where are my keys . . . ? Where did I put Jack’s shoes . . . ? Have I lost my phone again . . . ? but if I look closer, it often defines the state of my heart. My forgetfulness in my daily life spills into my forgetfulness in my spiritual life when I examine the anxieties of my heart. I worry. I always run the worst case scenario. I grieve things that haven’t even happened yet (and may never happen).

I forget. Over and over and over again. So what is the antithesis of this? Remembering. Remember God’s truths. Remember the stories He’s given us (too many to name here!) that build up our faith and confidence that He IS who He says He is. Remember what He’s done in my lifetime in my circumstances.

Remembering takes work, time, and patience. And one of the best things about a retreat is we get to practice some of the things we are hearing.   During that weekend I got to remember the Lord’s kindness in giving me some really sweet relationships. Relationships of depth, joy, vulnerability, and sisterhood. I also got to remember how God has given us times of rest to enjoy each other and to retreat TO Him, not just away from everything else. There are so many things about this weekend I wish I could expound on but maybe this will be enough to pique your interest to join us again next time. Can’t wait to do it all again. Until then, I’ll be working on remembering. Maybe you can join me in that too.

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes  have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. (Deut. 4:9a ESV)

Come and Listen to What He’s Done

AS JON JON AND LAUREN SPENCER HEAD OFF TO MALAWI, AFRICA, TO WORK AT AFRICAN BIBLE COLLEGES AS FULL-TIME MISSIONARIES, THEY CHECKED IN WITH THIS ENCOURAGING UPDATE.

LAUREN WRITES:  I’ve made it a habit of finding small encouragements from the Lord throughout each day. I love to share these encouragements with others around me. These things bring me and others joy. But for the first time   in a long time, I couldn’t come up with anything. Truth be told, for the last month and a half, we had to wake up every morning praying for grace just to get through the day. We struggled with purposelessness, fear, confusion, grief, and loss. There were many moments where we questioned if God even cared about us. Thankfully, our story does not end here. I am inviting you to hear about all that the Lord has done for us in the last month in hopes that you will rejoice with us. Jon Jon, Canaan, and I were supposed to leave July 22nd to move to Malawi. We were supposed to be taking the Kirk youth group on a missions trip to start out our time there. A few weeks before leaving, Jon Jon became ill. When you have Crohn's disease, the first thought is that it is Crohn's related. It was extremely painful, but we had to push back our move without having any idea when we would be going. We needed to stay here to get an idea of what was happening. I specifically was struggling with a lot of sadness, exhaustion, lack of motivation, sickness, and just feeling like I was no longer myself. This had been going on for weeks. I just felt like something was extra wrong with me. As it turns out, God had the biggest gift, just waiting for us to notice! I had been pregnant for weeks unknowingly – starting when Jon Jon got sick in June. We didn’t think it was possible for us to get pregnant without fertility treatment. This is a miracle and an incredible joy!

please p ray for Being a us! mission ary Sp

It was so hard to miss out on the missions trip to Malawi with our   students who we had been leading for years, but they all came   back from the trip with a greater love for one another and a   deeper understanding of who God is. What a gift for us to   get to witness. When we reached out for help last month,   we were given a home, transportation, meals, love, prayers, and financial help. The body of Christ came to life for us this month. Thank you from the depth of our hearts.

iritual w is very difficult arfare is experie work.   v ery rea nced a l and w great d to the e have   eal of it field. W before e have o v e r we’ve e w fe   helmin ars and ven go g. We n stresso withou tten e rs that ed you Jon Jon’s doctor is an incredible man   t ceasin can be a ll g, espe t o b very e praying cially o who cares about Jon Jon deeply, while also   ver the for us next tw caring about our desire to be in Malawi. He   o mon ths. did just about every test and procedure possible,   1. Deta ils comin g and Jon Jon is cleared to go. We believe he is   togethe r in our either experiencing “spasms” or that he was   move an d reexperiencing withdrawal symptoms from coming   location off of a medication too quickly. We are   2. Jon Jon’s he alth set to leave August 29th! Thank you for  3. Laur en, as sh e  your continued prayers for our family! is carryin g this new litt le   preciou s  bundle of sweetne ss

love,

JON JON, LAUREN, &   CANAAN SPENCER

THIS ISSUE IS FULL OF STORIES — PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON HOW GOD HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO WORK IN THE LIVES OF YOUR SISTERS IN CHRIST. MAY THE EXPERIENCES THAT THEY HAVE SHARED BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO EACH OF US AS WE REMEMBER GOD’S WORK IN OUR LIVES AND REMIND ONE ANOTHER OF HIS PROMISES AND HIS FAITHFULNESS, TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN THE SPACE BELOW. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHARE YOUR STORY WITH OTHERS (AS OUR SISTERS HAVE MODELED TO US WITHIN THIS ISSUE) THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MIGHT BE BUILT UP.

Describe a time in your life when you experienced great joy.   When did you identify this joy? What preceded it? How did God orchestrate the world beyond your control to result in His glory?

Personal Reflection

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Describe a time your experienced sorrow.   Where did you look for comfort? Who did you seek for support?   What did you ask of God and how did He provide?

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Have you ever been asked to support a friend during a difficult time? Where did you look for guidance? How did you provide comfort? What was most difficult in being a listening ear?   How did God provide for both of you in that situation?

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Coffee talk WHY NOT HAVE A FRIEND OVER FOR COFFEE AND PRACTICE TELLING YOUR STORIES? REMIND ONE ANOTHER OF GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE FOR YOU THROUGH RECOUNTING HIS FAITHFULNESS TO ONE ANOTHER. YOU MAY ALSO WISH TO START PROCESSING YOUR STORY USING THESE   “STORY QUESTIONS” FROM OUR RETREAT SPEAKER, CHRISTY GAMBRELL. 1. What are your family’s foundational stories? In other words, what stories tell you who you are as a family, your family characteristics, and the rules by which you live?  2. Who are the main characters in your life story? Who are the invisible characters (for example, a powerful ancestor, a family secret, money)?  3. What is most important to you in life? If nothing else, what do you want to be able to say when you die? (Think beyond answers like, “That I followed Jesus.”)  4. What makes you disappointed in yourself? When do you feel most frustrated with yourself? What do those frustrations reveal about what is important to you?  5. What makes you feel insecure in front of others? When was a time recently when you felt unsure of yourself? How did you respond? Give specifics.  6. How do you hope others see you? What do you fear they say about you or think about you?

This has been a hard week. I am wrapping up my time as the Director of Women’s Ministry at the Kirk, and I have been sad. I just left my last staff meeting where I was asked if I wanted to say a few words. Did I want to? Yes! Was I able to? No. I was just too choked up. How could I sum up all of my love, all of my gratitude, and all of my joys in just a few words? So I simply, silently shook my head no while my eyes filled with tears. But now, as I sit in the quietness of my office, I have the opportunity and space to stop and reflect on my time at the Kirk. So, would I like to say something now? Yes, I really would! And the first words that come to mind are the words we heard read this past Sunday morning. This past Sunday, Ben preached on Philippians 1. Paul wrote the book of Philippians to a group of believers whom he loved dearly and missed greatly. And as we read the words together, they fell on me in a fresh way. Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with love, gratitude, and joy — the exact things I am feeling for each of you. Here is what he said: I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all   making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.   And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you   will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:3-6) Paul began his letter by looking back on their time together and is filled with gratitude for all the Lord had done in their midst. How can I not feel the same thing? As I look back on the past several years, my mind is flooded with memories of all the Lord has done for us, in us, and through us. Join me in remembering all of the ways the Lord has met us in this place as we have “done life” together: Through study we have grown in our love of God and his Word. Through service we have been challenged to see others in new and better ways. Through laughter we have grown as friends. Through tears we have become more compassionate. Through discipleship we have become more available. Through friendship we have been sharpened. Through struggles and trials we have prayed for each other. Through victories and celebrations we have rejoiced together. And I am grateful. Because you were willing to know and be known, to love and be loved, to serve and be served, we have grown, we have been changed, and we know more of our good, good God. So I join Paul in saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul then looks forward with confidence to what the Lord will continue to do — complete the work he began. As I look ahead, I see exciting times for the Kirk! The Lord has begun a good work in us and he has sent us the right people to carry that work forward. So, if I can end with a charge, it would be this — show up! Be present. The Lord is doing good things in, for, and through the Kirk. There are studies where you can learn, service opportunities where you can be challenged, real relationships to be had, trials to be prayed for, victories to be celebrated, and a good, good God to worship. Thank you for showing up and doing life   with me and my family these last few years.   I am more like Jesus because you did.

With much love and gratitude,

Courtney