When it comes to writing for the newsletter, there will be weeks when it will take me a lot of time to figure out what to write. It could be too many ideas, or too few, but rarely do I simply know what to go with.
Not so this week, the first of the newsletters since I moved to Bonita Springs, since I began to serve First Bonita. Most prevalent on my mind is gratitude and hope, and I’m glad for the means to share them with you.
I am grateful for the many ways you have welcomed me. The gifts of information, food, and patience. The work done prior to my arrival in preparation and the encouragement I have received. It is a privilege not only to be settling in as your new pastor, but to feel welcomed as it.
And there is joy, not just in experiencing such welcome, but for what lies ahead. I’m reminded of Romans 15; Paul is beginning to wrap up his intense, immense letter, and from 15.7-12 he offers one more reminder that the gospel of Jesus is for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. And he punctuates, celebrates that glorious good news with verse 13:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
While the welcome Romans is speaking about is less the “new neighbor” or “new pastor” kind of welcome, I’m convinced the kind of welcome you have extended me is based on more than just gifts of hospitality let loose. It is, in part, an expression of faith, of believing.
That is what brings me here. I mean, yes… also what brought me here were movers. Was our Bishop Tom Berlin telling me to get down here, our District Superintendent Debbie Allen beckoning from the South West. But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have faith that this is where I’m called to be, the community I have been called to be a part of, to serve. And I believe – even in the midst of any misgivings or anxieties you may still hold – that your faithfulness moves First Bonita to welcome a new pastor. To celebrate where we have been, and to look ahead to what’s next.
I look forward to discovering that with you, and to being a part of what we are called to as this unique, blessed body of Christ. And so, my prayer for each of us is Romans 15.13: May the God of hope fill [us] with all joy and peace in believing, so that [we] may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Ben
