I’m writing this on the afternoon of Sunday, September 21. I had planned in this article to say a bit about the congregational meeting that was held earlier today following the 11am service as the congregation voted on moving forward with a capital campaign to support facility renovations. That meeting did happen, with a good discussion that expressed both support for and concern about the capital campaign, with the vote strongly supporting moving forward. But what also happened on September 21, was that word was received during the congregational meeting that Jonathan Brockmeier – a member of Hope Church, our sound technician, a father of 4 children under 18, a part of the Hope College staff – had passed away at his home that morning. The shock and grief of this loss became a part of what was shared at the congregational meeting, and as a community of faith we prayed and sang as we looked to God for comfort and hope.
The bringing together on this day of the consideration of plans that look toward the future of our congregation with the unexpected death of a member of our congregation put in sharp relief the tension that we live with each day as people of faith, seeking to be faithful in the broader scope of life while caring deeply about each child of God. As I reflect on this a few hours later, it draws me to focus on what else was happening at Hope Church today:
- People worshipped at 8:30am as communion was celebrated and visitors were welcomed, and at the same time our Pastoral Resident Andrew Spidahl met with someone who showed up needing assistance.
- The education hour focused on local hunger issues as the Community Ministry launched a healthy food drive for Community Action house, while an energetic GIFT class met and high school-ers gathered for church school.
- During church school and Children in Worship, children heard the stories of God as they were nurtured by faithful leaders.
- In the sanctuary service at 11am the voices of choir and people and pastors and Elders and Deacons and music and prayer and Word combined in worship, with a focus during Life of Hope on an art project in support of the Red Cord ministry that combats human trafficking.
- During the 11am worship our 6th-7th graders met, and this evening the middle school youth are starting a new Fish Club season under the leadership of Beth Jarvis.
- During the week ahead many people will be cared for and prayed for, groups will meet for learning and ministry, and the staff will serve with the support of this congregation.
Which leads me to say that it was an important day for Hope Church, not because we voted to move ahead with a capital campaign, but because as we do each Sunday and in our life as a congregation we did our best to be faithful to God in being a church. In worship and ministry and care, in gratitude and grief and joy, I am grateful to be part of such a place that lives out the good news of Jesus Christ. As plans unfold in the days ahead for a capital campaign that addresses the bigger picture, what continues as the lifeblood of Hope Church is how we seek to be faithful each day. As we do so, God’s Spirit is and will continue to bring good fruit and blessing to us and to our neighbors near and far. So in the midst of this important day, I entrust it all, and all of us, to our faithful God. Thanks be to God.
Peace,
Gordon Wiersma