Dear Rose Park,

As you know, I spent last week at Western Theological Seminary participating in my first intensive in a Doctorate of Ministry program. It was a wonderfully challenging week as I listened to lectures and engaged in conversation around the writings of Eugene Peterson. Throughout the week, I was so encouraged to get text messages, emails, and voicemails from you all wishing me luck and letting me know I was in your prayers. As I gratefully received your well-wishes, I was reminded of a picture frame that sits on my desk.

Dear Rose Park,

A few days ago, Simon and I were playing catch in the front yard. This has become a weekly rhythm of ours; we start only a few feet apart and then we slowly start to take steps back. Sometimes we use a football or a bouncy ball and other times we’ll use a softer baseball. We practice using two hands to catch, keeping our eyes on the ball, and then stepping and throwing it back. As we played and fell into a rhythm, I started to think about the church.

Dear Rose Park,

For the past few weeks Simon has been participating in the “Little Kickers” soccer clinic through the Holland Recreation Department. Every Saturday at 11:00am about fifteen 3-5 year-old boys and girls and their families all meet at Pine Ridge Elementary School on the south side of town to practice some drills, learn a few new skills, and in general run off some energy. Simon has been having so much fun, but there’s just one thing that’s been eluding his grasp: he hasn’t won kicker of the day yet.

Dear Rose Park,

In just over a month, I’m going to participate in the Steelhead Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Benton Harbor, MI. The triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. I’m going to be competing with my older brother Matt; this was something we were supposed to do last year but because of the pandemic the race was postponed. Needless to say, I’ve been spending my early mornings on the road either running or biking and it’s given me plenty of time to think and even reminisce on past races.

Dear Rose Park,

In just a few days it will be Mother’s Day. For some, Mother’s Day is a significant day of joy and celebration. For others, Mother’s Day can be very difficult; a day filled with heartache in the struggle to have children, the bitterness of relationships, or the pain of children who have since passed.

Dear Rose Park,

Have you noticed the past few Sunday’s we have been blessed with some new faces in worship? With Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday not too far removed and the addition of an increase of vaccinations, we have had some visitors joining us in worship. It is such a blessing to see new faces; whether they are families from other towns, siblings who have come home, new residents who have moved to Holland, or even church members who are feeling more comfortable gathering in larger groups we are certainly blessed as a Church family to welcome new families and individuals to worship.

Dear Rose Park,

Yesterday morning I had coffee with Randy and Cyndi Bachman. As many of you know Randy is battling total renal failure as well as complications from various cancer diagnoses. Despite these setbacks, Randy has a positive outlook and remains committed to the faithfulness of God. It was a delight to sit and chat with them as we shared stories, laughter, and the fellowship of Christ.

Dear Rose Park,

In just a few hours I’ll be presiding at Nell Freehouse’s funeral service. Nell passed away Sunday afternoon at the age of 94. Nell and her husband, Bud, would’ve celebrated 76 years of marriage this coming August; their life, love, and service to the Lord are a testimony of their faith and are a living expression of the Christian life.

Dear Rose Park,

This past Saturday and Sunday were very important days for multiple reasons. The first reason we know; the second we might know but we might not have remembered. The first happened some two-thousand years ago; the second happened fifty-three years ago. The first is known for a resurrection; the second is known for an assassination.

Dear Rose Park,

Do you know the story of the three trees? I wonder if you’ve ever heard of this story or perhaps even read it to your children or grandchildren. The story goes something like this…