Dear Rose Park,

Typically, when we hear or read the word vow, we think of a wedding. Images of a bride and groom standing at the altar making promises to love and care for one another in sickness and in health appear in our mind. However, vows are not limited to a wedding. As a Minister of Word and Sacrament, I made vows when I was ordained. Together, we made vows when I was installed as the pastor here at Rose Park. As we approach worldwide communion Sunday, I’ve been contemplating the vows we make when receiving new members into the family of God here at Rose Park.

Dear Rose Park,

This past Saturday, my family and I attended my cousin Luke’s wedding. After coming home from vacation in South Carolina on Thursday evening and attending Winnie’s soccer practice on Saturday morning, we loaded back into the car and drove to Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, MI. It was a beautiful ceremony. As Sam, the kids, and I sat in the pew and witnessed Luke and his bride Corinne make vows to one another, I started to think of you all.

Dear Rose Park,

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This well-known quote is attributed to the Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde. It essentially means when we imitate someone (speak like them, dress like them, conduct ourselves like them) we are showing a great deal of respect and honor because we desire to be like them. We typically hear this phrase when a parent explains to a child why their sibling is copying them, but I wonder if you’ve ever thought of it in light of your relationship with Christ?

Dear Rose Park,

Have you noticed the past few Sundays we have been blessed with some new faces in worship?  It is such a blessing to see new faces; whether they are families from other towns, siblings who have come home, or even new residents who have moved to Holland we are certainly blessed as a Church family to welcome new families and individuals to worship.

Dear Rose Park,

35 When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37 But Jesus answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”

Dear Rose Park,

This past weekend, Sam and I took the kids to the pool at Macatawa Legends. It was a beautiful day, and the cool water felt refreshing in the hot summer sun. As we took a break near our chairs, Sam told the kids she had a proposition for them.

Dear Rose Park,

As another academic year is beginning (Simon starts 1st Grade and Winnie begins Young Kinders) my own memories of elementary school are coming to the surface. Memories of sack lunches and recess twice a day. Memories of book reports and science projects. Memories of dodgeball and dear friends.

Dear Rose Park,

Good fences make good neighbors.

Dear Rose Park,

Earlier this week I finished listening to the audiobook entitled “Miracle and Wonder” by Malcolm Gladwell. In this particular book, Gladwell interviewed Paul Simon, the famous singer-songwriter from the duo Simon & Garfunkel. Simon shared thoughts and context from his illustrious career while also shedding light on his creative process. Near the end of the interview though, I heard Paul utter a phrase that’s continued to echo in my mind.

Dear Rose Park,

I imagine we all know someone who needs a little encouragement. Maybe they’re a little down after a recent relationship struggle. Maybe they’re bummed about a job opportunity that didn’t pan out. Maybe they’re depressed with how life is currently going. I also imagine each and every one of us has been that person who at one time or another needed a little encouragement. The past two days, it was me.