Like many of you, Covid-19 has created a new way of connecting, communicating and learning for me.  Over the past few months I have engaged in numerous Zoom meetings, virtual and simulated gatherings and  learning opportunies via online links.  Very recently, I watched an online session by Earl Lewis, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan; an address he entitled, Leading in an Age of Chaos and Change: Building a Community of Grace.  

In his address he described 2020 as the blending of the 1918 pandemic with the 1968 social and political unrest, wrapped in the 2008 econcomic collapse.  One such crisis can throw our lives into chaos.  To be bombarded on several fronts is almost overwhelming.  Our hearts and minds have been overloaded with fear and uncertainty, hatred and violence, more that we were ever created to endure. 

What is missing in our world today?  In a word, 'GRACE'.

The Bible says, there is a grace in our lives because of his grace (John 1:16 - J.B. Philips New Testament).  And because of that grace, we can and must lead the way in building communities of grace.  Lewis notes that a grace-filled community demands multliple architects. We have both the opportunity and responsibility to be conduits of HIs grace, perhaps more so than at any other time in our lifetime.  This is a season for many of us, who are in the third third of our lives, to be difference makers as we manifest patience and understanding, caring and compassion in the face of fear and uncertainty; to show to a hurting world that God has a better way, to pray for grace and love to triumph over fear and anxiety.

Solomon asks:  What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23).

Peter reminds us, there is another way, a better way to face the uncertaines of our day:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 4:6-7).

And Paul exhorts us to not become weary in doing good...as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6;9-10).

We all have a role in building and sustaining a grace-filled community.  It is why, in good times and bad, many of us find ourselves turning to that old standby -- born of a different era, challenged by a different code of ethics, framed by a world of cruel encounters and confrontation...'Amazing Grace how sweet the sound'.  (Earl Lewis)

Grace, it can make all the difference!  In the words of former U.S. President Barak Obama:  May we find ourselvs worthy of that extraordinary gift as long as our lives endure.

In Romans 13:1, we read: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

We don't always have to agree with our leaders, in fact, there are times, when we will not agree with the their policies or practices, but we are still called to respect our leaders and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  There may be a place for civil disobedience when policies and procedures violate the Word of God, but for the most part we are to be a people who obey the lands of the land.

In this time of a global pandemic, when we see many disgregarding the advice and directives of our governing leaders and health care officials, I want to commend you, the people of Valley, for cooperating with and following those measure implented to mitigate the spread of this virus; for doing your part to help keep one another and our communties safe.  Thank you for following the protocols in place as we gather each week for worship; for you understanding regarding decisions to restrict the sharing of communion elements, the sharing of meals together, limiting our fellowship and small group/ in-home gatherings.  And thank you for your faithfulness in financially supporting the local church and the work of our Lord.  Because of your faithfulness we have been able to meet all of our obligations and cover all of our expenses to date.

We all recognize this has indeed been unprecidented; for many of us we have never experienced anything like this before.  We as a Leadership Team and people at Valley are seeking to navigate our way through uncharted waters.  I want to commend our Elders and Deacons and all of you for doing your part to make things work as we have regathered for worship and as we cotinually wrestle with how best to minister to one another during this time.  Thank you for caring and for praying.  

I received an email from a collegue who offered this insight:  More than ever, church leaders have been feeling the pressure of leadership, especially now in this difficult global season.  At first glance, COVID-19 cancelled all kinds of meetings and calendars cleared.  It looked like you suddenly had all kinds of time.  But then you soon discovered the "new normal" actually took more effort than ever.  Some in the circles you lead are calling for more action, others are calling for less.  Add to that the increased demands, restrictions, and expecations of this season and leaders are feeling deeply tired, taxed, drained in their emotional reserve and for some, isolated.  I have felt this, and perhaps you have as well.

More than ever we need to support and encourage and cheer one another on as we continue to walk this uncertain pathway.  As we seek to be the church to one another and in our communties, I want to encourage you with these words from the Apostle Paul:  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).

Over the last few days, I have been reading Jimmy Draper's book, Don't Quit Before You Finish.  Draper has been pastoring/ serving in a ministry setting for over 60 years.  As someone who has been serving in the church for 40 years now, his words have given to me both a measure of encouragement and challenge as I seek to honor the One who has called me and continues to lead my life and ministry. 

I started serving in the church as a new Christian in my late teens and through that experience I began to sense a nudging from God to attend Bible College. After a year and half of wrestling with God, I launched out on a journey that would see Him confirm His calling in my life; a calling to pastoral ministry.  Over the years it is this calling that has sustained me, when I might otherwise have bailed out.  As Draper observes:  The sacrificial life of ministry is simply too demanding and too stressful to endure with the certainty of a calling directly from the Lord.  You simply cannot maintain your commitment to serve without this assurance.

I have known God's blessing, I have experienced His grace and been strengthened by His Spirit all along my journey.  He has gifted me to serve and has given more of His grace when my gifting and abilities and my own strength has not been enough.  'God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.'  In this I often go back to a verse of Scripture that has been a foundation for my life and ministry:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)  That others would say they have been blessed by my ministry is simply a testimony to the grace of God and His faithfulness to those He calls.

I have not made this journey alone; Janice has been by my side now for almost 38 years; we began ministry together -- no one celebrated my graduation from Bible College more than she did (maybe because I would now be able to get a job!) -- and she continues to be my ministry partner; a source of encouragement and blessing.  God knew that I could not do this without her.

And He has allowed me to serve and to lead in His church -- a privilege and responsibility I take very seriously.  I still believe to the core of my being that the church is the hope of the world and the only hope for the church is to remain faithful to His Word and for her people to be life-long worshippers of God.  This is my deep desire for Valley; which is why I continue to call you to stay faithful, to give and serve -- don't quit, don't bail out, don't give up, until you are finished -- until we cross the finish line and enter into the presence of our Lord and hear Him say, 'well done, good and faithful servant'.

 have just dropped Michael at the airport; the ride home as given me time to reflect and as I do, several images comes to mind that have given perspective to these last few days; that have warmed my heart and brought a smile to me.

It seems like so much has happened since I first spoke with Mr. Hingson earlier this year and when I met him at the Kelowna airport this past Wednesday it felt like I was greeting an old friend but in reality I was meeting for the first time a man with a remarkable story.  I was struck again by the fact that we all have a story--that we who walk by faith are all stories still being written as God works in our lives and as we cross paths with others along the way.  From that first meeting in the arrival area to seeing him off through security on the return flight, I have learned much about his life, his story and much about the world of those with vision impairment. 

I think many of us have gained a greater understanding and new appreciation for those who are blind; that there are different ways to 'see' / to perceive the world in which we live--that we all face challenges and limitations and we are all inter-dependant.  I've had to confront the stereo-types and prejudices that I may have secretly held, even if well-intended.  I'm learning when to come alongside with a helping hand and when to allow others to make it on their own--in Michael's case, simply providing the information he needs to make his way forward.  And, I think we are all continuing to learn to graciously allow others to support and encourage us along the way.  Sometimes it takes a discerning spirit to know what is needed in the moment.

My greatest joy in all of this has been to see the church at work, sometimes in very visible, 'up-front' ways and sometimes quietly 'behind the scenes'.  I am grateful to all of our escorts who gave of their time and made the necessary arrangements to make sure our guest was where he needed to be when he needed to be there. But more than that, I see and hear their joy in doing this to meet the needs of another and to serve our Lord.  I'm reflecting on the updates I heard throughout the last few days, the stories and pictures shared and this is truly one of my greatest joys--just seeing you doing what we love to do at Valley...be servants.

I celebrate the leadership that Lia gave to making our 'Meet and Greet' such a wonderful time and Trudy's leadership in preparing breakfast for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast--the hours of hard work these two ladies have given are  another testimony to the heart of Valley, but that they did so with a spirit of joy speaks even louder about who we are.  And then, there was a team of people that came along side of them to prepare and serve and clean up with the same 'how can I help' spirit.  I watched all of this and quietly rejoiced in the truth that this is who we are at Valley. 

I see images of Bob and Lia and John and Katie loading up their vehicles after the 'Meet and Greet', the last ones at the event, the job still not quite finished.  I see Don taking Alamo out for a much needed break.  I stood beside Janice with great pride and joy and watched her help with the welcome and introduction and then sat back and watched with the same joy as Sandra stood on stage to thank Michael.  I stood at the side watched as Trevor gave leadership at the Prayer Breakfast; grateful that we serve as team and filled with gratitude that others were using their gifts and talents to serve.  I rejoiced when I heard from Janet and Sharon as to just how well things went as Michael spoke at the Sen Pok Chin Elementary School and interacted with staff and clients at Painted Chair.  These are but a few of the many images that scroll across the screen of my mind.  What makes each one so special is the faces I see; faces of friends at Valley and the thought just keeps repeating within my heart, ' we were able to share in this together'.

Know this as well friends, we have been used of God to bless Michael and his wife Karen; I have a sense that one of the reasons God prompted us to pursue this opportunity was so that He could bless and encourage Michael and provide for their needs; once again your generosity has blessed others!

I hear the stories and see again the faces of so many who bought tickets, some to give away, who extended the invitation and entered into conversations with friends and neighbours.  I urge you to stay in the conversation now that the 'event' is over.  I had several opportunities to interact with people who asked what prompted us to do this as a church and why would we do this--I think we reflected well the role the church can play in our communities in inspiring, encouraging and building up the people in our communities and in doing so, we have gently opened the way for them to explore more about the church, its message and the hope that is our in Christ Jesus.

To that end, I encourage you, I encourage us as a church, to continue to...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:16)

"Thank you, Pastor."  They are words I have heard before, words I have heard often, yet on this occasion I was struck by both a sense of familiarity and strangeness.  That someone from Valley would express gratitude did not surprise me, for there is at Valley a culture of thanksgiving.  Instead, it was the word 'Pastor' that caused me to pause momentarily. 

For most of my adult life I have been called 'Pastor' or more often, 'Pastor Ken'. I suppose I have been addressed this way more frequently that just my given name; so much so, there was a time in my life when I had lost touch with who 'Ken' was / is.  I knew who Pastor Ken was and what he did but somewhere along the line my identity as 'Ken' was lost.

I have since come to realize that my role as Pastor is inseparably intertwined with who I am, with who God has created and called me to be. But, after 30+ years of pastoring I am still gripped at times with a measure of uneasiness when I hear the word 'Pastor' being used with my name.  I wrestle with a sense of unworthiness to be so called, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by the responsibility that comes with pastoring a church today.

To bring the Word of God before our people is an awesome calling, one that brings much joy to me; but there are times when I agonize in preparing to do what I do each Sunday or as a Bible Study leader.  To hold as sacred trust the role as a worship leader, thoughtfully preparing for our times of corporate worship is a task I do not take lightly.  It is a high calling and privilege to come alongside people, often at the worst times of their lives and seek to be a calming presence and source of encouragement and hope; that others have affirmed me in this pastoring role is simply the grace of God at work.  To have a platform as a spiritual leader in our community, to have opportunity to quietly by word and conduct to declare that living a life of faith really is the best possible way for any of us to journey through our days here on earth is another aspect of this pastoral calling that is both a blessing and sacred responsibility.

When I look back on my journey, this pastoring thing was not my idea!  I was working for Dominion Stores with a plan to advance into a managerial role within the company when God intercepted and redirected my path--a fact that I remind Him of often--'remember Lord, this was your idea'!

The Bible says, Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.  (1 Timothy 3:1)  Although not something I within myself aspired to, my calling as a Pastor is a divinely appointed task; one in which God has gifted and enabled me to pursue through the enabling of His Spirit.  And despite having failed Him and the office of Pastor more times than I would care to admit, this has been for me one of the greatest joys of my life.

I guess I just wanted to say, thank you for the privilege of being called your 'Pastor'.

Recently, while standing with family at the graveside, one of the family members came alongside me and said, “Thank you for your calming presence and assuring words, I don’t how you do it, I find these moments to be very hard”.  I simply responded, “so do I”.  I can testify with the Apostle Paul:  The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.  (2 Timothy 4:17)
 
Such strength, is for me a gift from God.  If you could hit rewind button, you would have heard me quietly whisper to God as I straightened my tie and prepared for that memorial gathering, “God I hate this.”  Play it back a little further you’d find in a basement room at Emmanuel Baptist Church, in Chatham, Ontario, praying as the tears fell from my face for the strength to speak words of hope and encouragement at the memorial service for my sister-in-law.  You would see me sitting in my office moments before the funeral service for a four-year old boy, listening over and over again to the words of a worship song we sometimes sing:  He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns you today.  You would find me on the side of the highway, tears streaming down my face, my heart in anguish because my Janice’s dad left us so suddenly.  You’d see me choking back tears as I spoke at my grandfather’s funeral.
 
To be used of God to speak truth and hope into the lives of others is an awesome privilege, but nobody sees the quiet moments when my own heart is anguish.  I understand, I understand why God says death is an enemy; I understand something of sorrow and grief. Yet in the midst of all that, I have known the presence and strength, the comfort and grace of my God.
 
The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.  (2 Timothy 4:17)
 
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.  (Psalm 27:8)
 
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.      (Psalm 59:9-10)
 
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.        (Psalm 73:26)
 
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.  (Isaiah 12:2)
 
I have always been fairly confident; too often being over-confident in my own strength.  But the older I get, the more I realize, in those times when I feel weak and vulnerable and afraid, my strength comes from the Lord. 
 
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust and am not afraid.  (Psalm 56:3-4)

In light of the article in the Oliver Chronicle this week, I have been asked what that was all about.  I recently had the opportunity to speak at  Volunteer Appreciation event.  The following is my address to that gathering.

I really didn’t know what to expect on the other side of the door; there was for me that moment of anxiousness.  But I had agreed to this volunteer opportunity and the call indicated there was a sense of urgency in responding, so Janice and I went, knocked on the door and quietly slipped inside.
 
Bill (not his real name) was lying beside his wife in a hospital bed, holding her close; she was in her final hours of life.  He noticed us as we made our way toward the room, “You must be Ken, I’m so glad you came.”
 
For the next twenty minutes or so we listened as Bill shared the story of their life together.  We interacted with him for a few minutes, offered some words of encouragement, comfort and hope and then left so that he could spend his final moments with his wife.
 
Stories like this get repeated every day in large centres and small communities as volunteers come alongside to support and encourage or provide practical expressions of service and kindness.
 
Today is about recognizing, appreciating, and honoring the commitment and dedication of our volunteers.  Whether you serve on the front lines supporting others--being a caring and compassionate presence, often at time when they are feeling weak and vulnerable and afraid; or if you provide a service that lifts and inspires others; or if you serve behind the scenes, providing administrative support or practical kinds of assistance that makes the environment or surroundings easier or more beautiful, in your own way each you give of yourself, your time and energy and resources to invest in others; to make a difference and make our communities a better place.
 
There is very little in life that brings as much satisfaction and joy than when we give of ourselves to come alongside, to bless and encourage, to support and lift up another person.  To serve as a volunteer is one of the highest callings in life.  It is sometimes demanding, sometimes challenging and draining, but it is one of the most noble, enriching and rewarding experiences we will ever have.
 
Look at any thriving community, dig a little beneath the surface and you will discover a group of dedicated volunteers.  Volunteers are the root of a strong community!  It takes all of us working together, giving and serving to make our communities a great place to live and work and play.
 
When we left Bill that evening, there was that moment when I sensed the short time we had invested that night was worth it; in a small way we had made a difference.  A few days later I received a card from Bill, in it he wrote:  Ken, I just wanted to thank you and your wife for coming to the hospital on such short notice and provide (my wife) with that spiritual comfort that she had asked for.  I left it to the last moment and would not have forgiven myself but suddenly you were there.  It gave me such comfort as her final hours ticked by.
 
This is the stuff I live for! 
 
Sometimes we get a note of thanks or a word of encouragement, but sometimes our efforts seemingly go unnoticed.  But not today!  Today we honor you; we celebrate your contribution; we express our appreciation and simply say ‘thank you’!  It is a privilege to be among you; I join in the celebration with you and want to be among those who say ‘well done’!

To all of our volunteers at Valley, who serve in our church and our communities, I say to you, 'thank you, well done'!

                                      Serve one another humbly in love.  (Galatians 5:13)

Susan Scott in her book Fierce Conversations writes of a “CEO who was frustrated with the results of his attempts to communicate with his executives”…What I get to say is not what I want to say, is not what they listen to, is not what they hear, is not what they understand, is not what they remember when I’m gone.  What do I want to remember when I’m gone?  I need to say that and only that…clearly”.

As one who uses words as a ‘tool of the trade’, to think through the message I would most clearly want to communicate; the message that would be a part of my legacy, is both thought-provoking and powerful.  

I think about the messages I have communicated at Valley, often saying, ‘you’ve heard me say this before’.  For me the message is simple:  I believe a life of faith in Jesus Christ is the best possible way for any of us to journey through our days here on earth…and it’s the only way we’ll spend eternity together in heaven.  

As a deeply held core conviction I believe the truth of I Peter 3:18 captures the core message of the Christian faith:  Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.   

Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father expect through me.  (John 14:6) 

 As a secondary message I have often raised up the words of 1 Peter 1:22, love one another deeply from the heart.   Many of you will remember when I wrote those words on a large stake and invited our people to sign it.  We then drove it into the ground outside the front entrance to remind ourselves of a core conviction that underlies all that we do as local church.

Jesus commands us: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  (John 13:34-35) 

One final message our people hear often at Valley is ‘finish well’!  Finish well to the honor and glory of our God.  Friends you have to know I am going to continue to declare those messages and call you to stay connected, to stay faithful, to give and serve, until Christ comes or calls you home.  The stakes are too high to do otherwise. 

 If those I lead and serve remember and seek to live out these words then my message will be a rich part of my legacy. 

As I reflect on leaving a legacy my mind cycles back to my life verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58: Stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  This is the way I would want to be remembered.  

 And one day, more than anything else that drives what I do, I want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” from the One who has called me on this journey; the One who calls me His beloved and is right now preparing a home for me in heaven!  

Our life and legacy is about so much more than what we do for the short time we are on this earth.  Henri Nouwen writes:  " I still believe deeply that our few years on this earth are part of a much larger event that stretches out far beyond the boundaries of our birth and death.  I think of it as a mission into time, a mission that is very exhilarating and even exciting, mostly because the One who sent me on the mission is waiting for me to come home and tell the story of what I have learned".

So my friends at Valley what legacy will you leave?  What is the message you want to leave behind?