A Word From the Pastor (July 2006)

Dear Friends in Christ,

In 1870, Lydia Baxter penned these words of faith:

“Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe; it will joy and comfort give you; take it then where'er you go. Precious name, O hope sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven. Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.”

We may not feel like we are “children of woe,” but with the arrival of summer we will surely be people on the move. Some will take vacations to exotic places, others will enjoy the rustic tranquility of camping close to nature. Some will visit friends and family far away. Others will make day trips nearer to home. Some will host travelers, sharing hospitality with good cheer. Others will seek out hospitality as they journey down the road. Hopefully, our travels will be happy, or productive, or inspirational, or relaxing, depending on their purpose. Hopefully, there will be no flat tires, no missed trains, no mixed up reservations, no lost wallets, no sunburn, no car sickness. Hopefully, our journeys will renew us and restore us and recreate us.

During these summer months, wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we meet, whatever our plans, may we keep Lydia Baxter's exhortation in mind. “Take the name of Jesus with you.” Things go better when we pause to utter Jesus’ name in prayer. The way is generally clearer when we keep our eyes focused on the Lord. The pressures of the journey are easier to bear when we share them with our Savior. The sights and sounds of this amazing world are more poignant when we reflect on the one who helped to speak creation into being. The surprises along the way are more intriguing when we are watching to see God's hand, listening to hear Christ's voice. “Take the name of Jesus with you … it will joy and comfort give you …” Take his precious name wherever you go as a spark of hope and joy on the journey. May you go with God this summer in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,
Peggy Ann Sauerhoff