“BOOKENDS”

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

One day a father and son headed into town to pick up a few supplies. They decided that it might be a good idea to bring their horse with, in case the supplies were too much to carry. As they made their way to town, the father and son walked on either side of the horse. Just then a man walked by and said, “Why doesn’t one of you ride the horse?” So the father jumped on the horse and rode while the son walked beside. Another passerby looked and remarked, “That’s mean making the young boy walk.” The father and son stopped, shrugged their shoulders, and switched places. Now the son was riding the horse and the father was walking. A woman saw them and grumbled, “That young energetic boy is making that poor man walk.” The father and son thought about it for a moment, and then figured they could both ride the horse. As they made their way to town, another person commented, “How cruel those two healthy males making the horse do all the work.” Even though the father and son were close to town, they stopped and pondered the remaining alternatives. The only other solution was to carry the horse. So the father and son picked up the horse and began carrying it. Again, a man baffled by the there actions remarked, “Are you two idiots? Ride the horse!” Finally the father and son arrived in town. They put the horse on the ground and shook their heads. The son looked at his father and said, “I don’t get it. What are we supposed to do?” After a deep breath, the father rested his hand on his son’s shoulder. “My boy, you’ll learn quickly, if you haven’t already. You can’t please everyone.”

That was the opening story to my first sermon here eight years ago. I thought it would be appropriate to use the story as bookends for my ministry at First Congo. Beyond the sentimental feature, the message of not being able to please everyone was true of my ministry, as it is for all of us in life. Without fail, if I did something, whether it was in worship, confirmation, youth ministry, building project, etc., there would always be someone or a group of people who felt as though things should have been done differently. Don’t hear me wrong. I respect that people have different opinions and are passionate about certain ideas. Parker Palmer speaks of particular elements that foster a community of truth. There are six “great things” which help in building such a community. The third great thing is: We welcome creative conflict not because we are angry or hostile but because conflict is required to correct our biases and prejudices about the nature of great things.

I know there were times when my decisions and leadership didn’t please people. Please understand that my intentions were for the building up of this community of faith, not to hurt anyone. If I have offended or wronged anyone, then I am deeply sorry. The purpose behind everything was to honor God and further the Church of Jesus Christ. I certainly didn’t get things right on many occasions, but I strived to please God every step of the way.

I am also grateful for the times when people challenged me. Even though I may have come across as frustrated – I am human – the rational side of me knew this wasn’t anything personal. When people come together from varying backgrounds, it’s only natural to have differences arise. Working through these dynamics helped me to learn and grow – personally, professionally and spiritually. And I thank God everyday for leading me here to First Congregational Appleton.

Oh, sure, we have had our moments, there were a few crises, but overall I have been blessed to be your pastor in this great community. (Jane will get a kick out of this.) Over these past eight years, I have been present with families in this church for 24 funerals. In eight years I have officiated 74 weddings. I have had the joy of performing the sacrament of baptism 75 times. Not including the Confirmation class of 1999 (because I was only around for the last month), I journeyed along side and confirmed 281 ninth graders in eight years – it’s over 300 if you include the class of ‘99. And last, but not least, I had the privilege of visiting church members in hospitals, care facilities and homes 762 times during my pastorate.

So my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you for the joy of serving and being in ministry together. This church has been an incredible gift to me and my family. As much as I’d like to start naming certain people, I’d be afraid of forgetting someone, so let me just say that I cherish each and every one of you. The gifts of God revealed through each person has deepened the ministry of this congregation and made my time here more meaningful.

Paul affirms in our passage today the gifts bestowed by God on each member in Corinth. He writes, In every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…you are not lacking in any spiritual gift (v.5 and 7). This congregation has been enriched by God and is not lacking any spiritual gifts. I have been very fortunate to be the recipient of the strength and fellowship of this church. I will give thanks to God always for you because of your witness to Christ Jesus and because you shared your gifts with me.

Last month Laura and I took the children out to eat for Mother’s Day. We went to the new Uno’s on the east side of town the Saturday night before. While sitting there waiting for our meal to arrive, an employee of Uno’s walked up to our table with this perplexed look on his face. I expected him to say that our order got mixed up or that children couldn’t sit in the bar section.

The young man says to me, “I know this is going to sound strange, but it’s the truth. There was someone on the other side of the restaurant who told me they knew you well and they wanted you to have this gift, but also knew you would never accept it if they came over here. So please accept this gift and enjoy your meal.” The guy reaches out his hand to shake mine. As I reach out my hand, I see a bill of some sort in the palm of his hand. He passes the bill on to me and it turns out to be fifty dollars.

I ask where the person is sitting. The employee tells me the person has already left. Laura asks what the person looked like, and the man says, “I can’t reveal anything about the person.”

This story is not about the money. It’s about the gracious act of someone who shared their gifts in an effort towards revealing God’s goodness. That generosity of spirit exemplifies the giving nature which makes this church and the Fox Cities such a strong, loving community. We are extremely grateful for all that we have received.

I encourage First Congregational Church to remain faithful in this mission of Christ Jesus our Lord. I hope this great community of faith will persist in what Parker Palmer terms “great things.” The St. John Manchester’s and the United Church of Christ need healthy, vital churches like this one to provide leadership and vision for the future. I will be looking to this church as I seek to guide and lead my first congregation as a Senior Pastor. I will need all the help I can get.

On behalf of the Gregory family, we give thanks to God always for the ways you have blessed our lives and will continue to be a blessing now and forever. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and we will always consider you friends. We hope the very best for this church and will keep you in our prayers. First Congregational will always and eternally have a special place in our hearts. We love you! Thanks be to God! Amen.

Sermon preached at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Appleton, Wisconsin on June 17, 2007 by Reverend Kevin P. Gregory.