Sometimes, you CAN go home again!
Dick was invited to speak at the annual Homecoming services at
Ohio United Methodist Church in Morgan Run, PA. He served as pastor there from
1985-1990—five of the very best years we have spent in ministry. It touched our
hearts when we walked through those double glass doors and were greeted by old
friends with huge smiles and open arms. What a wonderful blessing and privilege
to share in the celebration of what God has been doing in the lives of the
faithful at Ohio UMC!
How home-like it felt to sit in the same pew I sat in nearly
every Sunday; how much like family it seemed as we chatted with friends at a
picnic lunch that followed. It was as though the 27 years since we moved away
never existed!
The church building itself is well-kept but evidence is all
around that it is “lived in”, not for display. Pictures of this year’s VBS,
containers for donations to the Soap Pantry, sign-up sheets for upcoming events
speak of continuing ministry. More importantly, the people testify to their ongoing faith and hope in Jesus.
At 89 the song-leader, Jack Woods is as vibrant, energetic, and
Spirit-filled today as he was back in the late 80’s! I kid you not!!! Jack shares
the gospel every bit as much as the preacher, offering spiritual challenges throughout
the service and giving testimony of what God has and is doing—as well as what
He will do for anyone who turns their life over to Him. His enthusiasm is
contagious and reviving. I count it a privilege to worship with him—he truly
ushers us into the presence of Jesus, dancing along the way.
After the morning service, we trooped down to Fosters. Joy Foster
is the quintessential hostess, opening her arms and her home to anyone and
everyone. We have so many fond memories of hours spent in their two-car garage
(where I have never seen a car parked), eating big, golden-brown homemade rolls,
hot from the oven or one of Joy’s many artfully-decorated cakes, while sharing
funny stories about one another. The tables were always loaded with delicious
dishes like fresh corn cut from the cob and tender baked ham. The conversations
were good-natured and sprinkled liberally with laughter as we reminisced about
old times and swapped opinions on current happenings.
We gathered back at the church for evening services where good
friends of ours, Grace and JoAnn, formerly known as The Baughman sisters,
livened things up. Grace and JoAnn have played and sang in venues all over the
state—Joann plays the piano and the two of them blend their voices in harmonies
that bring tears to your eyes. Remarkably, neither of them read music! Even more
remarkable, JoAnn has been totally blind since the age of eight! Dick and I
were so excited when we learned they would be singing at Homecoming! It was
every bit the blessing we expected—and Dick got to bang out some duets with
JoAnn following the benediction. (By the way, he doesn’t read music either!) 😊
Dick and I thank God for the happiness and warmth we felt at
Homecoming—a time of coming Home in the spiritual sense of the
word, renewing not just friendships, but also our faith. Homecoming assured us
that God is still at work, still using His faithful servants, still spreading
His love, still sharing His offer of salvation.
Life just doesn’t get any better than a Homecoming like
this—except for that Great Homecoming with Jesus that we are all invited to!
Jesus
said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done
for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19
Be encouraged!
Pam
