Steve Jacobsen, the interim pastor at Summerland Presbyterian Church, tossed me the ball during last Sunday's worship. A single thought crossed my mind: “Don’t drop it!” I soon realized I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Dropping the ball wouldn't be disastrous—grace abounds at Summerland Church—but I always strive to “do my best,” a pledge I took to heart as I regularly recited the Scout Oath, which still guides me today.
Another cornerstone of my life is the personal mission statement I crafted in college under the mentorship of a professor. He challenged us to condense our life's purpose into a single page and then just one sentence. Here’s my lifelong commitment, refined only slightly over the years:
“My life's purpose is to joyfully serve Jesus Christ as his loving disciple, using my gifts to foster growth, civility, and compassion, thus cultivating a culture of care and spiritual health that helps both communities and individuals flourish.”
Throughout my ministry, I have embodied this mission through three key activities: engaging deeply with the community, encouraging caring fellowship, and advancing thoughtful scholarship. Interestingly, these are themes that will be present in worship for the next three Sundays at Summerland Church.
Community Engagement: On May 5th, we welcome Bruce Main, founder of Urban Promise. Bruce's dynamic approach to urban youth ministry is inspirational, and his visit promises to be enriching. He will introduce us to international graduate students who are studying his community organizing model and applying these insights to their ministries back home.
Caring Fellowship: On Mother’s Day, May 12th, I’ll expand on the themes introduced in Steve Jacobsen’s last sermon, emphasizing our church as A Home for Spiritual Refreshment.
Thoughtful Scholarship: On Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, we are honored to host Kim Battle-Walters Denu, Provost of Westmont College. Kim embodies a commitment to Christian scholarship that enriches the church and society. Her leadership at Westmont is helping to nurture thoughtful Christian scholarship in a vibrant faith community.
I am deeply grateful for our guests who will join us in the weeks of May and excited for the start of my service as Summerland's pastor. It has been a profound joy for Cindy and me to worship in this church for nearly a year. I am now humbled and honored to carry the ball as pastor, and welcome you to join any Sunday.
Here's my grandson with his game ball from his first game of baseball this season.
