Scripture – Isaiah 60:1-6
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
Bob’s thoughts:
We were pleased to be worshiping at Southminster for Dan Merry’s last day leading the service.
I thought it was ironic that first song was Breathe since I was having so much trouble doing so. The temperature, humidity, and an odor were playing havoc with what’s left of my lungs.
Dan preached a rewrite of his first sermon here 13 years ago titled The BEST is Yet to Come! I believe that is true for this church and for Dan, and look forward to seeing how God blesses both.
I have always enjoyed the praise team and the female lead singer and they were no exception today.
A highlight was an abusa (pastor) and his colleague who made the trip from Malawi to honor Dan.
We are excited to see where God takes this church and Dan and his family.
Jan’s thoughts:
We were overjoyed to be present today as this congregation thanked God for Pastor Dan Merry’s 13 years of ministry at this church and 42 years as a pastor. Dan’s retirement was clearly bittersweet for this flock.
We attended Crossings, the contemporary service; as always, the music was excellent.
The BEST is Yet to Come! was the title of Dan’s message, which he indicated was a reworking of his inaugural sermon presented September 13, 2006. After listing the statistics of his endeavors at Southminster over the last 13 years, Dan looked forward for some “possibility thinking” as he put it.
Acknowledging that change is never easy, and intended for anyone who thinks they are too old, too young, or too broken, Dan reminded the church of three things.
1 – We know who we are. We are God’s chosen and anointed and Christ died for us.
2 – We also know where we’re going. He advised Southminster to do three things for their new pastor: listen to his preaching, follow his guidance, and love and respect him.
3 – We know Who goes with us. Our Heavenly Father walks with us every step of the way.
Personally, I think these are excellent reminders for each of us as we move forward into the change that comes into our lives with each new day.
Gifts were presented from the congregation and Dan was conferred with the honor of Pastor Emeritus of Southminster Presbyterian Church.
Dan then introduced two visitors from Malawi who had traveled here for the purpose of wishing him well in his retirement. In his words to the congregation, Rev. Paul Mawaya, Parish Minister of St. Andrews CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian) and Malawi Mission Initiative National Chairperson, pointed out that Dan was retiring from service to Southminster Church but not from service to God, to which all were in hearty agreement.
This was a special, heartwarming service praising God for the service of His servant and we were delighted to be present.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your continued blessings on Your church and on the Merry family for a smooth transition for all concerned. Amen.
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