Note from Jim: When I left Mountainview in December, 2010, it was a functional, healthy-ish congregation of 150. Just two and a half years later, it closed its doors. This is for the ones who remember.
To the scattered, diaspora church that was Mountainview Community Church (PCA), Agassiz, BC.
To the scattered, diaspora church that was Mountainview Community Church (PCA), Agassiz, BC.
I thank God for the privilege
of walking with you for seven of your brightest years. We shared moments together of great sadness
and joy. We came together as tragedy and
heartache rocked our little community. How we grieved untimely losses. We celebrated transformed lives.
Our little congregation was
blessed with a music ministry beyond our little town roots. We entered the presence of God together, week
after week, time after time.
We made safe haven for the vulnerable and oppressed.
We showed the addicted a way to freedom. We showed the abused a path toward
wholeness.
Mountainview the
congregation has passed away. But
Mountainview the salt of the earth shines on – through you. You are the light of the world, bringing the
light of Christ with you, everywhere you go.
Rest in the truth that you
are free in Him.
Bless those who curse
you. Forgive and forgive some more.
And love each other, especially
the difficult ones.
The time of our congregation
has passed, and it has served its role in the history of redemption. But we are one. And we live on. Christ lives on in you, in us.
Those whose self-serving hearts
have wrought destruction, will reap destruction. Forgive them. Remember that in Christ there is no loss,
because, whatever we count as loss for the sake of Christ He will count as gain
down the road.
Pursue truth, pursue reconciliation
and seek justice. Never compromise truth for
the sake of peace, but pour on the grace when a true heart seeks forgiveness. You have been forgiven
much. Love much.
We’ll be together again.
The
Lord bless you and keep you;
the
Lord make his face shine on you
and
be gracious to you;
the
Lord turn his face toward you
and
give you peace.
Very nice.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you made me cry. This is really beautiful, and true. God bless you for these good words at the close of what was precious to so many for so long. Kind words and a fitting eulogy.
ReplyDeleteBless you for encouraging truth without compromise. Without it we have"lost our savor", and dishonor the meaning of Christianity. Jesus didn't play politics, He lived with integrity and spoke the truth even though they killed Him for it. How can we, if we are His followers, do less.
Thank you for this. and God bless you.
A wonderful tribute, but sad to hear. We miss you and many of that congregation. God bless you all!
ReplyDelete