Beloved,

Greetings in Christ! I give thanks to God for you each day, and I pray for our ministry together.

I thought I’d tell you about the cross I wear on Sundays. I don’t quite remember how old I was when we bought it. I know my sister hadn’t gotten married yet, so I was younger than fifteen. And I don’t remember whose idea it was to get Dad a cross. I just remember that my mom, sister, and I went to every department store, kiosk, and swap shop, looking at scores of crosses. There were so many – crucifixes, bejeweled, varying degrees or ornate. We finally found the one that was simple enough, but special enough, for Dad. It was our gift.

Years later, I realized my call to ministry. When I declared my intention to go to seminary and become a minister, Dad was quite unhappy. Despite ample biblical evidence of female church leadership, one lone verse convinced him of a woman’s place, and it was decidedly not the pulpit. Nevermind that we had two female pastors at the time, whom he adored! 

Many years later, I led worship for the first time. I preached. And Dad was there. After the service, he approached me, beaming. He gave me his blessing, recognizing that God made me to lead worship and preach.

When Dad died, Mom gave me his cross. She specifically wanted me to wear it liturgically. And so I wear it every Sunday, over my clergy robe. And it carries weight. That cross reminds me of Dad’s blessing—for every sexist parishioner, funeral-goer, and wedding attendant, Dad’s blessing hands around my neck. Dad is with me whenever I step into the pulpit or preside over the sacraments. I remember that he is proud of me. And when I’m preaching, every now and then, I place my hand on my chest and feel the cross he wore every day of his life. 

Take a moment to consider what tokens you have that bring memory and blessing to you.

In Christ,

Rev. Susan

Also:

Rev. Susan and Dan Rhea met with representatives from Fountain City Church regarding our mutual parking concerns. We have asked that they avoid our parking lot for the next few weeks, while we assess our needs. So please park in our lot! Once we get an idea of how much space we take up, we plan to discuss a leasing option for the spaces we don’t use.