Years ago the elders asked a painful but important question: “Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?” At the time, I believe the honest answer was, “No.” But over the years, by God’s grace, that began to change. Slowly, that “No” became a “Yes.” Today, I believe many people in our community—including an elementary school—would be deeply affected if we were no longer here. I was reminded of this when Donald was away for two weeks in early spring. By the eighth day, people were asking where he was. Cars stopped, windows rolled down, walkers paused, and children, teachers, and parents all asked the same question: “Where’s Donald?” I lost count of how many people noticed his absence.
That question—“Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?”—is not only a meaningful question for the church; it is also a meaningful question for each of us. Would your community—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends—miss the kindness, presence, and love of Christ in you if you were no longer there? Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13–16
-Pastor John









