Celebrating in Special Ways

I have always felt a sense of wonder about the sweet verse closing out the second chapter of Luke: "And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Sometimes, life's events are too rich, too powerful, too amazing to grasp all in the moment they take place. That's how the Shepherd Thanksgiving weekend has been for me.

Christi (newly commissioned UM minister in the NC Conference); Daddy (celebrating 66 years of ministry in the Kentucky Conference) and me. November 27, 2009. This picture was taken in my home church, First United Methodist Church Frankfort.

Our family moved to Frankfort in 1961 and this is where all of us joined the church. Daddy served here for 10 years and then became Superintendent of the Frankfort District. So, all in all, we lived in Frankfort for 16 of our family growing up years -- an unusual gift for a Methodist preacher's family. Now, Daddy serves on staff at Frankfort First as their Minister in Residence.

This is me, Daddy and my brother, Mark

(who is pastor at Jeffersontown UMC just outside of Louisville, KY).

The church honored Daddy for his 88th birthday (November 28) and his 66 years of ministry.

Between the 3 of us, we account for 127 years of ministry to the Methodist Church.

Daddy's immediate family service to full time Methodist ministry is 261 years.

When we moved to Frankfort, of course, there was no way to realize how profoundly this church would influence our lives. The 4 little Shepherds were 2 1/2 (Mark), 1st grade (Phillip) 4th grade (Ruth Ann) and I was going into 6th grade. Through the years, this church continued to be an ongoing source of welcome, support and encouragement.

I wish there was a way to convey to congregations what a difference they make in the lives of their parsonage families!
And now, nearly 50 years later, the church is still making a difference in our family life -- welcoming Daddy on their staff as Minister in Residence and celebrating his ministry. How could we possibly find words eloquent enough to convey the thanks of our heart?