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Holly thinks it odd that I have posted a comment numerous times, especially since I never do that when at home. But then, who wants to hear me say every morning, "I'm heading for the office to work on my sermon." "I'm heading for the office to work on my sermon." Well, you get the picture. So, where am I? We're on a family vacation out in Oregon. We flew into San Francisco – crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, and headed north – up the coast through the Redwood National Park – over the mountains – to a beautiful place that we had rented for a week. So here I sit, waiting for everyone else to wake up. I'm looking out a large window onto a meadow, surrounded by mountains. Right now there is a deer walking across the meadow, but I have also seen a small herd of elk pass through, as well as watching a bird feeding it's young. It is beautiful! Right now, just me and the computer – oh yes, and a fantastic sunrise over the mountains and God – indeed, surrounded by God. What better place or surroundings to feel the presence of God. God is here! I recall the great opportunity I had almost seventeen years ago when I went on a tour of the Holy Land. I think of the many places we visited – the sites that we saw. I remember sitting on the Mount of Olives on Sunday morning, overlooking the city of Jerusalem and singing, "On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross." It couldn't have hit me in a more powerful way. The entire trip was wonderful. I ended each day with the words of a song in my heart … "I walked today where Jesus walked." There was no other place where this song could be more appropriate. I walked today where Jesus walked … So, was it a letdown when I returned home from the Holy Land? No, not really. Oh, I thought it might be … I mean … to walk where Jesus walked … think about it. I did … I thought about it. And you know what I came up with? No matter where I am – no matter where we are – whether it is in the Holy Land, or on vacation with family in Oregon, or walking to the office to work on my sermon – we can know that Jesus has walked before us. We can know that God has been there, and continues to be there with us. I guess that's what makes this celebration of Zion's 125th so special. We can look back on the 125 years and see God's hand at work throughout – through the people, the ministries, and the lives that have been touched by God's amazing grace. It is worth celebrating and we will – we do. But, there's more. For you see, there are still those who gather faithfully to worship – those who carry out the many ministries – those who walk where Jesus walked. You – each and every one of you – are important to the life and work of this church, as we carry out that which God has called us to do. That is, to proclaim the Gospel … to live the Gospel each and every day, through word and deed … to be the Church. How wonderful it is to wake up each day and know that God is here. God IS among us. In celebration of God's love and presence! Pastor Dave
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It is early July – a little before 7:00 in the morning. I've just showered, and now have a cup of hot coffee in hand. I'm in a small office, looking up my Face-Book account on the laptop we brought with us.
