"Linda has grown in such a wonderful and spiritual way through this journey and it is due in part to the spiritual impact you have had on her."

Those words were sent to me from Linda's husband Jeff.  Linda and Jeff are out-of-state friends of mine.  Linda's "journey," which Jeff refers to, is her struggle with breast cancer.  I have told Linda I would pray for her and that the people of St. John United Church of Christ would pray for her.  She was in our Prayer Concerns and Pastoral Prayer for several weeks.  I have sent her a few e-mails of encouragement.  I have personally prayed for her.

On November 4th we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary in our Sanctuary and 145th Anniversary of the St. John United Church of Christ.  As I have pondered those anniversaries, I thought of those words of Jeff about Linda and our partnership in ministry at the St. John United Church of Christ.  Who knew we would have an impact on someone out-of-state that we've never met?  Who knew we would have an impact on people at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi , Mississippi?  Who knew we would have an impact on Indian nations in tribal lands in western United States?  Who knew we would have an impact on people in flood areas with our clean-up buckets and personal care kits?  Who knew we would have an impact on the people of Ghana?  Who knew we would have an impact on the people of Jamaica?  Who knew we would have an impact on the starving people of Western Europe post-World War II through the One Great Hour of    Sharing?  Who knew we would have an impact on retired and active clergy and their spouses, missionaries and Christian educators with the Christmas Fund offering?  Who knew the impact we would have by sending young people to camp at Templed Hills and Pilgrim Hills?  Who knew we would have an impact on the music of our community?  Who knew the impact we would have on shaping the Defiance College?  Who knew the impact we would have on shaping the Defiance community?

Part of our own struggle in life's journey is to make life meaningful.  Some business people tell me they do the right thing because it is profitable.  Sometimes we do the right thing because that is what our parents taught us.  Sometimes we do the right thing because that is what is expected of us.  Sometimes we do the right thing because it is simply part of our core values.  Sometimes, without even knowing it, we have an impact on others through our quiet faithfulness to what we have been taught and have passed on to others.

Rejoice, sisters and brothers, on this anniversary of our church and this wonderful place we call a spiritual home.  Rejoice and know that God is with us and for us!

Your partner in ministry,

Bill

The Rev. Dr. William R. Nirote