I
thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
Phil.
1:3 KJV
A
friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
Prov.
17:17 New American Standard Bible
Make
new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other
gold.
Girl
Scouts song
"Friendship"
is not a major theme in the Bible, though there are several examples
of extraordinary friendships---Naomi and Ruth, David and Jonathon. I
have found, however, that friendship can be one of the many fruits of
church membership and participation. My husband Dave and I
joined FPC in about 1984. We had our three children baptized by
Pastor Roland Perdue and made Sunday School a priority. We enjoyed
participating as a family in Christmas Hand in Hand, served at soup
kitchens, went on mission trips and youth outings, tried choir and
summer camp. With every activity we met more church members and
felt more connected to the church.
It
was after our three left for college, though, that participation by
me and Dave really took off. When we were invited to join a small
Sunday evening book group, we developed some very special
friendships. We did more than discuss books: we shared our joys
and frustrations, we prayed with and for one another. We gave and
received amazing support in tough times. We formed deep and
lasting bonds. Soon Dave and I followed the example of our
friends and became deacons and elders, joined Esther Circle, worked
on Bread for the World, Crop Walk, Advent by Candlelight, organized
Dinner for 8.
At
church, we connect with people who share some fundamental beliefs.
We don't always agree. We are still diverse in many ways.
But we are open to and respectful of other points of view. We
come together to question, learn, and grow. We find friendship
and support. We get to know people on a deeper level. We learn how to
handle life's trials, how to make a difference, how to live as true
Christians by working with others on the same path with us.
This
past November, the time came for Dave and me to heed the call of our
little grandsons: "Come West, Nana and Papa!" We
rejoice in the opportunity to live just 10 minutes away from our
daughter's family in Littleton, Colorado, now. But it was
difficult to leave our vibrant Everybody's Church, the dedicated and
endlessly creative pastors and staff, and our many wonderful friends.
We cherish the special times together, the loving care that gave us
the courage to share honestly and to lean on others when we most
needed to, the opportunities we hoped we could also bless and
encourage and support others in turn. I wish I could thank each
person who reached out to us, who made us feel welcome, who shared
life stories and connected with us, who led by example and inspired
us in so many ways.
The
old hymn says, "Blest be the ties that bind our hearts in
Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that
above." We are grateful for email and Facebook and cellphones,
the myriad ways we can keep in touch with those who have meant so
much to us and our children for over 30 years.
When
my parents or grandparents departed on a trip, we would share a
prayer together first. This is my prayer for all at First
Presbyterian Birmingham--"The Lord watch between me and thee,
while we are absent one from another." (Gen. 31:49 ERV) Like
good Girl Scouts, we will make new friends in our new home, but we
will "keep the old" too.
The Lord be with you. Amen.
Diane Falconer
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