Yesterday, Washington Plaza Baptist hosted a memorial service for the brother and brother in-law of two of our devoted church leaders, Mark. The congregation was almost full of those who came to pay their respects. It wasn't full because everyone in the room had a relationship with the deceased or even had met Mark, but many people came out of love for the family. Mark suffered much from his battle with Huntington's disease, a genetic condition and died at age 42.
Through weekly updates during Sunday prayers, our church community watched Mark's family members care for their brother with love, faithfulness and steadfastness, even in the face of ongoing frustrations with the health care system in our state that often wanted to make him someone else's problem as his functions declined. The journey had been a long one and we had been by their side all the way.
As I led the service and gazed out on the congregation, I could help but think that this is what happens when the church gets it right. We love in community. We live in community. We die in community. And when one of us is hurting, all of us hurt too. Together we sit with side by side as we encounter some of life's most difficult life junctures.
When we came to the portion of the service when it was time to share personal tributes, my two church members got up to read this litany about their beloved brother. I can't tell you how proud I was-- not only was it a beautiful, theologically rich responsive prayer, but I know it came from the hearts of two folks I know and love much. As their pastor I've seen their spiritual journeys unfold over the past two years at a rapid pace (having recently baptized them both) and I knew this moment of being surrounded by their church family was a tangible sign of what I"ve been teaching all this time. The church is so important in our lives because when life hands us the worst we can imagine, we get to be reminded that we are NEVER alone. God meets us in the hands and feet of others.
Those who endure the greatest suffering can become our greatest teachers. This was certainly a lesson, I believe, we all gained out of the memorial service yesterday. Every life is of value. Every life has gifts to share. Every life deserves to be celebrated. The church gets it right when we teach, and love and nurture the faith into others. I was just glad to witness it yesterday!
Our brother: A sufferer and a teacher
Mark had a challenging life filled with many struggles and much pain
He taught us how to find humor and laughter in everything
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark suffered from a genetic disease called Huntington's
He showed us how to endure and survive and never give up
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark fought to numb life’s constant pain with alcohol
He showed us strength renewal by joining Alcoholics Anonymous
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark never cared about material possessions or money
He taught us how to be humble and enjoy the simple things in life
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark was hit by a car as a child and had life altering surgery
He taught us once again how to have strength and survive
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark never had any money, but freely gave of it
He taught us the true meaning of generosity and compassion
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark was easy to please and loved doing puzzles and playing cards
He taught us to enjoy the simple things in life
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark had a debilitating motorcycle accident as an adult
He taught us once again to fight for life and never give up
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
People took advantage of Mark at times
Mark taught us forgiveness and to trust like a child
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark had innocent eyes and a childlike stare
He taught us how to see truth and honesty and love
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark had a very strong work ethic
Mark taught us the meaning of honor and character
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark gave his last pack of cigarettes to a homeless person
He taught us how to always put other’s needs first
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark had parents that hurt and disappointed him
Mark taught us to always respond with love and forgiveness no matter what
HE REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark lost everything when he went to jail
Mark taught us that if we trust God, HE will always provide… and God provided Effrain
MARK REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Through Mark’s challenging life of struggle and suffering, Mark finally grew weary and tired. THE LORD SAID “Mark shall suffer no more,” SO GOD BROUGHT MARK HOME. And still MARK REMAINS IN OUR HEART
Mark taught us the meaning of LOVE:
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends.
Mark showed us how to talk like a child - think like a child - reason like a child – love like a child. We can see Mark’s reflection, like looking onto the perfect mirror. I pray that we can always see clearly. We must remember that of all things that continue forever: faith, hope, and love, THE GREATEST of these is love. Mark knew this better than anyone !
My beautiful church: family God gives us in each other!
It has been a while since I've expressed my love in a space like this for the congregation where I serve-- something I know that few pastors can actually do honestly about their parishes. But, I can and I really want to do this today.
Why? Again, recently, I was attending (sigh) a denominational meeting (I know I tend to rant about these a lot) and when I do, I always walk away from such gatherings with a newly empowering awareness of how lucky I am to be pastoring my particular congregation. Who would want to pastor the same old, same old kind of church? Not me. Though the challenges can seem overwhelming at times as we draw a population of members who often are in transition in many aspects of our lives, I feel that together we are paving a new way doing church.
Washington Plaza is not perfect. And, of course, there is a long road of growth needed ahead of us, but there is a depth of character and authenticity here that naturally flows out of how cool these people are. And, I just get to come alongside them for the ride. . .
So, why do I love my church?
1. They love me. They are so kind to me. They treat me fairly. There isn't a week that goes by when I'm not hugged and loved on by a different person. I know they do thoughtful things for me not because I just got here and they are pretending still (because this would have long ago worn off), but because I believe this congregation and I understand each other and genuinely like each other. They treat me the way they would want to be treated. It is a good thing, a very good thing.
2. Some of the saints of God attend here. We have members who go out of their way on a weekly basis to serve in outreach ministries for the sheer sake of calling. They teach English as a second language classes. They give high school kids rides to work after morning worship, even when it means going out of their way. They collect can goods and take them to Reston Interfaith's emergency food pantry even when they are in their 80s and shouldn't be lifting things. They sit with our terminally ill members in the hospital. They give money to missions and bring food to share with our weekly community meals, even when they don't have it in their pockets to give.
3. There isn't a conversation, it seems, that they are scared of having. On this Sunday morning for example, we participated in a call to prayer for violence against transgendered persons in the DC metro area. Did anyone looked shocked? No, just nods on their faces of support saying back at me without these words, "Of course, we'll pray."
4. They are willing to try new things. Even when I have crazy idea like "let's have church in the Plaza room" as we did this past July, everyone said, "Ok, we'll try it." Not all new ideas stand the test of time, of course, but I think any reasonable idea is worth trying at least once. I see an attitude of flexibility embedded in the spirit of the people, and it makes my job so much easier.
5. They accept anybody. Really, they do, especially those who stick around and want to commit themselves to the life of the community. I never have to worry about bringing friends and folks not being nice to them. Sometimes I stand at the door on Sunday and stand alone for long periods of time because everyone is so busy talking to each other. It's so good to see that I don't mind being there alone.
I am proud to be the pastor of Washington Plaza Baptist Church for these reasons and many more-- such is my decree this Monday morning.
