Word of the Week

The Church Gets it Right

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 !