River Days

“I thank my God every time I remember you,” says the apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi (Philippians 1:3). Vicky and I say the same about you, our church family. You have cared for us and our children and grandchildren for over 31 years now. You would think we would get used to it, but you keep finding ways of raising the bar of lovingkindness.

On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.

Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.

The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.

Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck