Well, I’m baaaack. It feels like forever since I’ve written a Back Page, but the break has been nice. I have to get back into the habit of writing again. But hey, it is my choice and ultimately, once it is done, I enjoy it.
But I wanted to dip my toe into the 60th anniversary just one more time. I thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations and have come to the conclusion that they were important. I was not always convinced of that, but I came around. But the problem with my dragging of my feet, it crammed six months of preparation into six weeks of preparation. So my bad. I have to acknowledge some of the people who were under extra pressure because of my procrastination. I very much hesitate to go down this path for one simple reason: I’m going to leave someone out. But I will try not to do that…but I will.
You need to know that November at Peninsula consumed a lot of time for a lot of people, and most of it was behind the scenes. I want to thank a few key leaders. Hannah Tuttle and Lily Nachef put together the charcuterie experience at the Jubilee. It was amazing. And the McEwans put together the amazing dessert bar that night. All I can say is….wow. Karen Sartori did the decorating. Sunny Kim made the worship center sparkle that morning – and prepared the grand entrance back into he Fellowship Hall that evening. Carolin Wade pushed me to get everything inside the Fellowship Hall ready for its introduction back into our life together. That work is still not done, by the way….and neither is she.
Roy Medawar and Danny Welch worked on the videos each Sunday, which was no small task given the short time frame they were given. The staff worked overtime (literally) to prepare the handouts, merch, banners, and worship experiences. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for all their tireless effort. All without complaint. When you don’t seek recognition, God works.
I am so pleased with how it all came together. And there is only one reason it did: Jesus. Our past and our present and our future came together because of one common thread – our Lord, the Great Shepherd of our Souls and the Chief Shepherd of our church.
Our celebrations imitated life. We mess life up and we procrastinate, but as we submit to Jesus, He makes it whole. He has made us all whole. It is powerful to remember that He has done great things. And that He will do great things. I am excited about Decade Seven if we continue to follow Jesus, without turning back. Individually, whether we live or we die, we follow Jesus. That struck me during Diamond Jubilee. That, and how I love this family.