Village Voice - November,
2005
HOMECOMING (AND
“GOING”)
Having just enjoyed
another VBC Homecoming event
set me to thinking. It was great to see and swap recent histories with
such
great former member-families as the Blantons,
Despite the warmth
of these reunions, though,
there was a twinge of regret that these terrific people are no longer
with us
on a permanent basis. Because of the transient nature of our community,
our
church sometimes seems like a “way-station” for folks on their way to
somewhere
else. One of my favorite VBC people is
rumored to have said, “It’s risky to get too close to anybody, because
they’re
sure to leave”, and I admit to similar sentiments.
And, because of the tremendous services many
of these former members performed while with us, it sometimes seems
that their
loss will be impossible to fill.
However, after some
thought, I found some positive
aspects to all the people who have come and gone during the past
35-plus years.
First, what
they brought us when they came. Many came to us from other
traditions
and geographies, and as a result contributed fresh ideas and insights
that were
of immediate value as we grew and changed. We’ve also benefited from
the growth
and insights of literally dozens of “VBC Kids”, who came with their
parents,
are now responsible citizens with kids of their own, and engaged in
grown-up
Christian walks of their own.
Secondly, what
they did during their stay. With
few exceptions, our former members devoted much time, resources and
talents to
our ongoing health and vitality. Many were Deacons, Commission Members,
musicians, and filled other scarce but necessary roles, making us
better in the
process.
Thirdly, what
they took when they left. I was
privileged to speak with most of the
returning members at the Homecoming dinner, and without exception they
expressed gratitude over what VBC had meant to them. In most cases, it
came
down to our being a place that tried to live out our motto: “we reserve
the
right to accept everybody”. I believe
they would all say that they left here different than they arrived.
Now, this
means that the small stone that was dropped into the
Last, the
confidence that new and faithful people will continue to join us
in the future. The congregation that worships with us today is
still
strong, consisting of many newcomers who have found or are finding ways
to
serve keeping us strong, diverse, and growing positively. As long as we
work to
retain our goals to be inclusive, non-judgmental, and committed to the
Great
Commission, they will continue to do so, and VBC will thrive.
So, let’s celebrate
both gifts:
what those who moved on left for us, as well as the tremendous
potential ahead
for the ever-changing congregation that is
--Maury Sweetin
The Great
Commission
“Therefore go
and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age."
- Matthew
28:19-20 (NIV)