Grace, Peace and Walking Sticks

I was pleased recently to learn the history of the shepherd’s staff in the Minister’s office. I have it on good authority that a skilled craftsperson made it in Ohio.  Specifically, it is an Amish, handcrafted, red oak, steam bent, shepherd’s staff. I love that an Amish artisan hand-crafted the staff that will remind me every day of the essence of my role at First Christian Church. I have long revered the Amish community – since I visited the community in Pennsylvania when I was in high school – as a group that has enviable core values, works hard, keeps the faith, and creates things that last.

The shepherd’s staff in our office was first procured by Gary Walling.  Gary doesn’t remember exactly what for, but it was probably for a children’s event, perhaps Vacation Bible School, a Christmas play, or something similar. Gary gave it to Jamie when Jamie came as Interim Minister the first time.

So, I was delighted last week when a serendipitous turn of events brought Jamie and me and a few others together in the office on Jamie’s last official day as minister here.  Theresa Mathis suggested the moment needed a photo, and perhaps one that would depict a “passing of the torch.”  Jamie immediately stepped into the office, brought out the shepherd’s staff, and held it out towards me.  It could not have been a more fitting gesture, handing me this iconic implement created to accompany travelers, and to be a useful tool for those on a journey.

It is a real joy for me to step into this role.  First, I am so very grateful for the work Jamie and Renae invested here to shepherd this congregation in the recent months of “in between time.”  We have been friends for many years, and to have Jamie be the one to hand over the “keys” to the office is deeply meaningful. 

Second, Kathy and I have a long relationship with First Christian Church of Wilson.  Kathy grew up here, and I have memories that go back to my college days of spaghetti suppers that were provided for the Disciples students at Atlantic Christian College.  And, I remember sitting in this office, seeking advice from Gene Wake on how to provide pastoral care in a challenging situation to members of the first church I served out in Black Creek.  So, becoming the Minister here is a bit surreal, as well as a little bit like coming home. 

Over the course of the last couple of months, many of you have convinced me that you are genuinely excited about having me join the congregation as Senior Minister.  Please allow me to assure you that I am also excited!  I look forward to meeting folks I do not yet know and to growing relationships with many of you whom I have known for a good long while, to learning more about the work that goes on here and finding my place in it.  I look forward to being one among many in this congregation that helps to carry our ministry into the Wilson community, and to sharing with interested people about what a treasure this congregation is and why they should come join this faith community.  I look forward to sitting with you in worship and in study and discussion groups and wrestling with questions about how we can be Christian people in this time and this place. 

And, one more thing about the shepherd’s staff.  As I understand it, historically the shepherd’s staff had several uses.  Shepherds used it as a support to help them navigate the terrain, as a weapon to ward off predators that would threaten the flock they were tending, and as a tool for hooking around members of their flock that had strayed or gotten lost and redirecting them on the right path.  (So, any of you who might be thinking that you can take a break now that the new minister has arrived, have been forewarned!)

All that is to say simply this.  Thank you so very much for this opportunity. 
​I’m in.  Let’s go!

Grace and peace and walking sticks,
Morgan

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