“When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the stewards called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.”
-John 2:9-10 NRSV
I remember my first Sunday at Creekwood like it was yesterday, and it’s all thanks to Carey Pharr.
I had designed a sermon series entitled “First Impressions” to both speak to what I noticed about the strengths and opportunities of the church, as well as allow the congregation to get to know me a little better. Carey strode from the choir to the lectern to read John 2 in his most regal voice, and for whatever divine reason, when he came to verse 6, about the stone jars holding water used for the Jewish rites of purification – he said they were for the Irish rites of purification. I’m not sure what my original opening line was supposed to be, but I pivoted to highlight how half of the congregation might have been more satisfied if Jesus had served Guinness instead of Merlot.
I’ve been blessed to since perform Carey’s wedding to Susan, honored and humbled to preside at Susan’s daughter’s funeral, and enjoyed 7 years of ministry with people who couldn’t believe I said the word “Franzia” from the stage. But the theme of that first sermon was “The Best is Yet to Come.”
In January, we will be hearing and reading accounts of the great times of Creekwood past, as we look forward to Creekwood’s future. We will see how God served up some of the best in the past, but how we should never stop expecting to see blessings around the corner. We will also be sending out information and opportunities for you to estimate how much you will give financially to the ministries and mission of Creekwood, so that you might trust God and we might work for Christ together. I pray you will engage in worship, read The Deep Thoughts, and make sure to attend on February 6th when we will celebrate our 20th Birthday in both worship services and have a cool birthday party for all ages in between.
I hope you will share with me your favorite Creekwood memories, and by doing so, I hope you will see how God has let us taste and see that God is good through out fellowship and ministry together. And I hope by witnessing God’s faithful grace in your past, it’ll help us all to look forward to all that God will lead us to in the future.
Peace,
David Lessner
