Jon Hauerwas September 17, 2017 Savoring the Blessing

Jon Hauerwas – September 17, 2017 – Savoring the Blessing

Philippians 4:6-8 and Numbers 6:24-26

Whenever we embark on a new experience, we are stepping into the unknown. Twenty three years ago, Jim Mismas took a risk by saying “yes” to Westminster Presbyterian Church of Akron, Ohio. And this congregation took a risk by saying “yes” to him.

Today, it’s hard to imagine it any other way. Every week in this sacred space, Jim’s musical gifts are on full display.But so, too, is his endearing personality. Jim is positive, kind, and thoughtful. He is quick to embrace and slow to cast judgment.
He compliments others freely. Jim is a gracious host and a loyal friend.

Sadly, and not long after Jim’s arrival, this congregation faced a crisis.
A pastor came to Westminster who was not a good fit for the church. Ultimately, that pastorleft our denomination altogether, but not before causing a major disruption here. The church split and hundreds of members left. From what I understand, there was a buzz around Akron at the time about whether this congregation would survive.

There are many reasons, of course, why Westminster survived the tumult of the 1990’s. Among these were dedicated leaders, financial assets, a great location, and a beautiful facility. But, from what I have been told, one of the most significant factors in Westminster’s survival during those difficult and troubling years was the steady, confident, andaccomplished presence of our Music Director and Organist, Jim Mismas. I can think of no more lofty praise than this to bestow upon a church staff member.

Despite the obvious crisis, Jim understood how to clearly read the congregation. And at a time when others were surely tempted to retreat, Jim saw the opportunity to unify the church. He recognized the importance of music in this place, and he pursued an ambitious plan to provide Westminster with a new organ. Within a few short months, over three quarters of a million dollarswere received for this purpose.And,to this day, we continue to enjoy the sounds of that instrument.

When the new organ was introduced to the congregation on October 25, 1998, Westminster hosted a service of dedication and recital, accompanied by a beautiful program. The cover letter from then-pastor Cliff Hayes contained these words: “Belief in the future has united Christians in every generation of all theologies. It was precisely our belief in the future which animated those who dreamed of this magnificent Schantz organ. Our belief in the future made it possible for us to endure doubt, frustration, and obstacles. Our belief in the future made this organ possible – not just the Schantz Organ Company, and the contractors, and the workers… Our belief in the future!”

“Sometimes,” Hayes continued,“a hopeful belief in the future looks very much like madness.” But, “whenever we accomplish anything in life, we have done so because we acted on our faith in God and in the future. We overcome depressions, our nagging doubts, and our feelings of foolishness. We take our leaps of faith over the chasms of our all-to-human feelings of inadequacy. When we land safely,
we know that this, too, is a gift from God.” So,“God, we express to you our gratitude for providing us with a vision for the future and for the strength and will to bring that vision to reality.”Signed – Cliff Hayes.

Friends, as people who call holy the scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments, we know that God journeyed with our spiritual ancestors through the many trials of their wildnerness wanderings. So too, we know that from the seeming hopelessness of the cross, thatvery same God breathed life into thefirst Christian fellowships.Many of you still remember how God was with Westminster through the tumult of the 1990’s. And you know what? God is still with us. Yes. Even now, God is speaking words of hope and future.

This means that as sad as we are to receive Jim’s letter, we will not lose heart. And we will not question God’s good intentions to provide a future for this congregation that will be very, very good. For the message throughout the centuries could not be more clear: our God will never forsake us.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find these words: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice… Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Today, we worship together with many purposes. We have come to thank Jim for his many years of faithful and admirable service.So, too, we have come to proclaim God’s plans for the future, both Jim’s and ours as a congregation. And, finally, we have gathered to remind ourselves that we need not fear or worry about what that future will hold, either for Jim in his retirement or for us in Jim’s absence, for God will provide. This is our shared benediction.

Following worship today, we do not have a formal reception planned in Jim’s honor. That will take place in the months ahead. But, we do have some cookies for you to share in Wright-Herberich Hall. And, at the conclusion of our service, we invite you to join Jim there so that you might share your own words of gratitude for his ministry in this place.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks be to God. Amen.