Milestones

It is perhaps a word that is over-used, but I find myself failing at the effort to find a more appropriate one. This past Sunday, both personally and professionally, truly felt like a milestone. I confess that, since I was never real keen on having a 25th anniversary celebration, I found myself surprised at how powerful it was for me personally. Though I had thought about it quite a bit over the past year, it had struck me primarily as a matter of longevity and not much more. 

The music that Pat Messick selected for the worship service was perhaps the most powerful thing. He knows me so well and he did, in fact, choose my favorite hymns and the music that has formed me as a person and pastor. Since I am not at all musical I don't know how other people reacted to "my" music, but I could not help but think about how that music has touched me through the years. The Brahms "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place" is incomparably beautiful and was sung by the choir at my father's funeral. And on many occasions I have turned to the words of "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" when dealing with tragedy.

Coincidentally two other things happened on the anniversary of my 25th year as Senior Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church. Steve Johnson made the announcement that the Living the Legacy Campaign had surpassed its $10 million goal. That is a nice round number to celebrate on a 25th anniversary, but the best part is the reason it was pledged: the commitment that we have had for many years to truly "leave a legacy" for those who come after us. For me, that is what the work of the church is all about, and I am grateful to all the members of Christ Church for making this latest chapter a reality on this very special day.

On Tuesday of this week I looked at our statistical report and discovered another milestone surprise: our 7,000th member was added to the roles on Sunday. I've never made a big deal about membership for the simple reason that I think attendance is much more important, but I couldn't help but be surprised by the coincidence of another big round number on this special day.

I want to share my deepest gratitude for all those who worked so hard to make the lunch and gift presentations so special. It was great fun and truly reflective of my personality. I am quite sure that I am the only preacher in Methodism that has been given a cow and calf on his anniversary, and I couldn't be more pleased. For the uninitiated, the bloodlines on this particular cow place her in the "Lexus" category rather than Chevrolet, and Siete Ranch is proud to be her new home.

Finally, perhaps the best gifts of all were the many words of friendship and appreciation that were shared. I was overwhelmed by the kind words and expressions, and Bobby and I will remember this special milestone forever.

Don Underwood