Skip to Content

A Message From Pastor Wes

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!

I am currently taking a break from chapel prep for our service, where we will hear and meditate upon the Scripture for All Saints’ Day. The students will hear again from Hebrews 12:1-2 and be reminded of the great cloud of witnesses comprised of all who have come before and paved the road of faith for them. We will wrestle with the truth that we are so quick to forget: that we did not arrive where we are today on our own and owe so much of who we are and what we have to those amazing people of God who are no longer with us.

We will share stories with each other of those who have passed away, remembering the impact that they left on our lives and covenanting to continue and to honor their stories by how we live our lives. We will laugh at past exploits, mourn the pang of loss that still stings when our guards are down, and rest in the hope of resurrection that promises we will see our loved ones again.

And, in the midst of all of that, we will also respond in gratitude to those still with us who have been integral in our stories and personal development. Our parents, congregation members, professors, friends, and so many more; those people without whom we would not be who we are today. Some of our students and community members have gone so far as to send notes of gratitude to these individuals, making certain that they are aware of the impact they have made in this world.

Now, I know that All Saints’ Day is over, but I still want to urge you to do the same work in your own life. Take the time to remember and share stories of those pillars of faith who have paved the way for you to be the person you are today. Celebrate them, and thank God for placing them in your life. And do not stop there. Remember as well that your cloud of witnesses is properly comprised of those who have passed and those still among you. Freely and liberally express your gratitude to others. Let them know the impact they have left on your life. Make sure they know their place in the story unfolding before you.

You did not get here alone. Thanks be to God for surrounding us with a cloud of witnesses.

—Pastor Wes