August 3, 2021
Dear Christian Friends,
We are just days past an extraordinary, exceptional, over-the-top day of celebration for the joyful service of Phyllis Draheim’s forty years of music ministry at Faith, and my fifty years of shepherding and coming alongside God’s people, thirty-five of which have been here in Georgetown.
As you greeted me following the worship celebration, a flood of memories swept over me as, time and again, I recalled births, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, along with all other the myriad aspects of my ministry to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. To be sure, while it has not always been easy, I can truthfully say that it has been full of joy in my ministering to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Faith is a family and just as in your immediate family, there have been highs and lows, joys and sorrows, and always lots and lots of time focusing on a host of details – small and large.
Yet, through it all, I can’t think of a day I didn’t want to come to work because of the professional staff with whom I co-labored and the untold numbers of you who freely gave of your time and talents to assist me with a helping hand. A very large number of these individuals are now resting from their labors in glory eternal. I was blessed to come alongside them in life and in death. Often, I have served families generationally, which can only happen over the course of a lengthy pastorate.
You, dear fellow citizens of God’s Kingdom, are a warm-hearted and wonderful people who have stood by me in sickness and in health, prayed for me, offered me a helping hand, and stepped up to the plate to assist in getting the numerous ministry tasks accomplished. You don’t know how often people in and around Georgetown have said to me, “Your congregation is so wonderfully friendly, caring, kind, compassionate, and giving.” All I could add to their superlatives was “Amen!”
I can’t say enough about your kindness to me, both in your most generous love-gift presented to me on the happy occasion of my 50th anniversary, but throughout the years. Furthermore, God be praised for Christian parents who guided my two brothers and me to study for the ministry. I have no regrets. It’s a truism that so long as there as sinners in the world, all pastors, teachers, and church workers have job security. We’ve have always said, “Welcome, sinners, one and all.” Yet, how awesome to know that in Christ, crucified and risen, we have salvation, not condemnation; life and not death; heaven and not hell! To God be the glory! Faith’s motto is: Know Christ! Live Christ! Make Christ Known!”
Sunday’s party will not soon be forgotten, nor the many, many individuals who made it come to pass. It was special to have our three daughters and their families present, as well, to join in the festivities. Our son from Germany visited recently, but duty called, and he had to return to Berlin. My wife, Cheryl, has been a huge part of the half-decade now past and I thank her for her unending support, encouragement, and help over the years.
I have not retired (yet), as I will continue my ministry as Faith’s Visitation Pastor for the balance of the year. However, you should know that I am willing to visit you, even you are not ill, shut-in, or in memory care. Beyond December, though, only God knows what the future holds for me. I just might be a greeter at Walmart.
To God be the glory, great things He has done – in your life, in my life, in our congregation’s life, and in the life of the holy Christian Church on earth. Our work continues until He calls us home. Many people present Sunday wished me another fifty years. That celebration, I can tell you, will be with the saints and angels gathered around the throne of the Lamb. That will be the party to end all parties.
Joy in Serving and Sharing Jesus,
Pastor John Selle
P.S. I didn’t mean for this to be as long as a sermon!
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