Have you ever been given a gift that was generous beyond measure and competely unexpected?  There have been times in my life when that has happened.  Once time in particular stands out.  When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I volunteered for military service.  My first duty station after basic training was aboard an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Antietam, CVS-36, home ported in Pensacola, Florida.  I was seventeen years old, far from home, family, and friends and trying to act like an adult.  For the very first time in my life I was expected to make decisions for myself and also for the very first time, someone other than a parent was holding me accountable for the consequences of my decisions.  I wasn't doing well.  I kept up a brave face but the truth is I was bluffing my way through:  I was scared and over my head!

That's when I met the Reverend William (Billy) Sunda.  He was the pastor of a Church in Pensacola.  I liked him the first time we met.  He was friendly but not pushy; he was curious about me without being nosey.  He was a full-fledged adult who could remember what it was to be a young adult!  Even more remarkably, he invited me into his home and there I got to meet his wonderful wife and three young children.  They included me into their lives and in fact, set up a bedroom for me so that whenever the ship was in port I could come spend the night.  I don't know how often I stayed with them but I do recall spending the night in their home.  They were exactly what I needed in my life; friends, people of faith who cared enough about me to give up some conveniences in order to accommodate some of my needs and help me get established in the faith.

I remember thinking at that time how fortunate I was to know them.  Now, many years later, I know what a rare and wonderful gift they were to me.  Before I met them my life was spinning out of control.  I was destroying myself trying to fit in with my shipmates; living in ways that were not healthy.  Their love for me was a stablizing and inspiring force.  I wanted to honor the gift of their friendship by living an honorable life.  Because they lovingly accepted me, I began to dream big dreams for my life.  I owe much to them for their unexpected generosiy.  I know God used them to touch my life.

I have often thought about Hilda and Billy Sunda especially as we have talked about the future of Central.  I earnestly believe God is calling this congregation to become passionately committed to the gospel.  Not only will this compassionate commitment transform us, it will transform the broken in our community.  There are untold numbers of people, young and old, who are longing for someone who cares.  Many are living destructive lives and see no hope for a future.  God is calling us to reflect the divine image of love and grace so that they might be drawn to Christ.  Our future is tied to the gospel we are called to proclaim.  If we deny the call we deny ourselves:  If we accept God's call there is a meaningful, gracious future for Central United Methodist Church.

The conversation we are engaged in is a "holy conversation."  While much of the talk will be about "staying" or "going," the deeper conversation is aobut "being" and "doing."  Let us attend this conversation with the passion of holy people called to holy purposes because we have been gifted by the Holy.

Grace and Peace,

David