Thank God, the Lord of Mars Hill UMC

 "Thank God, the Lord of Mars Hill UMC"

(Psalm 132)

11.24.24.

Mars Hill UMC

Gratitude

Today, on Thanksgiving Sunday, we gather to give thanks to God. Most of all, I am happy to be here with you. Yesterday, I took Abe to the ER because of his pneumonia. After the ER trip, Grace and Hannah threw up a few times last night, just like Esther did last Friday. While I was taking care of them, God reminded me of this day last year.

On November 24, 2024, I had thyroid cancer surgery in Korea. I am so grateful to be here today, healthy and without any health issues. God gave me a new life. Thank you for all your support, love, and prayers. Without God’s grace and your grace, I would not be here today.

I feel so blessed to prepare this service with all the thankful lists from our church family. I discovered how much people truly love our church. Past pastors and ministers who were part of this church feel honored and blessed to have had this church in their lives. So many people shared similar thoughts, expressing how God has blessed our church throughout its history.

David shared his gratitude in 2 Samuel 23:1-7 and Psalm 132 as he reflected on his life and God’s story (HISTORY). His life was not perfect, but God blessed David with His faithfulness. Let us give thanks to the Lord as we reflect on David’s life, our church’s life, and our own lives today.

 

David’s Life: A Heart for God’s Temple

David, the "man after God’s own heart," devoted his life to honoring God—whether he was a shepherd, a fugitive, or a king. We see that his purpose in life was to build the temple after becoming king, as highlighted in 2 Samuel 23 and Psalm 132.

In 2 Samuel 23:5, David reflects on this covenant in his final words:
"Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure."

In Psalm 132:1-5, we see his vow:
"I will not enter my house or get into my bed... until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

David longed to build a temple for God, a place where God’s presence could dwell among His people. However, God had a different plan. In 2 Samuel 7, God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple. Though David couldn’t build the temple himself, God fulfilled His promise through Solomon and, ultimately, through Jesus Christ. God honored David’s heart and made an everlasting covenant with him:
"Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:16)

David’s life was not perfect, but he had God’s heart. He sought to build God’s house, and God built His house—and continues to build His house—through Jesus Christ forever.

 

Diane (Pianist) 

and Brian (Jelly and Wreath Ministry) Ketchum

Wolverton Family

Mars Hill UMC’s Life: A Heart for God’s Temple

Just as David dedicated his life to preparing a place for God, our church has had the same heart for God’s temple. When I asked previous pastors, current pastors, our church families, and even Marge—who lives far away but still helps our church online—what makes our church special, the responses were overwhelming.

I discovered that so many love our church just like David loved God’s temple. When I heard about our church’s history, I realized that God has blessed our church just as He blessed David and his kingdom. Many people shared similar thoughts, which I summarized into eight categories:

1. Community and Fellowship

You described a church that feels like family and home—a place of love, care, and support. Cheryl said she was like a baby bird when she came to church four years ago, and all of you welcomed her and sheltered her under your wings. Pastor Victor said, “The blood of Christ is thicker than the water of the womb.” Victor and all our family felt like family immediately after we arrived. Most people deeply appreciate the welcoming, loving, and caring environment of the church, emphasizing the strong sense of belonging and mutual support.

2. Music Ministry

The music ministry, including the choir and contributions by individuals like Diane, Mary Miller, choir members, and previous pianists Joan Walshy and Joan Blinn, is highly valued. Members note how it has brought joy and meaning to their church experience.

3. Supportive Relationships

Several members mentioned the care and compassion shown during difficult times, including health challenges and grief. They feel supported through prayers, acts of kindness, and shared ministry efforts. One member still uses a prayer shawl gifted by the church during her time of loss.

4. Mission and Service

The church’s dedication to outreach and service is highlighted. Examples include running a food cupboard, sharing vegetables, and supporting various community missions. Pastor Tracy Reeves noted that our church was the first Protestant church to work with Catholic Charities to establish a food cupboard.

5. Thankfulness for Leadership

Members express gratitude for their pastors’ guidance and commitment. Many pastors also shared their love for this church, describing it with three words: peace, unity, and love. Pastor Sue Brown said, “I was grateful that we could be in ministry together without any baggage. No one ever put themselves above anyone else or demanded their own way. We worshiped, sang, worked on missions, and had fellowship together. There were no political or other divides. We were all loving family, and I still hold each person in my heart.”

6. Church Activities

The church’s traditions, events, and small groups are cherished as ways to grow spiritually and socially. Bonnie and Andy Anderson hosted a small group last semester with 8-9 attendees each week. Monthly coffee hours and the upcoming potluck luncheon with the bell choir are sources of joy for our congregation.

7. Legacy and History

Mars Hill Church and Easton Church merged, and through transitions, God has been faithful. He has kept this church united, free from division, and filled with His peace.

God’s promise to David in Psalm 132:13-16 reminds us of His faithfulness:
"For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: ‘This is my resting place forever; here I will reside, for I have desired it.’"

God has chosen this church as His dwelling place. He has blessed it with His presence and continues to use it to shine His light in our community.

 

My Life: A Heart for God’s Temple

As I reflect on David’s life and our church’s life, I also reflect on my own journey. I see God’s faithfulness in my life as well.

On November 19, 2024, I had a moment of encounter with God that deeply shaped me as a pastor. While listening to a lecture by Yongbong Kim, I realized I had the mindset of an "established pastor" whose focus was church growth rather than transformation—both for myself and the congregation. Realizing this, I cried and repented for an hour. For days, I felt overwhelmed by guilt and unworthiness.

But in that moment of brokenness, God gave me Psalm 132:9-16. David asks God in verse 9 to clothe His priests with righteousness, and God answers in verse 16:
"Its priests I will clothe with salvation, and its faithful will shout for joy."

Through these verses, God reminded me: “The owner of the church is Me. I will clothe the pastor with salvation and righteousness and make the church members sing with joy.” In that moment, my shame and burden were lifted. It is not about my readiness but about God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise.

 

Conclusion: Thank God, the Lord of Our Church

God’s promise to David was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Psalm 132:17-18 says:
"I will make a horn sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. His enemies I will clothe with disgrace, but on him, his crown will gleam."

Jesus, the descendant of David, is the eternal King. He is the ultimate dwelling place of God.

Today, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness. Just as He was faithful to David, He has been faithful to our church and our lives. Let us continue to build God’s church with love, unity, and gratitude, trusting in His promises. As Psalm 132 reminds us, God has chosen us as His dwelling place, and we are part of His eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ.

Thank God, the Lord of Mars Hill Church.