Rev. Peter C. de Vries, Ph.D. has served Old Union since November 1993.
To learn more about Rev. Dr. de Vries, go to FaceBook, Linked-In, or his blog.
FROM THE PASTOR
Twenty-seven years ago this month, I began my service as your pastor. It is a privilege, honor, and joy to work together with you in our mission to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Unless the Lord has some surprise in store for us, I look forward to many more years as a part of our fellowship.
Thank you for the many expressions of your appreciation for my service that I received during “Pastor Appreciation Month” in October, from the acknowledgement in the local newspaper to the COVID-friendly cupcake reception to the stack of cards that you sent to me. Each is a reminder of the blessed relationship that we share.
Many of you who sent cards included a personal note of appreciation, but I found two in particular to be the most meaningful. In very different ways, they help to guide me in what a healthy and God-honoring relationship between pastor and congregation can look like.
First, a number of you expressed your appreciation for how I have helped you to grow in your faith through my ministry. Butt one person’s description of how I helped her to grow in her understanding of Scripture and to develop of her prayer life profoundly moved me. She concluded by writing “You have opened my eyes and my heart more deeply to the love of God and his forgiveness of sins.” My hope is that I can continue to serve God faithfully by helping you to grow in your awareness of God’s love for you, and to experience his grace in your life. Whether you are a “novice” Christian or a pillar of faith, there is always more to the adventure of faith that lies in front of us. I will do my best to continue to offer encouragement and guidance on your pilgrimage.
The second card that was most meaningful for me had a very different tone. The person who sent the card wrote to me “I won’t tell a lie and say I liked ALL of your sermons, but there were few that I didn’t like.” May God spare me from the arrogance of thinking that I will knock every sermon out of the ballpark! And may I always have the humility to realize that my ideas aren’t always the best ones for our church. I appreciate those of you in our church who are willing to speak up when you disagree with me. God is glorified neither when a church descends into chaotic conflict, nor when everyone smiles politely while gritting their teeth in annoyance. I will continue to strive to set aside my ego and to receive the correction, challenge, and sometimes even rebuke that you offer in love.
Peter
Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com
724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com