Cloud of Witnesses

I went to a dinner tonight to honor the moderator of our congregation from the past year, and welcome the new moderator to the position. The guests, other than the pastors and their spouses, were all former moderators (and spouses, although in at least one couple, both had been moderator).

It was great to hear stories of the history of the church, which went through some tough times over the decades. As stories were told, I felt that the cloud of witnesses grew beyond just those gathered there, to include people remembered fondly by many, some of whom have moved away, others who have passed on.

I was reminded of Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,* and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." This remarkable gathering of faithful leaders throughout the congregation's past gives encouragement to the current leadership, both pastoral and lay, to move forward into the future God has in store for our congregation.