Lessons from our Charter Members
A few weeks ago, I received a letter from Bob and Patty Rexrode, inviting me to a luncheon at their house with some of the charter members of our church. They thought it would be good for me to record some of their stories for the records of the church, so future generations could hear directly from those who worked to make their mark on Suntree.
I have to confess before that day I knew very little about the beginning years of our church. I’ve never really imagined what starting a brand-new church would look like. I guessed it would start in someone’s living room, then move to the classic one-room church with pews and a choir loft, and eventually land in the kind of building we’re in now.
Throughout that afternoon I heard stories of pastors chasing moving vans and meeting new church members at local happy hours. I heard stories of love and loss. I saw a group of friends who had been living life together for almost 40 years reminiscing on those hard-fought early days of making something brand new.
I was fortunate enough to capture these messages and craft them into an episode of the Suntree United Pastors Podcast (SUPP). For those unfamiliar, podcasts are a form of audio media, that can range from the drama of old-fashioned radio productions to something simpler, like an interview. They are uploaded to the internet and available via a variety of websites and smartphone apps. You can see this episode of our church podcast, and the 51 before it, by clicking here.
What I walked away with from that luncheon was a huge amount of respect for the work and dedication of our charter members. They met in any building that would hold them, including an animal hospital and an elementary school cafeteria, just for the chance to praise God and make something in his honor together. To be honest, there are Sunday mornings where I really struggle to get out of bed and to church on time, a church that has air conditioning, padded adult-sized seats, and every other comfort that a modern church is known for.
Last week I celebrated one full year at Suntree UMC. It’s been a weird year. Maybe the weirdest this church has had since those early days. When I look at where we are, and the dreams we all have for the future of this church, I can’t help but think that it’s time to channel a little bit of that Charter-Member spirit. We need to start looking at every event, bible study, and week of worship as an opportunity to grow this church, to welcome back those who have been reluctant to return, and introduce ourselves to those looking for this kind of community in Brevard County. This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because a dedicated group of believers decides that pursuing the likeness of Christ is better when it’s done together. It’s done when we remember that as iron sharpens iron, we are the best forms of ourselves when we are holding each other up. It’s done when we decide that embodying the EXTRAORDINARY love of Christ is a constant calling, and a high bar to be achieved.
So I hope you’ll check out the podcast and take away new respect and perspective for each of our Charter Members listed below. Let’s go out and build a church that would make them proud.
In Christ,
Tanner Smith
Director of Communications & Media