Napa Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church Napa CA : VIP 418

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Home Church News Very Important Parishioners (VIP) 2007

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VIP 418

VIP #418

12/29/07

Dear VIP:

Twas the morning of Christmas we walked down the street

And nothing was moving except our four feet

My love in her parka and I in my sweats

As stars in the heavens shone over our heads

The darkness and quiet brought peace to my mind

But when we got back home we knew that we’d find

Our grandkids with wide eyes just waiting to see

What’s in those stockings? What can it be?

How great just to see them and share in their joy

And store up the memories with each gift or toy

The years pass so quickly and then they are grown

They’ll soon be adults and out on their own.

We’re blessed by our family, the young and the old

Far greater in value than silver or gold

Three kids and five grandkids and Mutti as well

Then sisters with offspring, the numbers sure swell

The cousins in Europe, aunts, uncles there too

You put them together, it makes quite a few

What a wonderful gift, this place we belong

In good times or bad times the ties are still strong

While still out there walking this Christmas morn new

And counting our blessings we thought then of you

Another large family who’s worth can’t be measured

But each of the eight years we’ve been here are treasured

We’ve worked and we’ve worshipped, we’ve laughed and we’ve cried,

And served as your pastor with absolute pride

We’ve had other offers for places to go

But thoughts of your sweet love have made us say, “No”

That’s good news for most, I think, bad news for some

We did want to please all when we said we’d come

But that’s just not possible, that much I know

So we’ll please the others when it’s time to go

Meanwhile, your faces are etched in our minds

Each one with memories of various kinds

With some we have gathered round loved ones you’ve lost

With others we’ve smiled as bouquets were tossed

Some are more serious, some like to tease

Some are just busy and serving with ease

Some give their talents and some give their time

Some worship with music and others with mime

Each part of the body that we call our church

And this much is certain, wherever we’d search

We not find one better, more loving and kind

Sharing the gospel with one heart and mind

We’ve finished our walk now, the home’s all aglow

And so are our hearts, for both of us know

We’re welcomed and loved here because we belong

And love bonds of family are lasting and strong

So too is the love that we share now with you

We’ve made bonds together that none can undo

For God made us family and His word is clear

That He will be with us throughout the New Year

Now let’s walk together, He gave the commission

And we’ll plan it out, Shared Vision to Mission

The elders and youth join forces as one

With visions of home when our walk is done

Just think of the memories we’ll share on that day

When walking together the paved golden way

One family, one body, with Christ as our Head

No pain, no sorrow, and nothing to dread

In closing, dear family, so great is your worth

You’ve given us foretaste of heaven on earth

We serve you with love and wish for each one

The true gift of Christmas, the gift of His Son

With love,

Marvin Wray

Your Pastor

PS: Don’t forget the New Year’s Eve Communion Service beginning at 6:45 pm!