05/30/2026
PASTOR’S CORNER
June 7, 2026
This Homecoming Sunday, we will be led in Worship by my good friend and brother in Christ, Martin Watts, who has helped inspire my own faith across the years. I hope he might inspire yours as well, as we worship together! Welcome Home Victory!
I remember when I was off at West Point, I couldn’t wait to get away from the pressures of cadet life, and make my way home, usually with a few cadet buddies. My mom and dad had relocated to Northeast Pennsylvania during my Sophomore year, and it was just a couple hour ride home for Thanksgiving break.
The ride through the beautiful fall colors of the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania fueled the anticipation of the sensational season’s aromas, from turkey and dressing and casseroles to apple pies and fresh fires in the fireplace. My mind was filled with thoughts of the quality family time with loved ones I hadn’t seen for some time and couldn’t wait to enjoy. It would always be a fabulous homecoming. Even better memories overflow my heart today, as I think of my own children and now grandchildren coming home.
I wonder how it makes our Heavenly Father feel, as we make our way home, turning back to Him, and what it will be like when we finally make it Home? I can only imagine it will be far better than anything we could possibly envision. I understand there will be a banquet. The aromas will be sweeter than any of my fondest memories. I wonder who we’ll be seated with? Maybe loved ones we have missed for so long, whose faces once dimmed by illness and age, will be shining with love, life, joy and peace, where there will be no more goodbyes, no more burdens to bear, no more tears, only rejoicing in their presence together with our Savior. The One who reconciles all things together for the good of those who love Him. It will even be better than that! I love the song “I can only imagine” written by Bart Millard and sung by MercyMe. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. I can only imagine, will I dance for you Jesus, or to my knees will I fall, will I sing Hallelujah or will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine…
As we gather for Homecoming here at Old Victory Church, we celebrate the cherished memories and the goodness of God that has carried this church through generations. We rejoice in the lives that have gone before us, lives changed, prayers answered, hymns sung, and the souls that have been saved within these walls. We know even this sweet fellowship is only a glimpse of the greater Homecoming that awaits us in our Faith, Hope and Love of God.
Until then, may we continue to love one another, encourage one another, and faithfully serve the Lord together in all that we do, inspired to hear those words “Well done.” As we contemplate 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21, let us rejoice together that He is reconciling and making all things new.
Thanks be to God.
I look forward to celebrating in worship together,
Cliff