06/02/2026
Dear Mt Zion,
I am not quite sure what to say, because thank you does not quite seem to be enough. The way that you all have cared for me and my family in the loss of my father has been amazing. From the calls and texts, the food, the love shown to us at the family night and funeral- you all have filled my cup up with love in a very difficult season.
I also want to say thank you for welcoming and loving my father throughout my ministry at Mt Zion. Mom and Dad have often said that they have 2 churches, one in Augusta County and one in Rockingham County. I know that they both have felt that in the past 2 weeks. You all have shown up for my mom and made her feel loved in a tremendous way.
I am going to miss my Dad with all my heart, but I remember the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14- I love the way the Message paraphrases these verses:
“And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.”
The grave does not have the last word for my Dad- Jesus does! My father is more alive now than he has ever been. That is the hope that anchors my soul today. Jesus is good and has been good to my father, and good to us- even in the midst of this painful time.
Please continue to pray for my mother as she finds what her new normal will look like. After 53 years of marriage she has a lot to grieve and a lot to adjust. Pray for my siblings and I as we support her, work alongside her, and encourage her along the way.
I know many of you have walked this road of grief; you have lost a patent too. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us as we have walked the past few days. Please, continue to share those stories as we traverse this new season.
Nothing bad happened to Dad- something good happened to him.
Something bad has happened to us- we have lost.
But something good has happened alongside of it- I have been ministered to by an amazing congregation.
Thank you- I love you. It is an honor to serve Mt Zion!
Pastor Jon