Dear friends,
When I woke up this morning, I thought I knew what I'd write to you in our weekly e-mail. When I got to First-Plymouth, it became clear that another message would be coming, and I am humbled to share the news with you. This morning, the Lord of Life called home our beloved pastor, mentor, and friend, Rev. Otis Young. Having just seen Otis recently, seeming as healthy, robust, and convicted as ever, this news came as a particular surprise. Otis was 'retired' from his ministry here, but still was so active in our congregation and around our community. While I don't pretend to know him as well as most of you, I did read his book-- in fact, I was reading one of his sermons even at the exact moment when the phone rang that wonderful day in March when I was invited to serve with you as part of the ministry of Otis' beloved First-Plymouth Church! I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to hear him speak at the Plymouth Pride meeting a few weeks ago. Both in print and in person, Otis was unafraid of speaking truth. Otis was willing to challenge conventional thinking. Otis did not teach First Plymouth to operate within a box he put around God. He taught First Plymouth to open up the box many put around God so that everyone could come in to experience God! This was to be a church-- not an exclusive private club. So much of what we take for granted in being our church, his vision helped us to be. Even from a distance, I was able to learn a lot from Otis' understanding of being church. His relationship with Pastor Jim was also unusually wonderful, collegial, supportive, open-- both care more about their church and its people than their position or power. Even from a distance, I was able to learn a lot from Otis' understanding of leadership. Even from a distance, I have many reasons to be thankful and grateful to God for the gift of Otis Young, and I know you all join me in offering prayers of love and support to his family and to our entire congregation and community at this time.
How can we respond? Well, there are two ways I can think of right away:
1. We can sing our grief, gratitude, and faith as the choir for Otis' memorial service. While the details are still to be worked out, we anticipate the service will be sometime on Tuesday. It is already a busy singing week for us, but our collective, pastoral presence will be a gift of special meaning. Jeremy and I will communicate details with you as soon as we have information available. Please invite all former Plymouth Choir members to join us for this service if they feel called to offer their gift of music ministry for this special moment in the life of our church.
2. we can pray for each other. We can love one another harder. We can be more patient. We can be more thankful for each sunrise. We can be more fully alive today and treasure the gift of life, and give thanks all those who travel the journey with us. The sanctuary here will be open for prayer and reflection tomorrow, Friday, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., if you need a quiet space or the embrace of your spiritual community.
Peace be to you,
TT
p.s. See you Sunday at 8:00.
