Brother Ken Robinson, Home Church member and beloved former pastor, began his notes about his funeral desires, “I, Kenneth W. Robinson, being of as sound mind as is possible in this confusing modern day….” Ken died on Monday afternoon, after a kidney stone required surgery and complications ensued.

He wrote his funeral notes in 1986. As I read them yesterday, I was reminded of both the lightness with which he approached life and the conviction of his faith. He wrote that, if there were a reception or visitation with family and friends, it would be an opportunity “to enjoy the fellowship of kindred hearts” and not a time “to despair over my departure (not that many would, anyhow).”

Well, I won’t despair, but I will grieve. Ken was for me a model retired pastor. Toward me, and I think toward everyone, he was gracious, gentle in his ribbing, humble but insightful in the rare times he offered advice. Ken retained deep friendships at Home Church, but was careful not to be pastor to them. Granted, he could be a little frustrating sometimes because he could be in and out of the hospital without letting the church office know so as not to bother us.

The main reason we talk about “saints” in the church—and Ken was one—is to be able to point to folks who really “walk the talk” and be able to say “We can learn from this one something about living faithfully as a child of God and a sheep of Jesus’ fold.” (I have Ken sort of speaking in my head at the moment; I think he would have me add that all the saints we lift up are sinners at the same time, including Ken Robinson. It’s the sinners, like Ken and you and me, that Jesus came for.)

There are a number of such saints at Home Church; in fact, they are all around. I am hopeful for the future of the church because they are here. You may be one. We should not cease to learn from them and honor their witness.  That we have lost this one, at least to our earthly conversation, is a cause for grief but not despair. God will continue to raise up saints like Ken and Grace that we need to walk with us as exemplars of grace and faith.

When I grow up, should that ever come to pass, I hope I can be a little like Ken.

Doug Kearney

Last week I was gone several days for a conference in Jacksonville, FL, entitled “Dealing with Difficult Behavior”. You can imagine who is attracted to such a conference: a few like me who work consistently with churches who struggle with conflict, but mostly clergy who are in the midst of serious conflict in churches where some people “behave badly”, publicly, toward clergy and each other.

The mantra which we continually held up for each other was “There are no difficult people, just difficult behaviors.” That’s not just semantics. And it’s not just a church consultant’s pet phrase (it is that, but not merely that.) It is profoundly Christian, and Moravian.

I continue to be awed by the witness of those who gathered in Herrnhut largely from the fringes of the established Church in the 1700’s to form an intentional community on Count von Zinzendorf’s estate. They believed they could bear witness to the reality of God’s reign by living together in prayer, worship, and work. They would treat each other as children of the same God and hold each other accountable to behaviors (personal, economic, legal, etc.) that expressed the promised Reign of God. Thus “The Brotherly Agreement” that has morphed into “The Covenant for Christian Living”.

Come spend the day on the Mountain with Home Church family and friends.  The festivities, beginning at 11:00 a.m., will include a good old-fashioned pot luck (no access to heat or refrigeration available), a kickball game, and free time where you can fish, canoe, wander the trails, or even conquer the ropes course!!

 To end the day, we’ll enjoy some delicious homemade ice cream* followed by devotions that will conclude at 5:00 p.m.  So, bring a fishing pole and a covered dish (utensils, paper products and drinks will be provided) and we will see you on Saturday, June 2.  (Rain or Shine)

Interested in staying overnight, enjoying a bonfire, and singing campfire songs with friends?  Overnight accommodations for Saturday night are available if you wish to stay.  To make reservations, please call Laurel Ridge at (336) 359-2951 or (888) 831- 5922.  To check availability online, you may visit Laurel Ridge at www.laurelridge.org.

Please let us know that you’ll be joining us for Home Church day at Laurel Ridge.  RSVP by May 21 by calling the church office at 722-6171, or emailing home1771@homemoravian.org.  If emailing your response, please be sure to include the following information:

YES, we plan on attending Home Church Day at Laurel Ridge, Saturday June 2, 11-5.

Name  ___________________________________________

Number of family members attending  __________________

Potluck:*

____ Yes, my contribution to the potluck will be to bring my ice cream maker, completely prepped with the ingredients for my favorite ice cream (salt and ice provided).

 _____ My contribution to the potluck will be to bring a covered dish.  (We will need main dishes, sides, salads, and desserts — remember, no kitchen access.)

 Activities:  Please indicate how many of your family members would be interested in participating in the following (only one choice per family member):

____ Guided Nature Walk

____ Ropes Course  (must have completed 8th grade)

____ Canoeing

Click here to play. (Audio only.)