July 2022

Dear Cobham Park Church Family,
Last weekend, Tammy and I took our oldest son and his girlfriend to Tangier Island. This Chesapeake Bay voyage takes a couple hours by ferry. Passengers soon lost cell service as the Northern Neck’s shore receded on the horizon behind us. This created a rare scene in today’s world: dozens of people waiting in public, but not looking at their phones. I enjoy standing at a boat’s bow, and I did so on this trip. As I leaned forward against the steel handrail, the sun glared down intently from a clear blue sky. I pulled my hat down snugly and tightened its chin cord so the warm wind wouldn’t blow it off. The deck gently bobbed under my feet as the bow sliced through the Bay with rhythmic splashing. I looked down into calm green water and was fascinated by how the light played in every little ripple. As I looked more closely, I realized that the water’s surface glistened with countless tiny images of the brilliant sun.

This is also what I see in our church. Together, we’re like a vast crystal sea before God’s throne. Even in our ripples of imperfection and weakness, each of us can reflect the glory of Jesus. This newsletter demonstrates that. As you browse its words and pictures, notice the many tiny images of God’s Son. In these pages, some people give glimpses of His glory by writing about Him. Others have been teaching His word and preaching His good news (there are many who share that ministry here). Some lead us in heartfelt and harmonious praise. Most reveal Christ’s servant-love behind-the-scenes. You’ll see evidence of their service in kitchens, on computers, and everywhere else! Some reflect the Lord’s honesty and generosity as they carefully count financial gifts and wisely disperse them for His work. I’m constantly encouraged by older Christians who offer encouragement, wisdom, and powerful prayers for God’s people; they demonstrate the Lord’s constant faithfulness! Young people remind us of the Lord’s innocence and passion. Through them, He challenges us to soften our stony hearts and open our minds in fresh faith. Finally, many patiently give the Lord’s example, truth, and love to our children. “Truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Shine on!

But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him (2 Corinthians 3:18; The Living Bible).
In His Love,
Pastor Keith