Back in April 2008 at the start of a series on Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, we wrote some letters.

Kev’s example letter is elsewhere on this site.
Looking back at these letters, there is a certain resonance with the events that we are going through at present:

Hi There
It was great to visit you last week and join with you in worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I can see the love you have for Him and each other. The worship in your church is pleasing to God and I encourage you to to continue praising the Lord and learning how to love each other.

You do need to get that sound system sorted out though.

I promise to hold you in my prayers and see you all again soon.

Signed by (but probably not written by) St Paul. (Not sure which sound system that would be)

To whom it may concern.
It is great to hear that things are going well with you as your minister’s retirement approaches.
This is a challenging time for you as you say goodbye to someone you have loved and has led you well and furthermore as you start to look for a new leader.
Remember all who do so, do so by serving, and it is God who we serve and Jesus who is the servant. Follow Him with all your heart and your struggles will bear fruit in the community around you.
Peace out!

An American greeting?

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
We have heard about the great work in the community that you church has done and is doing, and the vibrancy of your worship and praise.
We are, though, saddened to hear that there is discord amongst some of your members. We would like to encourage you to pray togther and listen to God and to each other. Encorage each other to use the gifts and talents that God has given each one of you. Each of you is special in the eyes of God, each of you is valued.

Finally:

From a fellow traveller to my friends.
I was sorry to hear your bad news and I’ll be sure that my prayers are with you and your family.
For a tragic event affects the whole community, but praise God, He is working in all things to His good.

Even in the darkest times, God is with us and it is encoraging to hear that you have come together to support the family.

Remember that Esther was put in her situation of leadership for “such a time as this”.

Blessings and greetings in His name.

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Posted by Kev Clark

Kev was the lay leader of the Pathway fellowship between 2004 and 2008. Kev is married to Binky, and has 4 children - and is a dab hand at DIY and has interesting views on fancy goldfish