Alan's Updates

Momentum is up, enthusiasm is up, and excitement is up as we welcome our new Lead Pastor, Shan Moyers. Over the next few months Shan and I will be sharing the leadership responsibilities as he settles in to his new assignment and as I transition on.  I don’t merely want Shan to “succeed” me but to “exceed” me! 

It was stunning news. Early Monday morning an old college friend suddenly died. Don Jeanes was a classmate of Linda and mine at Milligan College. After graduating Don went on to serve as the minister of two different congregations and then as President of our college for 14 years. He had just transitioned to a Chancellor role when he collapsed.

“98!” On Monday, that was the number I put on a flip chart for our staff. When I asked what they thought it represented, one comedian quipped: “Your age!” When the laughter subsided I was finally able to make my important announcement.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity . . . For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forever more.” (Psalm 133)

It was a remarkable moment! Yesterday afternoon church leaders gathered in our Chapel for a celebration. They came from throughout Boulder County representing congregations large and small, old and new, spanning the denomination divide. It was their monthly prayer event - with a special focus . . . me!

We’re all travelers. Each of us is in some way en route from one place to another. For example, our daughter Kristin and her husband, Dave, have just returned from Cambodia and are now driving from the east coast to Colorado. Their trip is a major one, not just in terms of geography but personally. With a baby on the way, Dave needs to quickly land a new job and find a place for his family to live other than in our basement! 

“What’s going on at RMCC?” That question can be raised in a variety of tones and on a variety of topics. Please allow me to provide a little more of the “back-story” on my decision to retire from my role as the lead pastor. It’s unfortunate that due to technological glitches and mailing problems that some have received the word belatedly. Our apologies. 

Here are a few notable points. 

I love to see American flags flying! We got our new flag up at home just in time for the celebration of our independence as a nation. It looks so good we just may leave it up - to prompt us to pray! 

The state of Colorado is a state of pain. Suffering surrounds us. Fires are raging. Hundreds have lost their homes. Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate. The end of the drought seems to be nowhere in sight. The suffering of some is overwhelming; yet their response is still inspiring.

One woman grieving the loss of her home is already rebounding. She is looking forward to rebuilding. She is counting her blessings. She said: “When you lose everything, you realize that what you have left is love. We are rich in love.”

We’ve all got appointments. Some days are jammed with things we have to do, others with opportunities we get to enjoy. Most days are filled to the max with a mix of both - including a few “divine appointments” that we didn’t expect. 

How long has it been since you really felt honored? Some people might have a hard time recalling the last time that happened. Maybe a better question is . . .  how long has it been since someone really felt honored by you?