Dear First Pres,
I was so sorry to miss Mother's Day at FPC. Of course, missing worship is always a bummer for me, but also missing the Mother's Day Brunch feels like a loss. However, I'm so glad I made the decision to participate in the graduation ceremony at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. On July 23, 2018 when I finally defended my dissertation, May 11, 2019 seemed incredibly anti-climatic and detached. But it was the good encouragement of folks from FPC that gave me the nudge I needed to participate in the commencement activities. Thank you.
Diane and I, and the kids, flew to Philadelphia this weekend. My parents joined us there. It was the first time for all of them (except Diane) to see the University where I had spent so much time during the early years of the program. The graduation was on Saturday afternoon with a special reception following for the PhD graduates. Yes, there were some teary moments for me. As I walked in with beret and gown hearing the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" and spotting my family, I was overwhelmed at the absolute completion of this journey and the incredible sacrifices that were made by others for me to be one of those graduates. And in that moment, I thought of you, FPC.
I couldn't have done this without you. Yes, I'm sure the move to Fresno lengthened the time it took to complete my dissertation. But, it was your encouragement, your generosity, and your loving care that helped me to stick with it unto completion. Thank you, First Presbyterian Church, Fresno. I will forever be grateful for your incredible support. I can only hope that you will reap the benefit of all that I learned in my study as I continue to serve as your Senior Pastor for many years to come.
Blessings,
Jeremy
P.S. This week's Scripture reading for our Flawed and Flawless sermon series Judges 14-15.
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