TODAY IN MISSION YEARBOOK
Mission Yearbook Minute for Mission: Father’s Day
“Father” imagery and language has been a topic of theological discussion for the past quarter of a century, at least.
The writers of “A Brief Statement of Faith,” the confession created at the time of Presbyterian reunion, addressed the matter this way: “We trust in God, who Jesus called Abba, Father.”
A popular book when I was in seminary, some years ago, published by the then Westminster Press, was “Is God the Only Reliable Father?” by Diane Tennis. It continues to provide important food for thought for me.
Plus, we know right now that fatherhood, and all manner of cultural and social issues, are hot topics of conversation, some more beneficial than others. Bruce Springsteen’s “My Father’s House” speaks to these eloquently.
I think about all of these things, including my own father and grandfathers, now gone. I think about my own experience of fatherhood, and where I’ve done OK and where I’ve fallen short. I think about those whose memories are not so fond, or whose experiences are not so positive, or those who have sought — unsuccessfully — to become fathers.
That’s a lot to overlay on any one particular holiday.
All of which is to say, Happy Father’s Day to those for whom this is a good day. I hope the day is filled with gratitude and joy for you and those you love.
And perhaps, along the way — and with a sense of gratitude — this day can include a gift to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. It will for me.
Our theme this year is “Celebrate Your Dad, the Giver: A Gift That Fuels His Passion.” Your gifts will support commitments and themes that are very important on this day, and that reflect the best of paternal values:
- Building communities → Support for farming tools or water systems.
- Teaching and mentoring → School supplies or teacher training.
- Caring for family → Hygiene kits or food relief.
These commitments were important to my dad, and they are to me. I hope I have imparted those values to my children. That would be a terrific Father’s Day gift!
I invite you to join me in supporting them.
John Wilkinson, Vice President and Director, Stewardship and Funds Development
Let us join in prayer for:
Charlene Peacock, Reference Archivist, Presbyterian Historical Society
Lyndsey Peaks, Housekeeper, Stony Point Center, Interim Unified Agency
Let us pray:
God, thank you for your presence and for your listening ear during every season of our life. Continue to care for your people as we do our best to minister to the ones you entrust to our care. Amen.