Thus, as he read his MCP letter
to me, I thought, “I really would enjoy receiving this.”
Evidently, many of you also appreciated John’s newsy letter
because he has received a number of responses from you in the
form of emails, phone calls, and letters.
We were delighted and touched to hear from so many of you, and
we want to assure you that we are eager to respond personally
to every message that you have directed our way. However, it has
been an exceptionally busy summer and autumn for both of us, as
a proliferation of publishing deadlines have coincided with the
beginning of new programs. Thus, we are sending this letter as
a sign of our gratitude for your interest, support, and encouragement.
Please know that we are remembering each of you with warm regards
and that we will answer your personal messages as our days become
more routine.
The other day, I happened upon some of the cards and letters
that I have received from friends and family during my four years
in Prague. It saddened me to realize that my correspondence with
such special people has become more sporadic as time has passed.
However, reading those letters also filled me with a profound
sense of closeness to many uniquely caring folks. Thus, I am grateful
for the tie that binds our hearts—across time, space, and
even silence. Yet, this is not the time for silence, so here’s
John, with a verbal “snapshot” of our wedding.
John writes
As you know, on September 7, 2002, I got married! Joyce is a
United Methodist pastor from central Ohio, and we were married
in the church that she most recently served. My brother Steve
served as best man, assisted by my boyhood friend Frank. The matron
of honor was Joyce’s sister Anita, assisted by Joyce’s
friend Linda. Joyce’s nephew Walker was the ring bearer,
my niece Caroline was the flower girl, and the ushers were three
of my nephews, Daniel, Michael, and Mark. Many family and friends,
including some we had not seen for a long time, were present.
That added to the joy of the day that Joyce and I had so long
been anticipating. One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony
occurred when everyone present, including the two of us, joined
together in singing “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
immediately after we had exchanged rings.
Joyce and I met when she participated in a study tour that visited
some of the sites of the Reformation in Germany, the Czech Republic,
and Switzerland. This trip, led by Glen and Beverly Schmidt from
the Scioto Valley Presbytery, took place six years ago this month.
So, you see what good things can happen when you make an effort
to get to know your Christian brothers and sisters in other lands!
Joyce returned to the Czech Republic in 1999, and since then she
has become actively involved in translating theological works
and other writings for our partner church and its seminary.
Joyce and I look back on our past service—and even on the
service of our respective pastor fathers—with gratitude
for God’s leading and for friendships, like yours, that
God has given us along the way. But, we also look ahead to continuing
to serve in the Czech Republic, and to helping Christians in the
United States become acquainted with the rich heritage and vital
faith of Czech Christians. In fact, my responsibilities here include
hosting groups of people who want to learn more about the Czech
Reformation and the contemporary Czech church. Thus, if you know
of church groups that are interested in visiting this important
locus of faith, please contact me at John
Michael. Joyce and I hope to be able to welcome some of you
to Prague!
In Christ,
John and Joyce
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