Pretty much all of you are familiar with the story of Noah's Ark. This Sunday, my sermon will be based on this famous and very problematic story from the Hebrew Bible. With all the symbolism present in this narrative, it is the Ark itself that prompts my attention. I want to highlight the ship that kept Noah, his families, and all the animals afloat during the famous flood.

A few years ago, I used the image of an ark to describe the nature of the congregation I serve as pastor - Crossroads Church - especially in the early days of its existence. Crossroads formed out of a church split when a large number of people walked out of a contentious business meeting. This new church functioned much like the legendary ark -- as a vehicle for people to stay afloat in the midst of a flood. It kept a lot of people from, going under in the storm after the split. It gave people who didn't necessarily know where to go or what to do, a place to be - a community of which to be a part.

But arks just float. They go with the flow of the flood without any mode of propulsion or steering. I don't think the church is an ark anymore. The task facing us, as it faces every congregation, is to decide what kind of vessel to be. My church has decided to become the kind of vessel that is equipped to help people on the long journey of life. We want to be a place that invites people to come aboard with all their questions, their doubts, and their wisdom - to participate in shaping the direction of the journey.

The not-so-creative title for this Sunday's Noah's Ark sermon is The Ark-a-type of Stewardship. I lost a friend this week, a member of my church who was truly an Archetype of stewardship. He lived life as a gift from God and was always a faithful steward of that gift. He treated all others with respect. Children, youth, and adults all looked up to him in return.

Jim Pierce died on Memorial Day. He was a founding member of Crossroads. Before that, he was a mission volunteer for the Baptists Home Mission Board and later for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Jim and his wife Eunice gave generously to the church and its ministries. They have been strong advocates for missions and have always given of their time and talents with just as much generosity.

I will miss Jim's presence. He was such a joy. I will miss him, but he will continue to live in me. And because he was such a good steward of his time, talents, and treasure, he will continue to live in Crossroads Church. I think every church has at least one Jim Pierce. These archetypes of stewardship show the rest of us what a life lived in the presence and grace of God looks like. Their investment in the churches they love pay dividends for years to come. Their example inspires and humbles the rest of us as we struggle on the path of discipleship. That's the way this wonderful child of God has changed the life of my church. Thanks, Jim, for showing us the way.

Thanks to each of you for continuing to bless me on the journey.

--Jack Price

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