Sharing stories of his tenure as senior pastor of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., Pastor Emeritus told a filled-to-capacity sanctuary that “these are some challenging times.”
“If we remain where we are, we won’t get very far,” he said. “The worse thing we can do is say we have arrived, that we have overcome. Our nation is struggling!”
Rev. Holmes returned to St. Luke for Black History Month and to kick off the church’s 90th anniversary celebration which will culminate with a huge event in December.
Instead of a sermon, after several musical selections, Dr. Holmes and Senior Pastor Richie Butler sat down for a conversation, which was more like a history lesson as the elder statesman talked about his college years, serving in the Texas Legislature and pastoring at St. Luke.
When asked about the future, he said, “God has a brand new future for St. Luke and that future is taking place now.”
Dr. Holmes repeatedly referenced a “brand new future,” as he praised St. Luke for it’s work in the past.
“The struggle continues. We (congregation with other clergy) came together and made a difference in the city,” he pointed out, adding that the Church must always be in the forefront of any efforts dealing with racism; as well as the political and economic climates.
His advice was to work with others to deal with the problems of the world, “We need coalitions.
Throughout the conversation, which lasted over an hour, Rev. Holmes praised the congregation and those who pastored since he retired, including Pastor Michael Bowie, who was also in attendance. “I shall ever be grateful to this congregation.”
Cheryl Smith
