Moment for Reflection

Moment for Reflection – Scott Mosenthal

Thank you to the Stewardship Committee chairperson for telling me–rather, gently persuading me–to stand here and share a reflection about this church and what it has meant to me and why I come here on a regular basis.

I actually wrote this reflection several weeks ago. I wrote about our kids growing up here, how I felt at home here every Sunday, how I participated on any number of committees, and how gratifying it has been to have found a home where I feel not only comfortable but valued.

I made the mistake of  sharing it with Pilar, who then went ahead and read it last week as though she had written it.

Just kidding. Though I will say that her reflection was strikingly similar to what I was going to say. Perhaps it’s because we both grew up in Ohio.

So, I’m going to focus on one of the many reasons I’ve been coming to this church for 40 years. 

One of my core values is dependability. I embrace those things in life which can be counted on even when things appear to be chaotic or random, and I appreciate those aspects  in my life which I consider to be trustworthy.

Church-wise, it’s no surprise, then,  that I grew up in a Presbyterian Church and have spent my entire adult life at a Presbyterian Church. Its values are my values. Jesus for me is the quintessential  role model of reliability who not only embodies the love, generosity,and compassion that I treasure, but who I can  trust to  accept and forgive me even though I know I am nowhere near perfect. Coming to 400 Bedford Road each Sunday affirms and reinforces those values, because I am surrounded by people who are on the same journey that I am. 

Together, this building and the people I have known here–especially the exceptional  pastors I have known these 40 years–reflect those values. I not only hear about  goodness, selflessness, and love, I see people acting on those values, and consequently  I am inspired to do likewise. 

A good friend once told me of a character test. He said to imagine you’re with someone else in a metaphorical foxhole when the bad guys  (or, since we’re talking metaphorically, the bad events–bad news, unforeseen tragedies, worrisome problems)  start coming at you. You turn to the person next to you in the foxhole and one of two things have happened–he’s either taken off and deserted you, or he’s right by your side, ready to help.

For me, when I'm in that foxhold, it’s Jesus who is next to me. And this church is right there also.

Scott Mosenthal

November 1, 2026