Me, A Witness?
Word From Wiese
May 13, 2026
Tomorrow is known as Ascension Day in our liturgical calendar.
Astounding is the story that Jesus somehow transitioned to heaven from earth after his multiple Easter appearance. Perhaps just as astounding is Jesus’ charge to his betraying, denying, slow-to-understand disciples that he’s trusting and expecting them to be “witnesses” about the Good News of grace and life he’s unleashed through his life, death and resurrection. What trust and confidence!
What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus today? How does Jesus trust you to live that out day to day?
This Sunday, we’ll be celebrating all students “ascending” to their next life chapter upon their graduations.
Having equipped them, Jesus will be sending them out in different directions to modern day equivalents “Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.” But amid different locations Jesus also designs us for different vocations for witnessing.
This past Friday, our Fellowship Hall was packed as we honored Carol Jensen-Linton’s 30 years of leading Peachtree City’s New Neighbor League. 30 years of enacting Jesus’ Great Command that we love God by loving our neighbor. Our mayor actually presented Carol with a Proclamation of Congratulations! But then I was honored to offer a few comments connecting, in effect, Carol’s neighboring ministry to Jesus’ Ascension Day Challenge to witness Jesus’ grace and love. You can find it below.
Carol has her story of witnessing well. She represents well the COS pulse of “Gods’ Work, Our Hands” out in the community. But you do too! What is your way? And do you ever feel the Lord might be encouraging you to “ascend” to a new way of sharing your gifts and faith insight?
Reflection Question:
How might I witness to Jesus transforming love in everyday ways that feel authentic to me? How do I accept the Holy Spirit’s help just like the first disciples?
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray:
Gracious Lord, thanks for our graduating seniors that we celebrate this weekend. In a way those first disciples “graduated” from their three-year discipleship doctorate with Jesus and were expected to go and make a difference . . . but with the Spirit’s help. So too, send your Spirit to help us “ascend” from the routines of our lives to see ways in which we might witness to your hope for all around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
++++++++
TRIBUTE FOR CAROL JENSEN-LINTON.
8 May 2026. Pastor Fritz Wiese
Friends, on this special occasion when Carol Jensen-Linton is concluding her leadership with New Neighbors, I’m happy to add my congratulations but even more so, my thanks. All of us have unique special wishes for Carol. Let me speak from the perspective of faith. As Christians, we speak so often about the north star of the Great Commandment. You might know the story. A young man was struggling with how to balance all the rules and expectations of his culture. 613 laws he was expected to follow. So, when he had a chance to ask Jesus for advice, he asked for priorities. You remember Jesus’ response. He said love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And then almost in the same breath, Jesus quickly added, and “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Wow. Showing respect, welcome, compassion, and servanthood to our neighbors is at the very top of the list for Jesus in terms of what it means to live a human life well. Carol has dedicated key energy in her life in welcoming all of us, folks who came into this area as new neighbors. She visited us, welcomed us, asked us questions, and pointed us in the right direction when we were newcomers. Moving is tough. But Carol gave us encouragement, hope, assurance and optimism. Carol, thanks so much for loving your God by loving us, your new neighbors!
And then you didn’t forget about us.
You welcomed us to your wine and cheese parties! What fun. And what connections we made. Those evenings we all packed into your lovely home—and we remember when your husband Ron was still living and stood by your side. Thank you too to Ron—but when we were in your home, it wasn’t Holy Communion. But it was in that spirit. All were welcome. We felt hope by being together, drinking wine and more. Not just bread, but rich deserts too. They tasted a lot better than the simple wafers we use at communion. Ha. Ha. Pretty fun. Thanks for that neighborly communion you provided us, Carol.
Here at Christ Our Shepherd, you continued to lead and serve. Carol, you were our dynamic leader for the fundraising of our Sanctuary Renewal Project and we’re so happy with the result. Carol, you were our creative leader for our 50th anniversary celebration last year. But you not only lead us in the big projects. You serve in behind-the-scenes opportunities. You regularly help on our AV team that keeps things moving for our services and streams them, making them available to so many more. You’ve put together Aging Matters courses. You serve in so many ways.
Well, Carol, your servanthood is hard to neatly categorize.
You not only visit doors of new neighbors and you not only serve at church, but you show up on the basketball courts. You help keep the score at high school basketball games. You do a great job in keeping track of the points and players. While you keep score in the game, with the people you meet, you are reluctant to keep score. You don’t hold grudges or judge folks. You see everyone you meet as a person to enjoy and a neat opportunity to serve.
Carol, here at COS one of our key phrases is “God’s work, Our Hands.” You are one of most energetic folks in our community to live out that spirit. Thank you so much.
Carol, while we recognize this crossroads in your life and that your service in the New Neighbors portion of your ministry is coming to a strong conclusion, we take great comfort that you’ll continue to live, serve, and make a difference in so many ways in our community.
I was thinking of concluding by singing a little song. Using the tune of Mr. Roger’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” with new words just for you Carol. But with my voice on the fritz, I’ll have to pass.
But instead let me join with everyone in this room, and probably share their sentiments too, “Carol, we are grateful for you. We give thanks to God for you. You’ve made a special difference in our lives. We wish you the very best and look forward to continued fun times with you.” Hip hip hooray!
