First Vespers

Full Foreword from First Vespers - Spiritual Verses of Hope and Inspiration 

     Several years ago, while new in my pastorate, I was introduced to a church which delivered a prolific amount of street ministry and care to the underprivileged. While there, I was fortunate enough to meet one of the church Elders, who as it turned out, was also a friend of David.

     One day I received a forwarded email from this friend that included a poem written by David, entitled, Imagine Knowing. This was a poem that told the crucifixion story so meaningfully that it was as if Jesus himself were speaking to me. Being moved beyond comprehension, I asked this friend to solicit David’s permission to publish the poem in the bulletin to be used in our upcoming Good Friday service. This was to be an effort never before attempted by me, with the ecumenical participation of my clergy friends in a joint service at the Brewerton Christian Church. The service focus was to be the “Service of the Nails” and featured a five-foot cross situated at the front of the church with a hammer and 16 penny nails that each parishioner could nail into the cross itself. I had never been so moved spiritually. With the poem, the sermon, the hammering of the nails, the tear-stained participants and myself, I was forever changed as a Christian.

     It is important for the reader to recognize that poem by poem, as I reviewed this great offering, David and I were never physically able to meet until the work was nearly finished. David’s job often keeps him on the road, but God has kept us together; we are spiritual twins in Christ. This book was written by David as an answering to a call by God to tell His story in a memorable way. David’s talents were utilized to underscore the story, the meaning and the focus of God’s intent in poetic verse.

     This effort was not written to attract people to any particular denominational dogma or indoctrination. This is all about God and His Son Jesus Christ who saved David, me, and any in the whole world who would call upon His name.

     My wish is for God’s continued inspiration to my Brother-in-Christ, David; he is truly a man after God’s own heart. After reading this, let it wash over you just as it did me in the initial readings. You will find a new view of God and Jesus Christ, along with his presence here on earth.

This is David’s devotional work of love.

By all means, share it with others, remembering to

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN!

Craig Wilson, Pastor (& David’s Friend) 
Brewerton Christian Church 
Brewerton, NY