June 17/18, 2023
From the Pastors’ Desk: Pastor Karen Quan
Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,
Psalm 103: 13 (NiRv) A father is tender and kind to his children. In the same way, the Lord is tender and kind to those who have respect for him.
Did you know that the origin of Father’s Day for North America began during a sermon just across the BC border? In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd was in worship, listening to the preacher teaching regarding the newly established holiday called “Mother’s Day” in Spokane, Washington. Sadly, Sonora’s mother passed away during childbirth when she was only 16 years old. As the eldest child and only girl, she helped her father to raise her 5 younger brothers. The more she listened to the sermon, the more she thought about her father, who served as both Mother and Father to all the children.
Sonora greatly respected her earthly father and felt strongly that fathers should also be recognized with a special day. She spoke to the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested her father’s birthday, June 5 but finally the group decided on the 3rd Sunday of June. It would take until 1972 for President Nixon to establish the day as a permanent national holiday for the United States.
The psalmist begins Psalm 103 by praising God and then describes the many ways that God shows his love and forgiveness for his people. The kids in Bible Time have been memorizing Psalm 103: 8 which speaks for God’s mercy & compassion. How he’s slow to anger and full of love. So the kindness of God is compared to the kindness of human fathers who all desire the best for their children. What an amazing gift of love for us as humans, who are so undeserving of his faithfulness.
Whether we have the privilege of celebrating with our earthly fathers today or not, scripture reminds us that our Heavenly Father is always with us. His tenderness has been poured upon us through our earthly fathers. While for some of us, even though our earthly fathers have passed on, it is also important to remember and cherish those who serve as Father Figures in our lives. Let us praise our Perfect Heavenly Father for his tenderness & kindness. May we also make time to recognize those individuals who have loved us so generously.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Karen Quan