Rev. David Willerup Reflection

Note: Rev. David Willerup delivered the message on July 27, 2008

It began with Bob and the bells. My seventh grade music teacher with a 'fro and a 'stache, Bob Jutton, invited me to play the descant to "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" on my trumpet with the Klokken Ringers. Then, despite the fact that i rushed the tempo and didn't quite hit the high note, he invited me back, and I started to appreciate worship in the musty old church down the road that seemed held together by turnbuckles and prayer. When the time came to find another church home, it only made sense to come here. Shortly thereafter when called to become a pastor, this church sent me, supported me, loved me and encouraged me. Thank you for that. Thank you.

All this in spite of the fact that, well.... I remember when I felt the Lord's call to the pastorate. I had this wonderful, joy-filled conversation with Rev. Neevel. He listened to my story of Jesus' revelation in my life. We spoke of the tremendous responsibility and privilege of being called. We planned what needed to happen next to get me into seminary. Before leaving I said, "One more thing, though. Why do you call this church 'Reformed?' It sounds arrogant, like you're saying you're better than the other." Jim spoke as he sighed, "Well, Dave, you see, we trace our history all the way back to John Calvin.... ahhh, forget it. They'll straighten you out in seminary." And this I learned that 'Reformed' was not boasting, but a denomination.

After serving Westwood Reformed Church in Muskegon, Michigan for nearly nine years, I now happily serve Nottingham Presbyterian Church as a Reformed pastor called to revitalize and rebuild.