CrossWords - January 2010
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Friends,
2010!
How fast did this decade move for you? It seems like just yesterday that we
were speculating about Y2K, celebrating the turn of a new century, wondering
where we would be heading individually and as a nation.
It turns out that the first decade of the 21st century brought many changes
and challenges. September 11, 2001 changed the world. Two wars on the other
side of the world. A “collapsing” economy. The election of our
First African –American president. So many firsts that will be noted
in the history pages for our future generations to read and learn about.
This church has gone through many changes as well. The departure of a pastor,
an Interim period and the calling of a new pastor. Challenges budget wise
to be good stewards. New members joining as we said farewell to some who have
passed to God’s good hands. New leaders emerging to take the reigns.
Personally, I look back and reflect on the three churches I have served, the
numerous activities we attended, the number of youth group members we led
to mission work across the country, my two older sons graduating college and
finding work and the blessing to now be here in Pelham with this congregation.
Change is never easy! It’s not supposed to be. Our challenge for this
next decade will be the same as it has always been. To lead people in the
ways of the Gospel by what we do to meet the needs of others spiritually and
in service in Jesus Christ’s name. Has it ever been any different? This
year we will be challenged financially to support our church budget after
having to make some hard decisions, yet with change, there is opportunity
as well. The opportunity to “think outside the box” as a way to
invite new members to our church family and continue to build our foundations
built on love and sharing is an AWESOME opportunity!So
what is there to look forward to? EVERYTHING! I would like to offer a prayer
for peace in the world this decade, when we can look back and see a more peaceful
world where our troops are at minimum risk, mostly home with their families.
I would like to offer a prayer for an improved economy nationwide, with affordable
healthcare for all. Living within our means as we discover new ways to serve
and care for others. I would like to offer a prayer for a growing Pelham Congregational
Church, where we continue to be a beacon in the community, identified by our
care and love for all of God’s children, without conditions imposed
on gender, sexuality, race or any other “roadblock” to love.
My prayer is that we conduct ourselves as a church community and a world community
using the four principles of peace as a guide:
COMMUNITY - that we come together in unity first with ourselves
and then with others, acknowledging we are all in this together, interconnected
and interdependent.
COOPERATION - finding common ground and working together
as partners, sharing resources and creative solutions to problems that arise.
NON-VIOLENCE - respecting the life of all individuals with
a commitment not to harm others, choosing relationship rather than force with
open hearts and empathy.
And WITNESS - Living the truth of peace by being that peace
that we seek in every situation we encounter.Praying
for a peaceful world! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
RB
=========================
2010
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