Wow! What an amazing outpouring of commitment and support I saw this past Sunday—our first worship in the Multi-ministries building—while the Sanctuary’s long planned Lighting and Visual Upgrade is taking place. That sentence makes me laugh! It sounds simple, normal and, well, sort of easy. It has required focus, energy, socialization of expectations, prayer and significant outlay of funds so far. Any one who has engaged contractors is praying for the timeline to hold (so Easter will be in the re-newed space) and that not too many additional needs or unanticipated problems will arise. Thanks to all who are helping and will. And, keep praying!
We’ve had our first month of administry meetings and there are a number of new faces and/or places. We give praise and thanks to the dedicated and organizing tandem leadership of Carol Moore and Kim Wilhelm on the Trustees Team, who have stepped out of the chair role; also, to Dave Lanzer for his long and faithful service as Church Council Chair. Click here for the 2024 Roster of team leaders. It’s wonderful and healthy for the church and it may be “oh, my, what did I say ‘yes’ to” as new roles are assumed. One thing all of us can do is affirm their callings and pray for them regularly!
The Blessed to be a Blessing Generosity effort invites each of us to consider our financial giving to support the costs of ministry and mission in our facility, with our staff, and into our community. Sometimes, I hear folks say they don’t want to pay for “bricks and mortar,” just ministry. You might have noticed, I use the word “facility” and not building…well, that’s intentional. Our facility is one of our major assets for doing ministry. And, when I sometimes also hear we don’t spend enough on programs, I’d like to remind everyone that our investment in staffing energy and ideas in collaboration with lay empowerment and action is transformed into ministry of all kinds and so are not separate from our terrific staff! As we say thanks to Ben & Kate Falls and Pastor Erik for leading this effort, we all are needed to provide the financial undergirding needed in 2024 with your committed giving. Whether you are a first-time giver, a steady giver, a growing giver, a tither (10% of income) or a sacrificial giver above that, you are participating in God’s work as we demonstrate our love for God and our neighbors, near and far. Thank you and together, let’s BE generous! When we are, it’s demonstrating one of the nine-valued fruit (not a typo!) of the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:26 (New Revised Standard Version).
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Before that there is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, and our youth are fundraising with a traditional Pancake Supper event on Tuesday, 2/13. A day retreat for all, sponsored by the Women’s Hub, will feature a medical doctor with a theology doctorate, Dr. Pat(ricia) Fosarelli, facilitating learning about wellness that comes with integrating mind, body and spirit – at any age. That’s on February 24, with a second event specifically tailored to our families and the difficult job of parenting in this generation different from all others to follow, so stay tuned for the details.
Many blessings for your Lenten practices and contrite spirits to lead you to clean hearts and holy living,
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
