Happy New Year everyone. And I hope each of you has had an opportunity to reflect on all that happened in our world, nation, state, county, city, and most importantly in each of our lives.
Yes, 2024 has gone, and 2025 is here. Like many of you, I examine where I have been and where I want to go with my life when the calendar year changes. I do not make resolutions, but I do take a good look at the journey I have been on and where it is going.
As a Christian, I examine the journey in the light of God’s Word. I am particularly drawn to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The path that I am on with the Lord Jesus Christ is my journey of faith and it is one for which I seek to be continually prepared. My journey of faith as an individual and the journey of faith I am on with you as a community is integrally entwined. We need each other.
Journeys require preparation and certain behaviors. Take airplane travel. That’s fun. I can only take two carry-on items. Only one bag can be checked. The weight of the bag cannot exceed 50 pounds, or an overweight charge will be assessed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all gels and liquids not to exceed 3 ounces and be placed in a 1-quart clear zip lock bag. Only one zip lock bag per passenger is allowed, and it must be placed in a container for screening. As I walk through the screening machine, I must take off my shoes, make sure there are no metal objects on my person that will set off the alarm, place my laptop in a container, and take off my shoes. I can only board the plane when my group number has been called. I must listen to the in-flight instructions and use the bathroom in my ticketed cabin. I cannot congregate near the galleys or cockpit door, and my seat belt must remain fastened at all times. Yes, a journey on a plane is complicated.
The same is true in our Christian journey. Jesus told his disciples many things, but three of the most significant were to pick up their cross, give everything away to the poor, and make disciples of all peoples.
On Monday, December 16, the Session received the Nominating Committee’s report for the members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC): Mitzi Darmstetter, Kevin East, Bruce Gealy, Adam Lancelot, Janet Rhoads, Carolyn Shaw, and Ginny Vincent. The Session also called a Special Congregational meeting for Sunday, January 12, 2025, immediately following the 11:00 am Worship Service to elect the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) members and Paula Lancelot to the Deacon Class of 2027.
On the journey of Christian Discipleship and Spiritual Formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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