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 your life. And, I must say that we responded well to the first snow in 2025. I’m sorry we couldn’t meet for worship last Sunday. But we all were safe and warm in our homes.
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 are integrally entwined. We need each other.
Journeys require preparation and certain behaviors. Take airplane travel. That’s fun. Only one bag can be checked. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all containers of gels and liquids not to exceed 3 ounces each and be placed in a 1-quart clear zip lock bag. 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, and place my laptop in a container. 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, Ginny Vincent.
Sunday, January 12 is the Special Congregational meeting, 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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