From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

For this edition of ‘From the Pastor’s Desk,’ I’m sharing a letter from another pastor. Last month a friend of mine from seminary asked her colleagues to send to her the addresses of our churches. Her congregation was studying some of Paul’s letters, and she asked them to write letters to other congregations. We received a letter from her church, actually from the pastor, and you’ll find it below.  Please join me in praying for the First Presbyterian ...

Dear Grace Community,

It’s wonderful to be back with you.  I am grateful for the time I had during my maternity leave. The eight weeks gave me a chance to start to get my bearings when it comes to motherhood, and it gave me and John time to begin getting to know this interesting and beautiful baby God entrusted to us.

April 17 was my first Sunday back in worship, and it was a joy to see you, worship with you, and ...

March 16, 2016

Dear Grace Community,

Greetings from maternity leave! John and I are enjoying Alice and look forward to introducing her to you. We think she’s wonderful, and we’re sure you’ll agree.

I talked briefly to a church member the other day who asked me if I was thinking a lot about the church. Truthfully, I told her, some days I can’t remember if I’ve brushed my teeth, so I haven’t been able to put too much energy into church matters. (Being ...

Dear Grace Community,

Sunday, January 10, was Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Each year we read the story of Jesus’ baptism and remember our own baptisms. In 2015 we baptized five people in our congregation.

What was unique was that none were infant baptisms. Three of the baptized were teenagers, and two were adults who had been active in church for their entire lives but never baptized. Each baptism was a beautiful celebration of God’s claim on their lives and a reminder ...

Dear Grace Community,

Are you wondering ‘What to Expect When Your Pastor is Expecting?’ My February 21 due date is fast approaching, and while it’s exciting, it does raise some questions. You’ve asked me a wide range of questions, and I’ll try to cover some of the most common ones.

• Will I take a maternity leave?
  • The Grace personnel policy allows for an eight-week maternity leave, and it is my plan to take eight weeks. If the baby isn’t early, my last day ...