Grateful

We have all had to make some adjustments because of the new configuration of the church staff and because we were without and Administrative Secretary for a month. I am grateful to all the individuals who spent time sitting in the office, answering phones, taking messages, typing, printing, folding and stapling. Even those who offered help that we did not use made the time go by more quickly and made the workload seem lighter. Getting through a newsletter printing, the Apple Crisp lunch, and the regular things that need to happen in the office was no small accomplishment, and I am grateful to everyone who lent a hand.

Although there was some panic when Linda’s departure was only days away, Boards and Committees had actually put more things in place than it seemed. The Board of Christian Education, though short-handed, was prepared to get the word out to parents that the Sunday school would be operating as usual and were able to run the first Communion Sunday of the fall very smoothly. They are on top of the CE program and are continuing to look for additional volunteers to work with the young people in our church. Fellowship groups for middle school and high school aged kids are being addressed, though finding adult leaders for these has proven to be more difficult than usual.

Our Board of Caring Ministry has also been able to carry on their ministry with no interruption. There is a party on October 25 for our Caring List people. It is well organized and should be a success. The Caring Board chair and I have been in regular e-mail contact and have had conversations about the caring program. I have gone to the hospitals, nursing home and several homes for pastoral visits.

Worship was, of course, the third of Linda’s central responsibilities. The Deacons have revived the Lay Reader program which seem to be very popular. The Board of Finance has been approached about funds to cover supply preachers when I am away and for inclusion in the 2009 operating budget of the church. I have done the Children’s message each week there has been one since Linda left, and there are people who have volunteered to take a turn at bringing a message for the kids as time goes along.

Without an Associate Pastor things day-to-day are obviously different, but I think we can be very happy about the ways the Boards involved have stepped up to ensure the continuation of these important ministries. The support offered, leadership provided, and commitment to the ministry and mission of the church shown have helped and continue to help as we move through this challenging time in the life of our church.

Our Moderator Jim Jewell has shown tremendous care and commitment in the leadership he has provided through this difficult year. He has led with an even hand, grace and good humor, even when things were touchy and volatile. His style has given everyone a voice and his understanding of how congregationalists do things has made it possible for us to move ahead. Jim’s interaction with our youth helped keep them in church at a critical time in their relationship with the church. Our church is fortunate to have had Jim as Moderator in this time when a calm voice and attitude were needed.