From the Pastor's Pen

Dear Friends,

I moved back to the church office this afternoon.  After a year squeezed behind my sewing table with my computer at odd heights and my books and papers in piles on the guest beds in our spare bedroom, it was a delight to spread out in my office again.  My keyboard is at the right height again with my Bible and papers set up just so.  My books are quivering on the shelves to be back in their places, and I can find things again!

One of the things I “found” again in the move back to the church office was a stack of cards.  I have been receiving cards and notes throughout the pandemic from various members of the church.  I had them in a couple of piles, and when I pulled them together I was amazed at how many there were.  They are pictured here.  Some of them are birthday greetings which were a joy to receive in themselves, but more than half are notes of encouragement or thanks for my ministry.  I think I am most blest among pastors to have such an appreciative congregation.  Thank you to those of you who wrote notes and emails of appreciation during this strange and difficult year.  Thank you to those of you who have held me and our church staff in prayer.  You have sustained us with love.

The church office does officially open on Tuesday, June 1.  By Tuesday all of our regular office staff will have been fully vaccinated.  We have some very young staff who were not eligible for vaccination until after Easter, and it has taken some time getting appointments and through the 6 week regimen.  We do invite you to come to the office if you need to be in church the or need assistance with something that cannot be handled on the phone.  If you want to just chat, please come to my Tuesday Outdoor Office Hours, 9:30 to noon this coming week, where we can visit without masks if you like.

As we take yet another step into the new normal, I did want to pause to be appreciate of your support and encouragement during this “more than a year” of pandemic.  You are a great congregation!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thess. 5:11

Peace,

Pr. Sally