The Roller Coaster Ride

In preparation for the Annual Meeting I have been doing some reflecting. This is the time of year when we, in the church, take a moment to celebrate where we have been and to think about where we are going. Like most years, here at First, we have had a roller coaster ride.

We watched as the windows were installed and the walkways were redone;
we welcomed new members to our ministry team and new families into the church;
we celebrated couples being married and babies being born;

And then…

We have cried and held each other through moments of deep sorrow as we released the spirits of those we love into the universe;
we have responded to a few minor catastrophes involving oil and water;
we have meandered our way though misunderstandings, disagreements, miscommunications and frustrations;

Through all of this we have sung and danced and lived the gospel to which we have been called.

As Community we are continually growing and changing. Through the ups and downs we deepen our roots and firm up our foundation. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us:

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple; built together spiritually into a dwelling place for Divine.”

This is who we are in this place – connected in such a manner that we are able to take the roller coaster ride and ultimately feel exhilarated and empowered; humbled and held.

As we look ahead now, to a new year, this is my prayer for us:

May we, in this place

find a sense of Church, Community, Communion

Hear a call to loving kindness, compassion, unity

know a time for believing, supporting, upholding

recognize a feeling of openness, integrity, truthfulness

expect a movement to encourage, include, forgive

experience a house for prayer, people, God

inhabit a haven for the weak, the peacemakers, the spirit.

(by Maureen Farrell)

Blessings
Valerie