Dear friends,
The close of our Lenten journey this year reminds me that I will soon embark on a personal journey of my own. At our Annual Meeting this past January, you agreed that this summer is the time to grant me a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. I am preparing for a three month sabbatical. After seven years of service here in our church as your pastor, I am ready to receive this special gift of time away for my own Sabbath, a time for personal renewal.
You have called Leanne Walt, our Pastoral Resident for Turnaround Ministry, to be your worship leader while I am away. She will also serve as your pastor in my absence. Leanne is a licensed pastor by the Essex Association of the United Church of Christ and therefore is able to administer the sacraments in the church. Peter Johnston, our Business Administrator, will continue to meet the administrative needs of the church. Marian Channon, our church’s Moderator, will also be here with you. I am confident that I am leaving you in very good hands. It is especially important that you continue to minister to one another in your daily lives and in the life of our community of faith.
After the Children’s Sunday service on June 13th, I will take my leave. Please take this early reminder that summer worship will begin at 9:00 am, beginning July 1st. The
10:00 am worship hour will resume on September 5th. I plan to return on Sunday, September 19th,, well rested, and re-energized for the next steps of our journey together.
During the season of Lent, I have shared my dream with you that we can double our Easter Sunday worship attendance from last year. We have designed a very special postcard to help you invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to come and join us for the Easter activities at our church. Remember that our church is an Easter Church! We have been resurrected and given a new life to share. Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place! Bring others so that they, too, will experience the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen, indeed! Our Children’s Choir will sing during the Easter worship service, letting their voices release the Alleluia’s into the air.
A new ministry is springing up in our midst, the Underground Café (aka our social hall). We are reaching out with Praise Music, Coffee, and Fellowship to those who might come to a Sunday evening service. Three such events are planned, with the first one beginning on April 11th from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm. Paul Chambers will provide the music and inspiration on that date, we’ll provide refreshments, and God will turn those hearts to come and stay for a while. I hope you will think about coming and also who you can bring with you.
As I begin my preparations for sabbatical, I hope that you will remember me in your prayers, and please be assured that I continue to hold you in mine.
Peace to you.
Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford
