Pastor Robert W. PrimI begin with gratitude.
There are so many of you who are doing large and small things to keep our communion together during these difficult times. It would be impossible for me to list everyone. I do, however, want to highlight a few folks who have stepped into the gap for us all.
Let me begin by thanking Laddie Rollins, our church treasurer, for his hard work in coming to understand how the financial software of our church works and then working each week to make deposits, pay bills, and record the giving our membership. Laddie has taken on these duties since we decided to reorganize the front office. He has done this on top of his years-long work that continues to this day with the Capital Campaign. Thank you, Laddie! Your work is well appreciated.
Cheryl Vandiver, the finance chairperson of the church, is working alongside Laddie. She, too, is learning all the financial software, and she is helping to organize the office. Cheryl, Marie Powell, and Gordon Fowler have also been cleaning out the office and combing through files that have been decades in the making! Many thanks to Cheryl, Marie, and Gordon!
Our “Task Force for Public Worship” has continued to meet and report its recommendations to the Session. Task force members are Gwen Aumann (fellowship chairperson), Gary Bagley (parish associate), Walter Daves (worship chairperson) and, until just recently, Debbielee Whelchel, who needed to resign from Session. I have met with these folks several times, and each person contributes information and wisdom to the work with which we have been tasked.
Johnny Bailey and all the deacons have been very conscientious about staying in touch with our membership. They have gone beyond the ordinary level of contacting the people within their groups. Several people have told me that the prayers, cards, and phone calls from their deacons have been appreciated! Gwen Aumann has organized Zoom fellowship gatherings.
Jim and Sherry Perkins have kept close tabs on our food pantry and the Hispanic ministry of our church. They do this even in ordinary times, but their ministry during this time of crisis has really been a lifeline for a number of people. Thank you, Jim and Sherry!
I would also like to take a moment to thank Tom Knecht, chairperson of the Communications Committee. Tom has been very attentive to getting out our video worship services, newsletters, and other communications from me and the Session. Thank you, Tom, for all you are doing.
Of course, continued thanks to Barbara Luhn, our Music Director; Linda Harding, who records and edits the services; those individuals who have contributed music; and Jennifer Bagley, who organizes folks to send in videos for the Fellowship Time.
A word of thanks to those who continue to support our church financially; your faithfulness and generosity is appreciated!
And finally a word of thanks to those who worship by way of YouTube. Our day of being back together will come, but the ongoing participation in worship continues to bind us together as the Body of Christ in our time and our place. Keep the faith!
I started with gratitude and I will end there!
Peace,
Bob