For some reason the season of Fall brings me into a time of deep reflection. The orange and yellow of the leaves getting ready to fall, the changing temperatures and the start of a new church program year must have something to do with it. For me it is a season to give voice to transitions, to joys experienced and to things we grieve and let go of. As our church enters into the Fall season of 2012, I have been reflecting on each of these things:
In terms of joy and thankfulness:
We have welcomed a new, energetic Christian Educator in Shannon Dodds. Shannon combines her love of children and love of Jesus Christ in a special way. Our kids are off to a great start under Shannon’s leadership.
We celebrate a successful “Journey Continues” Growth and Capital Campaign. The faithfulness, devotion and wise stewardship, of our church family never ceases to amaze me! Thanksgiving and deep appreciation go to all of you who have joined the “Journey Continues”. I am also thankful for the hard work and dedication of Craig Cormack, Greg Walton and their Capital Campaign team .
In terms of transitions and things that we let go of:
We are sadly saying goodbye to our Office Manager of several years, Jennie Fancher. Jennie has been a devoted servant to our church family. She has supported our church in ways that you probably don’t realize. As we bless Jennie and her new endeavor running for a seat on the Avon Town Council, we also welcome a new office manager. Her name is Amy Archer and I hope that you will get to meet her in the coming months.
I am personally approaching my last several months as Moderator of Denver Presbytery. The experience has been extremely rewarding but at the same time I look forward to a little less busy-ness in my life … and fewer trips to Denver!
In terms of new opportunities and challenges:
This month we will kick off our 2013 Stewardship Campaign, culminating in the November 4th Dedication Sunday. I always pray during stewardship season that you will prayerfully reflect upon what God is calling you and your family to contribute to the ministry of ERPC in terms of your time, talents and financial blessings.
Our church family continues to grow and the leaders at ERPC continue to prayerfully look at how God is leading us to change in ways that meet this growth. Possible new ministries, additional staff, and changing church structures continue to be good challenges.
Ultimately this season, I praise God that I am blessed to be your pastor. As we “Journey Together to Know Christ’s Love and to Make Christ Known” amidst blessings, transitions and challenges, I ultimately find myself thankful this Fall of 2012!
Blessings, Rob