From Rev. Deborah’s Desk
   

It may be February according to this Congregator, but it still feels like the New Year to me.  The busy month of January filled with annual reports, nominating and the annual meeting sped by. I am grateful for a few more weeks to settle into 2012. Blessed by all the ministries and talented leadership of FCC I am excited to anticipate new ways our church can begin to go spiritually deeper together. 

We all learn and grow in different ways, but there is one Spirit that nourishes us all. We recall the wisdom of the Apostle Paul “there are varieties of gifts…of services…and activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone” (1 Cor. 12:4-6). As articulated in the new strategic plan, we desire to be a community that is God-centered in all things. I offer this poem as a gentle guide as we move forward on the journey together.  

“Sacred Mystery,

waiting on the threshold

of this new year,

you open the gates

and beckon to me:

 

“Come! Come!

Be not wary of what awaits you

As you enter the unknown terrain,

Be not doubtful of your ability

To grow from its joys and sorrows.

 

For I am with you.

I will be your Guide.

I will be your Protector.

You will never be alone.”

 

Guardian of this new year,

I set aide my fears, worries, concerns,

I open my life to mystery, to beauty,

To hospitality, to questions,

To the endless opportunity

Of discovering you in my relationships,

And to all the silent wisps of wonder

That will draw me to your heart.

 

I welcome your unfailing Presence

And walk with hope into this new year.

                                                                              -Joyce Rupp

Faithfully,

Rev. Deborah