Pastoral Ponderings – April 2022

“He is not here; he has risen!” ~ Luke 24:6-7

By the time you read this, we will officially be over half done with the season of Lent.  It always amazes me how quickly this time of reflection and repentance goes by.

This year, we have been discussing the topic of being “Good Enough”, just as we are. In a world where we are bombarded by people telling us we need to be better, to be more successful, to produce more, God loves us just as we are—flaws and all! And what a beautiful message to hear!

As we continue to walk this journey, we find ourselves being presented with many “firsts.” This is the first time in the history of Faith UCC that we have shared ministry space with another church. This is the first time in the history of Faith UCC that we have shared decorating the altar. This is the first time that we have shared our Soup and Conversation in the way that we are. (Yes, we have shared with Edwards a couple years ago, but this is the first time doing it this way!)

Maybe the biggest “first” is going to be Easter Sunday morning. As you know, First Christian worships at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoons. But to celebrate EASTER SUNDAY, on EASTER VIGIL SATURDAY, doesn’t fit the narrative. After much discussion among themselves, First Christian decided they would like to worship as their own church on Easter Sunday (not combine worship), as this is their “first” Easter outside of the building they sold.

Pastor Linda and First Christian’s board approached me and asked how we could make it work. The answer that Faith UCC came up with was another “first.”

This Easter, April 17, First Christian DOC will worship at 9:00 a.m., and Faith UCC will worship at 11:00 a.m. Please feel free to join either service, either in person, or on Facebook Live.

We have also been invited to join the P.U.N.C.H Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Cork Hill Park. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. In the meantime, may you remember, in the core of your being, you are GOOD ENOUGH!

~ Always Peace,   Pastor Heidi