Many, many thanks to you, BMPC, for all the ways that you have so warmly welcomed me into the life and ministry of this congregation. Since arriving on October 5, it has been an absolute delight to meet so many of you at worship on Sunday mornings as well as other spaces in the life of the church. I am grateful for every interaction and connection made so far. Thank you.
In addition to the joy of getting to know you, I feel I have stepped into life at BMPC at a very rich time. Even though we are in the midst of some transition (which always means the Holy Spirit is breathing new life among us), the church is in a strong position in many ways. And while we do not yet know what the future holds, we trust in God to see us through.
As we are reminded in Isaiah 41 and 43
”Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand…
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Personally, I feel excited and energized about this new chapter of ministry, not only for myself, as your new Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, but for what God through the Holy Spirit will yet do in our midst as all of us work together toward God’s promised new day. In this season of gratitude for which we have so much to be thankful, I give thanks that God saw fit to call me here, in this time and place, to live and serve among you. Thanks be to God.