What's Going On #2? - February 3, 2021

What is Going on,

     It is my plan to send out regular updates to you as a congregation, at least during this time of settling in. We as a staff team plan to have a conversation about communication soon where we will discuss who sends what and when and how and especially why. The goal is to keep you informed but not overwhelmed. And, of course, the desires and expectations of different people differ and so this will likely be an ongoing conversation.

     I have been enjoying the many life-verse emails I have received. For some of you this was easy as you have known a life-verse for many years and others had to think and pray about it. Some simply shared the verse and others were able to attach a story. Whatever way you responded, thank you. And if you are still working on this assignment, send it in anytime.

     I am writing life-verses by names in the paper directory. This lets me see if I have one from some, most, or all of you.  I also look you up on the Bridge App so I can begin to connect names and faces. I often also click on your address so that I can get an idea of where people live. So, all of this together serves to give me a general orientation to the congregation. I do look forward to being able to get to know people better.  However, one thing that this process has made clear to me is that there are a lot of you. This is not a small congregation where I can take care of everyone and so I am very thankful for staff and elders and deacons and small groups and the many ways that people are connected formally and informally. I continue to meet with people who have leadership roles and hope to be able to connect with them and support them in such a way that I can be confident that care and connection are taking place even when I do not do it myself.

     As was announced last week, we have bought a house and should have ours sold this week and will be living in the area by mid March. Now we need to keep praying that Covid is brought under control and that we can move into a stage when we can connect in more meaningful ways again. Until then, I am available by phone, email, zoom to connect with you if there are things you want to talk about.

Patience and hope,

Pastor Erick