When was the last time you started something new? Maybe you started a new job, welcomed a new family member, moved to a new home, met with a new doctor…
When was the last time you ended something? Maybe you took a new job or retired, graduated from a degree program, ended an unhealthy relationship, had your last council meeting…
Were there things that helped these transitions go well?
There is value to both beginning well and ending well. The church often has rituals around these times of life – baptisms, funerals, installations, rites of farewell and godspeed.
Here at Faith we are marking both beginnings and endings in the next week! Let’s do them well!
We are marking the end of Shauna Wagner’s time with us as church administrator. On Sunday, November 21 at 10:00 AM there will be a special coffee hour in her honor. We will express our gratitude and remember together the many behind-the-scenes activities that she spearheaded. Personally, I will share my gratitude for her flexibility and kindness in the midst of the pandemic as she managed to connect with people and provide worship materials in a whole new way.
On Monday, November 15, Bill Mark Langdell begins his role as our new church administrator. Bill had this position before Shauna began, about 9 years ago, and so we are blessed that we have been able to hire someone who is familiar with our church and the responsibilities of the position. If you haven’t met Bill, he’s also the guy who’s been running our tech…so be sure to thank him for sharing his gifts in this new way!
There have been a few weeks in between Shauna’s departure and Bill’s arrival. Taking up the slack in the office has been Mary Johnson. She has volunteered her time to ensure that bulletins get printed, mail gets sorted, Forward with Faith gets sent out, and a host of other things in the meantime. The fact that our office activities were not disrupted during this interim time is largely in thanks to her.
Another big beginning for Faith is my installation as your pastor on Sunday, November 14 at 4:00 PM. It’s been awhile since Faith has had an installation! It’s a time when the community of Faith, other clergy and community partners gather in worship to celebrate this new ministry together. The band, bells, choir, (and you!) will provide music. There will be representatives from two of Faith’s outreach ministries – Communities Together and Bread & Roses who will read Scripture. We will receive an offering which will go to these ministries. As I am installed, members of the congregation will symbolic present me at the baptismal font, pulpit, communion table, and doorway to the church. It’s an exciting time!
Let us begin well together! Let us end well together!
In Christ,
Pastor Jen