But the Lord says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.—Isaiah 43:18-19

Life continues to move forward, even when we don’t feel like we are ready. Raising our children so that as they grow, they move on with their lives; ending relationships that weren’t meant to be; losing someone we loved; all of these are bittersweet.

The Merger Committee met last night for, what we believe, is the last time as this Committee. This group of 9 faithful people gathered to work through some of the most difficult discussions around this merger, and I am so proud of all of the hard work they put into these meetings and discussions. If you ever wonder how much these two-already/but not yet– churches are loved, these 9 people prove it. And not only do they love these churches, they absolutely love God and have come to love one another. These relationships are the purpose of our merging. The stronger our bonds, the harder we will work together to follow God’s path.

While their time is coming to an end, the next group of people (yet to be named!) will pick up the mantle and move forward. This will be our Board—the governing body of Faith First Community Church. The Board will be made up of 5 people (President/Secretary/+ 3), and will be nominated and elected at our Annual Meeting on January 28 following worship and our potluck.

The Board has some very big shoes to fill, but I know that whoever sits on this board, will do so because they love God, love this new church, and look forward to growing new relationships.

The Board will be responsible for negotiating the Letter of Call with Pastor Heidi, planning Anniversary Celebrations for Faith UCC (60 years!) and First Christian (185 years!); a hard opening (community) celebration for Faith First Community Church; signs and other ways to get our name into the community; policies (Safe Church/building use/etc.); to name a few.

But these things will not lie on the shoulders of the Board alone. The Board will seek people to help. If you want to be hands on in the creation of what Faith First Community Church will look like and be, here is your opportunity! If you find yourself drawn to any of the areas mentioned above, OR you believe there is an area that needs to be made aware of, please let me know! You do NOT have to be an artist (although we do need at least one of those!), or know about architecture, or be able to lift or climb ladders to be a part of this growing process. In the same way that God called those who didn’t seem to naturally fit for the position, we are calling on you for your ideas and God-given gifts and talents.

So whether you like to plan parties; have great marketing ideas; know about construction; or have a passion for writing policies and procedures, your talents are needed!

We will have more discussion on this at our Annual Meeting following worship and the potluck on Sunday, January 28.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, thoughts, or ideas, please feel free to contact myself, or anyone on the Merger Committee. (Don Walton, Cheryl Leamer, Jan Hannel, Glenn Perreault, Sharon Perreault, Doug Cox, Amy Dowell, Mark Christy, or Jill Pepper.)

OH! I almost forgot! The Article of Incorporation papers have been signed and are turned into the lawyer! Now we wait for the State of Iowa. Once those come back—we become “OFFICIAL!”

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi