Pastoral Ponderings – February 2024

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

Epiphany

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Pastoral Ponderings – January 2024

“In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.”

As we begin a new year, we also begin a new chapter in the lives of two churches. 2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of Faith United Church of Christ, and the 185th

Anniversary of First Christian Church. These are huge milestones in the life of a church. Each has deep rooted traditions—both in their respective denominations, as well as their individual congregations. Both have been a beacon of light to their communities.

While they are everything they have needed to be individually, together they will be stronger. Together, these churches will shine brighter, love more, and will be better able to serve God and their community.

We are always sad when one era ends, but the end of an era brings new life, and our God is in the business of New Life, especially when and where we least expect it.

Two years ago, neither Faith nor First knew where the future would lead us. We were still dealing with a global pandemic, so our sights were not on creating a new church. But two years later, here we are, two separate churches from two different denominations growing into one church who will hold roots in both denominations. Two beacons becoming one.

As a pastor, this wasn’t even on my radar—for any time in my life. But then again, very little of what I have done has been what I pictured or expected. And here’s the surprise—every single moment has been better than anything I could have planned on my own. God’s plans for our lives, if we remain open to them, are amazing and wonderful, albeit really hard at times.

Dissolving these two loving congregations will be difficult. We are each losing a part of our history, or story, our heart. But, just as God has promised, the new life that springs forth from the old will be even better than we can begin to imagine!

Faith First Community Church is a blessing, and it is a result of everyone’s hard, faithful, and holy work. After the first of the year, we will hold a vigil of dissolution, allowing us space to mourn and grieve. Then, we will hold a celebration of the beginning of Faith First Community Church. Please watch for details after the first of the year. (And if you are interested in helping plan either of those events, I would be very grateful! Just let me know.)

For now, pray for our new church; pray for us, her people; and pray for the community in which she is part.

Soon we will call ourselves by our new name, and yes, I am a little nervous. But even more than that, I am very excited, and beyond grateful. Thank you to everyone for all you have done so far. We have a long way to go, but we are taking one step at a time, and before we know it, God’s new creation will be celebrating milestones of her own!

Happy New Year!

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi