We voted this morning to allow our pastor to sever her relationship with our congregation. That's the way we Presbyterians do such things. I teased her husband before the service and asked what would happen if we simply voted no. But part of loving someone is being willing to let them go when that is what they need to do. The ancient Chinese were right. Crisis presents both danger and opportunity. This change in our church life is a crisis in that sense. The danger is that our church family will split apart in the crucible of the coming change. The opportunity is that we will continue to grow in new and exciting ways. I pray God will help us to take the second path. At the moment, however, I'm coping with a sense of deep sadness as Margaret has been not only a pastor, but a good friend as well, and I will miss her. Coupled with the illness I have battled for the past three weeks, it's been a difficult month. I'm hoping that my mood will improve now that I'm feeling better. I know my grief will ease with time. For now I'm trying to focus on the many blessings in my life. God is good, even in times of sadness and unwanted change.
Grace and Peace,
Donna Sue
