I would like to take a moment this week to express my deep appreciation for the extended time away that the congregation was willing to offer me following the death of my grandmother, which allowed me to travel down to Virginia for her funeral. Many thanks to Jaye Lee and John for delivering the messages on Sundays I was absent, and to all of the members of the congregation who sent cards and texts and prayers. All the support you have shown during this difficult time of grieving has been a meaningful demonstration of support.
As we begin to enter the next phase of getting to know each other, please know that I am greatly looking forward to learning about each of you as individuals, and to learning about the hopes you have for the future of this congregation and the challenges you perceive the church is facing. Over the coming months, I would ask each member of the congregation to reflect on how they would answer the following questions:
1. What do you love about the Anderson Church of the Brethren?
2. What are the values of the Anderson congregation? (How would you describe the congregation to your neighbor on an airplane?)
3. If you were granted one wish and could change anything about the congregation, what would you do with that wish?
As we move forward together in discernment for what God may be calling Anderson to next, may we do so with open hearts and listening ears, knowing that God walks with us.