Thoughts from the Moderator
As I reflect on this past year, I’m amazed at how quickly it passed. Steve and Julie Peay, Sam Schaal, Jane and I attended the Annual Meeeting in Costa Mesa, Calif. in June. Rob Brink then joined Steve and Sam to complete our ministerial staff that’s as talented as we have had for some time. Along with our ministers, the office personnel, custodial staff and all our volunteers kept First Church Tosa’s busy schedule on track.
We conducted the stewardship campaign and presented the Congregation a balanced budget at the Annual Meeting. Sunday worship continued with baptisms, communions, reception of new members and the graduating covenant class. Sunday School and the nursery are well attended. Junior and Senior Pilgrim Fellowship along with the Pioneer Club are offered for our youth. Our music ministry is, as always, performing beautifully.
Our building was the site for Symposiums, education classes, and a host of community functions that are above and beyond our benevolence program. I believe we are a healthy church, fully healed and in a comfort zone that allows some time for reflection.
Steve asked the Church Council to read the book Becoming a Blessed Church and then to partake in a retreat to discuss it in depth. Shortly after that, we engaged in “Holy Conversations” during Lent. These events caused us to start asking ourselves interesting but difficult questions. Who are we? What is our vision? Are we doing God’s will or our own? What is our future and where will God lead us? I myself have struggled with the questions: Do I know how to pray? Am I ready to accept God’s response to my prayers and on His timetable? As a church we wonder: What about alternative services to reach not only potential new members but current ones we see too seldom? Are our program staff and volunteers in danger of suffering from burnout? Can we have a prayerful approach to our meetings? Can we have all board meetings on one night to promote camaraderie and efficiency? Can our staff and volunteers enjoy spiritual rewards from our
church work?
I believe we are a comfortable church, but are now ready to go to the next level. It’s time to approach the future that is both uncertain and exciting, to move forward and become a better church while we all continue our journey to spiritual oneness with God, following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I know I have received a great deal more while being your Moderator than I gave. For that I thank you.
Butch Boyd
Moderator