Padre's Ponderings

The Scriptures inform us that "They who place their hands to the plow and look back are not fit for the kingdom." However, the backward look can be both interesting and informative for us all. Over this last year, we have struggled to keep our budget into the green zone. I thank everyone who has "tightened the old belt buckle" and allowed us to do so. This next year, with its rising expenditures due to an uncertain economy, will call forth our best efforts again. A special thank you to those who have provided repairs and improvements to our church. If we had to pay someone from the outside to do these things, we would not be in a good economic position at present. This caring response, on a practical level, is part of our Stewardship to this church and to our congregation. It is, truly, "Christianity With It's Sleeves Rolled Up." The exterior of our church has been enhanced and protected, new signs advertise to people that we are "An Inclusive Community of Faith." I can't imagine any church not desiring to be inclusive if it is truly walking The Chirst Walk. Everyone should be proud and give themselves a pat on the back for that "Extravagant Welcome" extended to those who seek us out for both worship and spiritual support. We must continue to be a "Safe Harbor" for those who are hurting and need to be healed. A "Way Station" for those who have been alienated from The Church and are reaching out to reconnect again. Hopefully, as this city grows, we will grow also. We are encouraged by the presence of new faces and hope they find a "comfort zone" with us and will become part of our ministry team here at The Community Church. We also miss those who have moved away and are now part of a new congregation. We grieve the loss of others who have left us to be with The Lord. This coming year, I hope that we will begin to see "the glass half full rather than half empty." One of the great poems of years past says it all: "two men looked through prison bars, one saw mud, the other stars." A positive attitude is contagious. Let us be "Contagiously Committed People" who follow and love a Caring and Compassionate Lord. People who choose to have an upward look rather than a downward look. People who embrace those that others would reject. People who will honor The Faith Journey of others. People who build bridges rather than barriers.

                                                                                Shalom, Ron

Last Updated by Robin Kittredge on
Saturday, 18 March, 2006 at 2:24 PM.