“Keeping Score” was a provocative and rewarding consideration this past Sunday in Pastor Ray’s sermon. In answer to this message, I find myself discovering that my reactions and responses to people and relationships indeed, have a competitive edge to them! I want to be important, I want to be right, I want my choice to prevail – confessions that perhaps others can share?
And our relationships here at Hillcrest are more precious than ever! We are at a juncture of challenge and must rely more heavily on each other and our Hillcrest relationships than maybe ever before. We had 12 years of stable ministerial leadership and could relax and rely on the guidance from Rev Fred. And…we are so blessed to have the support and energy of Pastor Ray right now – thank you!
Challenging times indeed. Are we up to the tasks ahead? Transition Committee to develop a Church Profile; Search and Call Committee to explore and find a new minister; finding and then working with an Interim Minister; continuing to function effectively so that our programs and activities proceed? Challenging times indeed.
AND…I think Hillcrest is up to these tasks because Hillcrest is a loving community of holy faith. We are practiced in leaving our egos “at the door” so that compromise and the good of the whole (Pastor Ray’s sermon: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts….”) prevail. We can do it.
In closing, here are excerpts from a recent hymn and a recent prayer to comfort:
from “The Summons”
“Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known?
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
from “St Theresa’s Prayer”
“May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be?”
Respectfully submitted, Katy