Pastor’s Corner (1/24/19)
“Honor Our Past, Embrace Our Future”
Happy Anniversary! As the Messenger goes out today we mark the actual date of the founding of FCC, January 24, 1869. During our stewardship campaign last fall we had the theme “Honor Our Past, Embrace Our Future.” As we officially enter our 150th year we are invited to embody this theme. There will be a variety of ways in which we’ll “honor our past.” In regular columns in the Messenger we’ll be highlighting various aspects of our history. The 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee is also working to plan a variety of events throughout the year that will “honor our past.” A weekend visit in September from our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens will be another way in which we’ll “honor our past.”
It’s not enough to simply “honor our past.” We do this as a way of acknowledging our present reality and “embracing our future.” One quality that defines us as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is our eagerness to be in relationship with other Christians and other people of faith. So, it was intentional that we began our anniversary year by hosting the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service on the 20th of January. As one person put it so eloquently, ecumenism is part of our DNA as Disciples. We honor our past by continuing that tradition and we embrace our future by moving forward with other Christians. The stance of unity is an important witness to our community, our nation and our world. Another opportunity to express our unity with other Christians will come at Pentecost, June 9, when we join with First Presbyterian for a shared worship service and picnic.
We have exciting plans for the coming year, but as they say, every journey begins with a single step. In the midst of all these plans life here at FCC goes on. One small step is to begin with our upcoming Leadership Retreat on Saturday, February 2. We have a beautiful venue for our meeting, as we gather at Lutheran Family Services at 2301 “O” Street in their large meeting room. This will be an important time to “honor our past and embrace our future.” And, believe it or not, Lent will be here before we know it. Our anniversary gives us a special opportunity to deepen our walk with God. Lent empowers us to honor our past which has its foundation in God, and to embrace our future led by the Holy Spirit. Once again we’ll be inviting everyone to participate in a small group. If you are willing to host and lead a group please let me know or contact the church office. Once we have the group leadership set up, we’ll invite people to choose the day and time that works best for them.
As we “honor our past and embrace our future” may we be reminded that this is only possible because God has led us in the past, guides us in the present and ushers us into the future.
With love and joy,
Pastor Karen
