The Nugget, Sept 2005

The one who was seated on the throne said,
“See, I am making all things new.”
(Rev 21.5)

One of my favorite films is “Dune,” based on the classic novel by Frank Herbert. Early in the film, one of the main characters, Duke Leto, says to his son, young Paul, as they are about to embark on a major change in their lives,

“A person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing [us] to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens.”

One of the things I enjoy about being an interim minister is the opportunity to meet new people and experience new congregational settings. This summer has certainly been an occasion to do that very thing. I have been blessed very much, as a result of experiences such as our recently concluded VBS, to our Camp Tam Work Camp, to various outings with our youth, to our Church picnic, to visiting with many of you in your homes.

This Interim Time, which the Church is now four months into, is also an opportunity for MFCC to be Church in a new way, with experiences that may jar something inside, but that awaken us to new possibilities and enable us to grow in ways we would never have imagined. Change is not always easy, it is not always what we would choose, it is not always comfortable, but it can always be an opportunity to experience the grace and goodness of God in fresh ways. And it can be a reminder of the truth of those words at the top of this column, spoken by the Sovereign One: “See I am making all things new.”

I want to say a special word of appreciation to our Church Secretary Mary Cole for all the energy and enthusiasm she has brought to managing the church office this summer, and in particular for the fine work she did in coordinating our Church picnic. Special thanks also go to our Christian Education Director Teddi Black for her fine leadership of last month's VBS. She and her team of teachers and helpers did an excellent job of creating a very memorable event for our kids.

With September now upon us, I look forward to being with you through all the opportunities and challenges of the fall season at First Congregational Church, from Rally Day Sept 11, through the Planning Retreat and the Stewardship Campaign and then the holiday season that takes us to the end of the year.

Please give special attention to what you will read elsewhere in the current edition of the Nugget regarding the change in times of worship beginning Sept 4, the all Church Planning Retreat in October, and other important events. Also, for those of you who are online, you can now read the Nugget online at our Church's Website.

Steve Shepard
Interim Pastor