"We walk by faith, not by sight."

-- 2 Corinthians 5:7

            Let me begin by saying that I am grateful for the time off in November and December which allowed me to get some much needed rest.  It also allowed me to see my family, which doesn't happen very often.  Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support, and thank you to Pastor Don Engel for filling in while I was away.  It is much appreciated!

            Of course many of you will want to know if anything has happened on the immigration front, and the answer to that is "no."  In fact, I have come to expect nothing.  That way, if anything actually does happen it will be a pleasant surprise! 

            The truth is that it could still be a very long time with "nothing happening."  That is simply the speed at which governments work, and there is nothing that can be done in order to change that.  Yet, this does not mean that life comes to a screeching halt here.

            I am aware of the thinking that says that we can't do much as a congregation because I might be leaving.  However, I need to say quite respectfully that this is a crock.  The truth is that anything can happen at any time to precipitate a change in pastors.  Under normal circumstances, this does not prevent congregations from planning for the future as they see fit.  We always plan by faith and not by sight.  We never know for sure what the future will bring.

            So? here's how I see things right now:  We need to plan as if I'm going to be here and leave it at that.  If and when anything happens, you will know about it and will have at least two months to get used to the idea.

            I believe that this is where I'm supposed to be right now.  However, if it becomes apparent that the congregation needs a different pastor or that it is time to move on, then it will be time for me to be somewhere else.  Only God knows for sure when that will be. 

            Thus, in the spirit of "looking ahead," I'd like to give you something to think about in preparation for the annual meeting.  Here's the question:  "If this congregation were to do ONE thing in the coming year in order to reach out to others, what would that one thing be?"  Of course there is more than one thing that we could (and should!) do, but the question is asking you to pick out one thing that seems more important than everything else.  Come to the meeting prepared to give your answer.  (Oooh? scary! ;-)

            We do walk by faith and not by sight.  Much of the time, it's probably best that we don't know what's going to happen!  Yet, we do know that in all things there is One who walks with us, and who has redeemed us, and who loves us.  He is the one who knows the way, and who knows us, and who empowers us to do whatever we have been called to do.

            Let us work together to hear and answer God's call, empowered by the Spirit and rooted in Jesus Christ.

            Blessings and peace,

            Pastor Lynne H. Moore