Pastor’s Report ~ April 2005
. . My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
TBC Goal: to allow the love of Jesus the Christ to take shape in the believer and the believing community.
TBC 2005 Theme: Growing Together Through Grace
As I reflect back on the first quarter of this year I marvel at the wonder of God’s graces in our midst. I rejoice in the privilege that is mine to serve as your pastor. I truly believe there is no limit to where God can take us as a body of believers in Jesus Christ. It is the dedication and commitment of each one in our church family that moves us forward. As I focus my thoughts on our commitment to grow together through God’s grace I will use the acronym GROW to shape this report.
GOD – We first of all are the people of God. We are God’s creation and we are wholly dependent upon God. It is with God’s grace that we are called together in ministry. As we keep our focus on God and seek to discern God’s will for us together we will continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. That is the foundation upon which we seek to build our ministry.
RELATIONSHIPS – My primary relationship is with Jesus Christ. It is only as I continue to draw closer to Jesus that I can effectively guide you along your spiritual journey. To that end I seek to maintain a regular time for meditation and prayer. This journey is enhanced through the guidance of a spiritual director with whom I meet on a regular basis. Collegial relationships are built and nurtured through a covenant group of area pastors that meets monthly as well as through a weekly lectionary Bible study group. I also seek opportunities to strengthen relationships with you, the members of the congregation and the extended family of
OUTREACH – During this quarter I have made seven hospital visits and five nursing home/assisted living visits on your behalf. With the deacons’ assistance we brought communion to several of our shut-ins during the Easter season. In our ABCORI family I attended the installation of the Rev. Barbara DaCosta as the pastor of the Greater Mount Vernon Parish, and the annual meeting of ABCORI. I am concluding my term on the Board of Mission but am now serving on the Search Committee for the Director’s position at Canonicus. I am energized as I meet quarterly with the Nehemiah Leadership Network group for which I serve as mentor. I have also provided pulpit supply in a local
WONDER – I am richly blessed as I ponder the wonder of Jesus in my life. I am challenged as I seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle, nurture my mind through participation in conferences and travel opportunities, and enrich my spirit as I seek to deepen my personal walk in faith. I am learning to watch and wait and welcome the presence of almighty God in my life. We indeed serve an awesome God. I rejoice with you as we see an increase in attendance at worship and give thanks for the many willing hands that continue to work together to make our building a caring and safe place. May God’s graces continue to abound as we seek to grow together on our faith journey.
Joyously,
Joyce B. Duerr, Pastor
top