Dear Pine Street Church Family,

As I mentioned in an earlier Weekly Update a few weeks ago, this is a season of decision-making for our beloved church. Some of these decisions will be the focus of our CONGREGATIONAL MEETING this coming Sunday, October 23, following worship. We will adopt our church's Core Values Statement. A draft of the 2017 budget proposal will be presented along with preparation for our important Stewardship Campaign that will begin on October 30. Recently the Pastoral Search Committee was formed, and with the search process about to begin, Mike Oldham, our American Baptist Region Consultant, will be with us to share how the region office will support us in the search for our new pastor. Please come and be a part of this very important occasion pointing toward the future for Pine Street Church. Debbie Setlock has arranged for a delicious lunch. Many thanks to all of Debbie's team for their contributions to this effort.

Nearing the end of my term as Moderator fills my heart with gratitude for you and your wonderful support of this special community of faith. I thank you most of all for being steadfast in your support and care of this body of Christ both on the good days and in the difficult times that every transition endures. You are extraordinary partners on this journey of grace and hope!

Grace & peace,

Larry

"Tell Me What You Love About Your Church"

Dear Pine Street Church Friends,

Last Sunday in worship we had a visitor (Teresa) who requested that people share with her what they most loved about Pine Street Church. I thought it was a great request. I can think of no better way to respond to her request than sharing with you the following letter that Rob Tiernan wrote to the congregation. He wanted to me share the letter with all of you. Rob has moved to Fort Collins to be closer to his children. He writes:

Dear Members, 

I have been the fortunate recipient of your deep concern and compassion during a very difficult period in my life. Your willingness to invest in another for the sake of providing a refuge from the painful and seemingly insurmountable challenges that I have recently faced has had a transformative and lasting impact on me. This time, and my experiences with you all, have shaped how I view and interact with those around me and will serve as a basis for my future intentions and interactions. You demonstrated the nurturing power of community and enabled me to deeply experience the healing potential that exists when one truly embraces and reflects the humanity of another. For these gifts I am truly grateful. 

For the kindness, generosity, love, acceptance and support that I have received. For standing by and with me, demonstrating for me the restorative influence of a collective faith, embracing me in moments of despair and encouraging me to continue moving forward. For those that shared, in quiet moments, your personal stories that allowed me to learn from your triumphs and failures and that helped to sustain my own faith. I sincerely thank you.

I carry now a more open and understanding heart, renewed faith in our basic goodness and a devotion to others wellbeing. I am deeply indebted to all of you and hope that I will find the opportunity to bring the same lasting comfort to the spirit of others as you have brought to me. 

With deep appreciation and faith, ~Rob Tiernan

Thanks Rob. Know that you will be missed and in our prayers. ~ Duncan