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| Gidget Collins |
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At this 100th day as your Moderator it seemed appropriate to share some of the great things that have been happening in our Presbytery. How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) It is encouraging and truly spiritual to sit in session meetings, worship services, serve as pulpit supply, and attend special events with such gracious and loving people.
Like precious, beautiful beads on a necklace, there are already so many new friends made in this first 100 days. Listening to wonderful stories that show the strength of character of people in our Presbytery has been a joy. Here are just a few short examples.
Wilmington
, whose pre-school, Timber Faith, went from three days to five days a week, and with a member mission trip to Detroit to work in a neighborhood improving their homes; to First Presbyterian in Sidney who are excited about their Christmas in July mission, along with stocking their local pantry; and Seven Mile who welcome work with other denominations in their community to help make a difference, and who wanted help building a church website - which from that idea a church website workshop will be held at the Presbytery on September 30 at 10:00 am for any church who would like guidance; and Northminster who hosts a community dinner once a month; to Corinth who host a family game night and invite people from the East African community area of Dayton to participate; to the tremendous outreach of numerous programs at Belle Center including their CE on wheels that goes out to the community spreading the Word; Covenant where they also have a mission trip to Detroit, a 5k run to benefit Brigid's Path as well as a Pub Theology group that draws in great conversation outside the church environment; and Slifers with their Community Action Mission Project (CAMP) that includes clothing and household goods as well as a food bank. Eaton whose youth mission trip to Altoona, PA included building fences and helping families complete necessary projects around homes, as well as a Logos program for K-12 grades where from September through May children study, worship, have recreation and a meal. Covington where missions are wide and varied and they are always looking for more ways to share God's love. I enjoyed a delightful dinner with their session hosted in the home of the clerk of session. The excitement they have in their growing congregation is contagious.
There are so many programs, community culture, history, and most importantly, relationships that point to the success of our Presbytery. These churches, and many others, promote environments that invite ideas and opinions which are willingly accepted. Friends, we are all making a difference!
I have enjoyed worship services where I was warmly welcomed and made to feel like family. Hamilton Presbyterian Church had a wonderful patriotic service with an excellent video honoring servicemen and women from all the different wars (this military brat, wife, and Blue Star Mother really appreciated seeing it). Westwood PC where we sang patriotic hymns then enjoyed refreshments after worship that really were more like having a special luncheon. Covenant PC whose passing of the peace includes welcome hugs, with interactive music. The churches I have had the privilege and honor to visit are continuing to build on their achievements.
For the fourth year Westminster Church (Dayton) had MADD Camp. This week long day camp consisted of music, art, dance, and drama. I enjoyed watching the many classes and listening to the choir practice in preparation for the celebration dinner that would include their families. I'm grateful for the invitation and opportunity to see the next generation of Presbyterians in action.
We are connecting with each other in God's love. Each represents a single point that together creates a link between the past and present on the beautiful canvass that is the Miami Valley Presbytery. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5) We pray for each other, we care for each other in ways too numerous to count.
We have had two retirements since May. Pastor Arby Conn at Clifton PC, and Pastor Kim at Immanuel Korean PC. We wish them well as they embark on the next chapter in their lives. An ordination took place at Trinity PC for Reverend Garth Adams in late May. He is serving as hospital chaplain and we wish him well in his important ministry. Our tomorrows are bright and shiny because God is guiding our Presbytery. All of our churches have healthy heartbeats and when listened to they provide an awe-inspiring song of hope for our future.
Many of you in committees, sessions, and groups are enjoying the monthly Scripture Focus. This is yet one more way to connect with each other in our Presbytery. Leadership Council participates with the Scripture Focus at each meeting and we find it inspiring to share in this interaction as well as our worship time together.
So sisters and brothers, let us hold one another up in God's love, and encourage each other along our unique journey. Life in a faith community is full of blessings. Our next Presbytery meeting will be Tuesday, September 12 at 4:00 pm at Huntsville PC. New friends will be made, and joys will be shared. These first 100 days have been joy-filled. I look forward to more opportunities to meet with you and share our common goal of being connected as Christians through our love for Christ.
