"See means check", replied Rev. Edelberto Valdez, my counterpart in the El Centro Presbytery in Cuba.  Rather than go straight to my destination congregation, I wanted to "see" the churches where the other members of our Cuba team were staying.  I had to laugh, because I really did want to lay eyes on the other churches in their Presbytery, to greet the members of our partner congregations and to tour more of central Cuba.

But the more I thought about it, the more I had to ask myself, is he right?

Any given Sunday out of the month, I worship with a congregation in the Presbytery of Baltimore.  Each church is unique in its worship, beauty, culture and building.  I have been welcomed warmly, enjoy engaging members at the fellowship hour and have even had the opportunity to stay for programs after worship.  I truly want to "see" my people and to worship God. Is that checking?

I remember when my daughter was younger, I used to wake up in the middle of the night and "check" on her.  It was instinctive even though I perceived no danger or problems.  There was something comforting and connectional about making sure she was fine.  I also felt gratitude for having a beautiful sleeping child.

So....yeah!  Maybe I am checking on you!  I'm checking on your joy, your wellbeing, your excitement about your outreach projects, your faithful choir (big or small).  I'm "checking" on your pastor who brings the good Word week after week and the leadership who keeps things going and, if I am honest with you, whether all the letters are present on your church sign! And I always leave with a tremendous sense of gratitude for being your General Presbyter and having this amazing opportunity to serve our congregations!  Yep!  I'm a checker!

So far, for worship, I have "checked" on:  Ark and Dove, Catonsville, Cherry Hill, Christ Memorial,

Dickey Memorial, Fallston, Frederick, First of Howard County, Good Shepherd, Highland, Kenwood, Lochearn, Mount Hebron, Second, Springfield, St. Andrews, St John United, Towson, Trinity and Woods.  I have also visited a few more for different occasions outside of worship including a tour of the Wild West churches, thanks to Rev. Walt Peters.

See means check!  And I'll be "checking" on you in the future!

Blessings,

Jackie