e blast @ e first
I will not let thee go, till I thy name, thy nature know.
(Jacob wrestles)
Dear eFirsters:
 
Greetings from Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho, where I am surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses including those from our faith community:  Pastor Adam , Charlotte and Lee Sutton, Donna Haines , my husband Brian, and Jessie Cummins .. soon to be Pastor Jessie!
 
Last night Jessie Cummins was commissioned (the first official sacramental step on the ordination process).

And today my retirement is recognized.

It really is an Elijah/Elisha moment .
It's Going to be a Glorious and Full Sunday!
This Sunday is so rich! Brian and I will careen out of here tomorrow morning in order to be present in worship with you on this my penultimate Sunday ( Pastor Adam will be passing us up I'm sure!).
 
          On Sunday our children will be blessed with the Godly Play ministry. Director Kay Graham wants parents to know:

This week we will read a story about a boy who must leave his home and find another. He brings with him a teacup full of earth from the place where he grew up, and sets off to sea. Some days, the journey is peaceful, and the skies are cloudless and bright. Some days, storms threaten to overturn his boat. And some days, the smallest amount of hope grows into something glorious. At last, the boy finds land, but it doesn't feel complete . . . until another traveler joins him, bearing the seed to build a new home." It is a perfect story for discussing all of life’s toughest challenges and transitions—a big move, a divorce, changes in our church, long-distance separation, or even the current refugee crisis—in a way that’s reassuring and inspiring. Please invite your children to bring an item from home that is special to them and helps them to feel safe. We will set aside time at the end of our story to share our special item and tell the group why it is special to us.
Eternal God transcending time, yet mindful of the fears, the hopes,
the questions raised for us by ever changing years;
so guide us through our pilgrim days that we may find a home
where justice truth, and mercy meet, fulfilled in your shalom.

The choir will sing a second contemporary anthem, which has become a favorite as we’ve practiced it: What the Lord Has Done In Me . You can hear a version here (though I humbly think our choir’s rendition is better!).
I look forward to being in worship with you on Sunday.

Enjoy these photos from Annual Conference!

On the journey with you,

Rev. Pamela
This will be the last worship service I share with our organist and music director Julia Brown .
As someone who has grown up with both majestic and humble organs throughout my life, education, and ministry, Julia is the best I’ve had the privilege to hear in worship. 
Her grasp and passion for excellence in music and worship has taught me much. Her ability to make creative connections between music and liturgy has been fun and inspirational.
So, this service’s postlude will be the last I get to hear Julia. She will play: Psalm 19  (“The heavens declare the glory of God”), by Benedetto Marcello.