An Open Letter of Thanks and Appreciation to All Members and Staff
The past 22 months have been a time like no other for our country and for the world. The pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives and the experts report that ninety percent of our population has suffered high levels of depression and anxiety. Yet we at Hillside have been blessed because we know our God is constant and in charge no matter what happens. A God who will never leave us nor forsake us – what a joy and comfort! We have also been blessed here at Hillside with the continuity of Sunday Services, and other ministries that continue.
Our Session continues to assess the best and safest way and time to reopen. Sunday Morning services are coordinated by a skilled group of members who ensure there are competent liturgists, musical arrangements, announcements, sermons to include guest ministers and anything else that is required. Liturgists in more recent weeks include participation by our very own young people who have served well! Yes, there have been glitches on occasions which is to be expected from time to time but for the most part things have run quite smoothly thanks to the competent group of individuals who do the filming, recording, and editing for the service, and of course there is our faithful musician!
The food pantry remains open serving many hundreds of people in need. The organization has volunteers who have been registering people to vote, helping others to secure identification needed to be eligible to vote and adding a notary. As well, a weekly Devotion has been taking place allowing members to come together, to do Bible study, and to share our faith journeys. Prayer sessions are still held weekly, and small established prayer partnerships continue throughout this time. Our virtual Sunday School is thriving with new participants joining regularly.
Our Clerk of Session remains on the job as does those who are responsible for collecting and monitoring our finances and a sundry of other invisible responsibilities that are necessary to be completed on an as needed basis to keep our church afloat. The work completed by our wonderful office staff and the large group of invisible individuals that contribute are rarely noticed but are so essential to our ongoing operation. Members are called at least monthly, so they won’t feel neglected, lonely, or forgotten during this time.
All this has been achieved under the leadership of our Part-time Contract Call Pastor.
It is so tempting to name individuals here, but such a venture would inevitably leave someone off who really does deserve mention and that is not the intent of this letter. We merely want to THANK ALL of YOU who have played a part in keeping Hillside afloat during this tumultuous period
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Sherry Archer on behalf of Grateful Congregants!
