As we finished another calendar year, we reflect back over the ministry that God has done in our midst.  We have shared the ups and downs of life together, said goodbye (for now) to some dear members of our church family, experienced a time of sabbatical, and worshiped God and Jesus Christ with much joy and light.

This year we also find ourselves saying goodbye to valued staff members – Beth Bentley (CE Director) and Evan Dean (Music Director).  Both of them have contributed greatly to the ministry of FCC-Middletown, and they will be missed.

In light of these changes, we have met with the Elders and put a plan of action in place.  To ensure the mission and ministry here continue with excellence the following things have been put into place:  1) The CE Ministry Team (Mary Helen Shetter and Lora Schueller, co-chairpersons) are working closely with Laureen to keep those programs moving forward.  2) Josh Roeser has agreed to play for worship while he is home from college on winter break.  Laureen will be working with Ginger Alley and Don Dixon to keep our the choir singing praises and sharing in worship.   3) A personnel committee will be formed to look at all our staffing needs.  The General Board will vote on this committee at their January 27 meeting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of us.  We look forward to sharing the love of Christ with you in the coming year and as we move forward in ministry.

with love,

Laureen A. Roe                         Karen Powers

Pastor                                          Board Moderator

It’s no secret that I love the snow!  Bring it on! Let is snow!  It makes everything bright and new.  I often refer to it as confetti from heaven.

As I sit here in my office, I’m watching the water drip from the roof creating beautiful icicles outside on the edge of the gutter and the bushes below.  The snow melts and beautiful ice crystals form.  It is still frozen water, but in new form.  Instead of piles of small separate crystals (snowflakes), the water is now mixed and bonded to form an icicle.  This is a reminder of the transforming power that surrounds us.  Just a few weeks ago the view was filled with a multitude of autumn colors, and I had a deer friend visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The landscape around us has been changed by the winter snow.  The landscapes of our lives can be changed as well.  God sent Jesus into the world as a wee babe to bring the transforming power of the Holy Spirit into our lives.  When we are in an active relationship with God and Jesus Christ the transforming power of the Holy Spirit moves through us and brings change.  Sometimes the change comes gently like a wonderful spring breeze.  Other times it comes like a winter storm blanketing us and making all things new — white as snow.  Either way a beautiful thing is happening.  It takes great faith to trust in that when the winds of the Holy Spirit begin to blow.  That’s why God created us to be in community with one another.  In community we can help one another understand and share in the changes that transformation brings.

I love the snow!  And, I love each one of you!  God is doing a beautiful thing in our midst.  God is creating and re-creating in our midst making things bright and new.  As we move forward in ministry together, I look forward to sharing in these moments with you.  Transformation is happening, and I look forward to seeing where the winds of the Holy Spirit are going to take us.

with love, Laureen 🙂