The following article and I felt that it was well worth passing on to you.

Why go to church?

If you’re spiritually alive, you’re going to love this!

If you’re spiritually dead, you won’t want to read it.

If you’re spiritually curious, there is still hope!

A church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no

sense to go to church every Sunday. ‘I’ve gone for 30 years now,’ he wrote, ‘and in that time

have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one

of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time, and the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by

giving sermons at all.’

This started a real controversy in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column. Much to*the delight of the

editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

‘I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But

for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know

this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife

had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone

to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!’

When you are DOWN to nothing, God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes

the incredible, and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical and our spiritual

nourishment!*

IF YOU CANNOT SEE GOD IN ALL, YOU CANNOT SEE GOD AT ALL !

This morning, I was handed a brief newspaper clipping from Sharon Sparks.

We are uncertain as to which newspaper from which this may have come. Actually

that is not the most important thing. The clipping was entitled “What is your bucket

list from Christian believers?”

It was the first item in this article that caught my attention. The writer was

writing about that moment when we will approach the end of life. He implored his

readers to have no regrets. Those regrets might be over things undone, but more

importantly about words unspoken. Let me give you an example. Throughout my

life I have had countless relationships with members of churches that I have

served, with people in the communities where I have lived.

Take a moment to consider similar circumstances wherever you have lived,

worked, or just having the privilege of sharing life with others. Have all of those

relationships been warm and friendly or have some ended on a sour note with

perhaps an unkind word or a broken relationship?

If there are opportunities, seek to mend those broken relationships and either

ask for or offer a word of forgiveness. Have no regrets because you will have done

what is needed. I believe that this is the spirit and community in which God seeks

for us to live.

How do I share the love that fills my heart within the limited space of this newsletter?  Answer is… I simply cannot.  We didn’t just do ministry together.  We shared our lives.  Innumerable memories have been flooding my mind over the past few weeks.  I think of engaging discussions in Bible studies; energizing play during Vacation Bible Schools; visiting you in hospital rooms; sharing in spirit-filled worship services; sweating alongside you on mission trips and at Camp Christian; holding hands with you in prayer; laughing with you in pure silliness and joy; and breaking bread at Christ’s Table & in the Fellowship Hall.  I remember Chili Bowls – my shelf of trophies will always pay tribute.

I also think of all the baby dedications, baptisms – Sarah Byrd was my first at FCC; weddings – Emily and Aaron Spears being the most recent; and the funerals of the saints – Geneva Whitley, George Morgan, and John Newby being the last three – what an incredible trio of saints!

Thank you for each and every moment!  I have grown not only as a pastor, but also as a person.  The lessons learned and the seeds of love planted will continue to influence my life and ministry for many years to come.

Over the years, I have heard many visitors comment on how beautiful the sanctuary window is.  I always agree, but then tell them that the people within the congregation are even more beautiful.  In the days ahead, remember this beauty, remember the love of God, and trust the Holy Spirit will continue to guide all that you do in the name of Christ.

It has been my JOY to serve God as your pastor.  Thank you!  You will remain in my heart forever.

with love always,

Laureen

Dear Church Family,

In February 2006, we began doing ministry together.  We have walked in faith together through times of great joy, grief, celebration, and wonder.  God has guided us through these times with divine love and light.  I treasure all we have done together in the name of Christ.

After prayerful discernment, I am resigning my position as Pastor.  This has not been an easy decision to make, but I know that I am doing as God is calling.  My last Sunday will be June 28.  On this day we will worship God with great joy and thanksgiving for the love we have shared over the years.  We will gather at Christ’s Table and remember that we are one in Christ no matter where our journeys lead us.

During this time of transition, I want to encourage you in two ways.  First, let this time be something that stirs you to prayer like never before.  Be praying for FCC, its leadership, and the next Pastor.  Pray for unity.  Pray for continued growth in grace, wisdom and faith.  Pray, pray, pray!  Second, I want to encourage you to stay the course.  God is good.  God’s steadfast love endures forever.  God’s love for you, God’s love for me… is forever!  God is still God and FCC is centered on following the call of Jesus Christ.  This is a great church and your continued participation on Sundays and participation in all the ministries are more important than ever.  This can be a very exciting time as you bond together to move forward in ministry.

I treasure the weeks ahead that we have together.  I look forward to these times filled with God’s love, laughter and joy.  I thank you for the love each of you has given.  It has been my honor and joy serving God as your Pastor.

with love, Laureen 🙂