Chilly Saturday Morning

Well, who knew that it got so bright outside so early in Connecticut! Yep, I forgot to shut the blinds last night and the Lord woke me up EARLY this morning. Guess what the temperature is in Hartford…54 degrees, the high today will be around 78. I’ll be sure a take my little sweater wrap J

Last night was really special, gathered with about 6000 other UCCers I walked with the other new church start pastors as we presented our new churches to the Synod. It was awesome to see Kirkwood UCC bigger than life up on the screen—I just wish y’all could’ve been up there with me—one day!

The morning yesterday held a remarkable time of sharing stories of new churches---the joys and challenges. It was encouraging hearing others speak of their experiences, clergy and lay alike, investing so much in the hope of something becoming. They were all clear about the time and patience and faithfulness it takes when God is doing a new thing…but God will be faithful—always!

I am headed back into the city, which is about a 20 min walk or a 5 min ride on the shuttle bus. This is the BIG 50th year celebration. Bill Moyers will kick off the speakers this morning—I think he is a UCCer—I’m looking forward to hearing him. Then several writers, speakers, artists will be presenting throughout the city and there will be a festival of sorts in the local park. It’s really pretty around here with the river so close by; I will enjoy taking it all in. And then, this afternoon, Sen. Barack Obama will be the key note speaker. He is a UCCer and will be talking of course about election stuff, but also about his faith and how it impacts who he is and the decisions he makes.

It’s going to be a full day—I wish you were here! Back in the ‘hood, I understand that the Kirkwood Wine Stroll was a great success for the Kirkwood Business District. Gathering Grounds was packed at several different times throughout the evening—I am grateful to all of you that helped out and participated in different ways—I am certain that it takes a village to run a coffee shop! Kirkwood UCC had an add in the wine book—“whomever you are…wherever you are on lifes journey, you are always welcome at Kirkwood UCC.” Then there was an image of the Lord’s Supper, a cup and hunck of bread and the text right under read, “we’ve been drinking good wine for over 2000 years.” we’re reaching out into our community that is what we are called to do!

You know I’m proud of you, praying for you everyday and I thank God for you. Love you, S