From the Pastor's Desk

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world...I am longing to see you, so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.  ~ Romans 1:7-12

As I say my good-byes to the church in Stockbridge, MA, I am boasting about all of you.  Proclaiming to my world that the church in Orwigsburg is enthusiastic, filled with the spirit, and eager to do God's work.  It is filled with loving people of every generation who in word and deed show forth te working of the spirit of Christ.  It is a community that wants to share the gospel and to grow in its own faith.  I rejoice in being called to St. John's.  As I say my farewell, I am leaving people who have been with me through my seminary years, my ordination, my first pastoral experiences.  I realize how much we have mutually encouraged each other, how we have ministered to one another in prayer, music, friendship, and financial support.  We have nurtured many gifts in one another through struggle and celebration.

And yet, I also long now to see you so that at St. John's we too may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.  We have much to learn together of the many dimensions of being the church.  We have the presence and resources of other local churches and of the conference staff to guide and energize.  We have the strong and prayerful leadership of our consistory.

We have a tradition of work and fellowship, and a community of all generations.  Through faithfulness, not onlyours, but Christ's, we will begin an exciting journey following Jesus.

Blessing,
Barbara