First, I want to say it has been such an honor and privilege to serve First Christian Church of Pittsfield. When I first accepted the elder position over 20 years ago, l was really unsure of myself. I certainly didn't feel the least bit worthy. But, I did feel called by God to accept and I have learned in my life, sometimes the hard way, not to ignore that. So, I prayed and prayed and embarked on a faith journey that has been so rewarding that there are simply not enough words to express it here.
I had a really good example in my Father and my Mother and the many other adults in the congregation who had mentored me in childhood, teen years, and young adulthood. So many people stood by me and encouraged me in all of life's ups and downs, both personally and in the church. It inspired me to do the same for others and I have tried my best to do that.
My work in Christian Education, Music, and later Crossroads has taught me so much. I want to share just a few thoughts with you:
Music is about worship not performance. So many emotions can be expressed through music. Scripture can come alive in music in a way that stays with people and touches lives in ways that mere words cannot. It also can change lives in ways that talking just doesn't do. That's why we all still remember the words of the songs that were popular in our teen years. It was the music. It's imperative to worship to stay in close relationship with God and I personally believe that music is the life blood of worship. Worship styles will change through the years but true worship is between you and God and music enhances that like nothing else. Embrace it.
Christian Education is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing we do as a church. It is imperative that we teach children in the "way in which they should go so they won't depart from it". But first and foremost, we have to love them and build relationships with them or they won't hear the words. Our actions will always speak louder than our words. So we must show them how important it is to understand the love of God and how to share it with others. The Bible is the best resource we have but they won't hear it if we don't love them first. Our team of Youth leaders and Sunday School teachers understand this and are committed. I pray you will continue to send these leaders to Orange Conference. It is such a valuable resource!!!
Crossroads taught me to trust God in all things and to keep Him in all things. It also taught me that when it is God's will and we respond, He will use it for good. It also taught me how much fun it can be when we work together for God's glory even in mundane things. I have gotten close to so many people through my work at Crossroads both in the church and in the community. Many people came to be church people through some of these activities over the years at Crossroads. It has been such a blessing and I pray it continues to be a blessing not only to our church but also to the community which we are called to serve.
I have never felt better about the future of First Christian Church. Kayla is a blessing beyond measure to the church. Kacie and her volunteer team understand Christian Education and are so passionate about it that they are growing not only in massive numbers but also in spiritual faith and understanding. The elder team is Biblically and spiritually strong and we have a deep bench. They will continue to lead and support this church in the way in which it should go. Crossroads Center has come alive again since Covid and is again serving and touching the community. It has also proven that it can be used for many church purposes. We are blessed!
I cannot talk about being blessed without mentioning Rebecca. She is so much more than an employee and certainly more that her title indicates. She literally keeps the church going. She is bright, intuitive, and hard working. She is the best administrative assistant that anyone could ever have! She keeps all the balls in the air and she does it with a smile and with joy! She is compassionate and kind to all. We are truly blessed to have her!
I cannot close this without expressing my deep appreciation and affection for Pastor Michael. I have loved and learned from a lot of ministers over my lifetime, but I have never had the privilege of working for such a long time with the same minister. It has been so rewarding to watch the congregation grow in their faith, their Biblical knowledge, and their desire to build their relationship with God and with each other. Thank you, Michael, for trusting God and answering the call to come here. Thank you for going the distance through some pretty difficult situations. Thank you for trusting me to lead, for doing life with me, for loving me and letting me love you, and yes, for even letting me boss you around once in awhile. I will always be praying for you and your family and I will always be a phone call away.
So, to my church family whom I dearly love, I leave you in good hands in so many ways but the most important thing is that I leave you in God's hands. I will continue to pray for all of you and for the ministries of this church. I love you all and leaving is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. So, I am not going to say goodbye, instead, I say, until I see you again.
Love,
Helen