A Word from our pastor. 
October was so full of prayers, cards, little gifts, a special luncheon, and joys. It is difficult to measure all the ways that I have been blessed by this congregation!
I thank you and the Staff Parish Relationship Committee for the many ways they have encouraged the congregation to remember me and Rich. Being a pastor has been a blessing in my life. Sharon Shinn and Becky Buss have also made my month great!
The everyday duties of a pastor include doing ministry with people as they are hurting, confused, saddened, perplexed, lonely, overjoyed, celebrating, and just going through the everyday activities. We talk together about our families, gardens, our travels, tragedies that have happened in our world....and find ways to make it all make sense to us. In all things, we witness to others what Jesus has done for us in our lives. We turn to scripture, hymns, our Christian friends, prayer, and many other ways It is through our mingling together that we find our way. But it is ordinary times that we learn deep valuable lessons.
It is through these mundane and ordinary times, that we discover the power of God's love to lead us, speak to us, and give us comfort in hard times.
We have seen some horrendous scenes from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
And this has created angst among us as we see so many people face tragedy and uncertain times.
We are facing uncertain times in the upcoming days toward Election Day. But in everything we face, in those events that are extraordinary and ordinary, we learn how to best love one another. It is in these times we learn how to care for one another. And this is life-giving!
We know people who are remembering important dates and anniversaries. It is most often in these ordinary times, that God shows up for us, to help us learn a lesson, or guide us to help each other.
Let us not forget these ordinary times, my friends. I thank God for helping me to slow down and see the ordinary events of my life, and of those around me. Praise be to God! Let us take time for one another, and be ready to celebrate the ordinary, and also to look deeper, let us look carefully for those that are helping, and for those who need help. Pray and ask God to help you know what you can do. Are the words I need to share going to bring solace and peace? Do the words I need to share bring about necessary awareness and change?
We think of the word ministry and think this is for pastors. But we are all called to be in ministry together. We are called to the work of ministry, of sacrifice for the other. We listen, and lead people to accept Christ. It may be for the very first time, second time or the 600th time. We lead people back to Christ, back to discipleship, back onto the road of faithfulness, and then...the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
We find that by taking a hard look at ordinary things, we find the beauty of the living power of the Good News.
Friends. Thank you for all the ways you give and show you care about others. Thank you to God that I am given these glimpses of extraordinary beauty in small ways. What sacred, holy times we live in. Slow down, give God thanks for the ordinary and spectacular!
© 2011–
Jamestown UMC, All Rights Reserved