Dear Peace-ful Family,

It has been an interesting year with curves in the road!   Thanks to God we are a healthy congregation (see below the definition of a healthy congregation).  Support for purchasing the Aurora Property was very strong at the congregational meeting last Sunday as well as at the meeting with the Presbytery trustees.   Energy is mounting as we anticipate change and growth in November with gratitude for our Building Vision Team.   We are pleased to announce that pledges and gifts to the building fund exceed the one million mark!

This Sunday’s scripture is Colossians 1:3-14, a passage about growing in God’s graces – growing in faith, hope, and love and leading lives that are pleasing to God. 

Please remember to bring children’s books for Beth-El, and families are encouraged to stay and make bookmarks to accompany the gift of books.   All about Peace and the Presbyterians will be offered again to those considering membership and others who would like to learn more about your congregation and denomination.

The Search Team – Shirley Blair, Rebecca Deibert, Dan Grantham, Drew Jordan, Grant Lowe, Dana Scott, Liz Shirey -- met with me last Sunday to begin the process of helping the session understand staffing needs in the wake of Tricia’s departure.   

Healthy congregations...                                                                                                                 

1.       accept differences  (rather than deny them)

2.       focus on their strengths  (rather than weaknesses)

3.       focus on mission  (rather than unity, the past, survival, the minister, an issue)

4.       respond to anxiety and change  (rather than reacting to it)

5.       manage conflict  (instead of denying it)

6.       act flexibly and creatively  (instead of rigidly)

Peace be with you, in all the challenges of life.   We are praying for you daily, and "in our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Colossians 1:3)

With love,

Pastor Elizabeth