from the pastor

November 16, 2003

I woke this morning to fog and furious Italian music. The fog seems an act of Sabbath modesty, cloaking denuded trees, left bare by the past week’s rude winds and rains. The Italian music was on the clock radio—I pictured a wild piano player, sweating violinists, and bawdy trumpet players. They all blurted out of my radio, into my bedroom, and agitated me to get up.

The cat is letting me write this letter by myself this morning. She is sitting at the glass doors in the next room watching the backyard. I don’t think she’s spotted any action yet. I set the Halloween pumpkin out there to attract the squirrels. But so far they’re not interested. I heard on the radio the other day that it has been a really good acorn year. So maybe they don’t need to settle for pumpkin seeds.

Last week was Consecration Sunday in the church. Pledges and other estimates of giving are about $140,000 so far. We have heard from close to 90 people/families and have about 50 more to go. It always takes us a few weeks to hear from everyone. Among the people we have heard from, 15 are families or individuals who are new—who did not make estimates last year. About ¾ of the people who made estimates last year have increased their estimates this year. Between new contributors and regulars who have increased, totals are up about $35,000 from last year’s Consecration Sunday. That’s extraordinarily good.

As we gather to worship this morning, we are mindful of Paul’s admonishment in Romans: rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Among those whose burdens we share this morning is June Black. Glen passed away early Friday morning after a bout with cancer. His funeral will be Tuesday morning in the church. We have also been concerned about some of our other members in the hospital this past week: Lois Mickey, Bob Hackl, and Helen Koss.

The staff at the church has been working on improving communication throughout the congregation. We have committed ourselves to the following venues:

· the SUNDAY LETTER, from me, handed out each Sunday morning to the congregation and mailed upon request to those not able to attend

· a weekly e-mail sent at the end of the week briefing people on the highlights from the past week, noting what has happened around the church, sent to those who request it (to receive it, just e-mail the church and let us know)

· the church web site, updated almost daily by Gordy Wilson, including upcoming bulletins, pictures, the Sunday letter, and more stuff than I can list here

· the FORUM, a monthly newsletter including the calendar, articles by church members, and features of programs and projects around the church

· the Grapevine, a twice a month letter from me including "inside" information about church happenings, official information about the church, and tidbits of things that amuse me.

--Mike