From the pastor

January 11, 2004

The first thing I notice this morning is the cold. And I find myself countering it in ways both real and symbolic. I light the fireplace—even though I don’t write in that room. The sight and sound of it is comforting. The sound of the coffeepot in the kitchen warms my spirit—just as the cup I squeeze in my hands warms my fingers. A heavy, familiar bathrobe is both a direct gift of warmth as well as an indirect source via its psychological comfort.

The cat, on the other hand, could care less about the psychological sources of warmth. She is just plopped down on the heat register. That sight, of course, is another comforting and warming symbol for human eyes.

Our family is celebrating Mindy’s 22^nd birthday this weekend. Alison came home for the festivities. And by tomorrow evening, both girls will be back at their colleges for the first time since Thanksgiving. It will be time to take down the Christmas tree, go on a diet, close off the upstairs bedrooms, schedule regular trips to Chicago and Peoria, start going to bed earlier, grieve the quiet of the house, and enjoy the quiet of the house.

On a sad note this morning, our church is grieving the death of Lois Mickey this past Friday. She has been ill for quite some time and passed away quietly in her sleep that afternoon. Her son and grandson (Barry and Isaac), sister Wanda, niece Karen, and caretaker Brenda Husler were with her. Lois has given numerous instructions through the years regarding her funeral. At various times she has insisted on things such as clog dancing and being buried in her station wagon. It all makes this a time for her family and friends to feel grief, gratitude, and bewilderment.

We are beginning planning for the mission trip for high school and college students taking place this summer. Those who are interested in going need to see Marcia Burns, Larry Stapleton, or me. We will be pulling a group of participants together, deciding on a location, and planning a preliminary budget. Now is a critical time for us to be sharing information about who would like to go. If you know of someone who is interested, please forward those names to us.

We will have a "town meeting" in the fellowship hall tonight at 7 p.m. to hold conversation about the direction of Grace Church in 2004. I will begin the meeting by sharing updated information on Grace Years, Grace Street, proposals for a new coffeehouse, additions to the church staff, the financial status of the church at the end of 2003, financial projections for 2004, building upgrades, and mission projects. The bulk of the meeting will be devoted to a question/answer format. You may either ask your questions verbally or you may write them down on a card. Conversation is critical to the health of a congregation. It is a primary means for us to develop understanding, trust, and commitment. It encourages curiosity and participation. It evokes a synergy in which new ideas and directions emerge. It holds leaders and followers accountable. All topics are on the table. Everyone, whether a church member or not is invited.

--Mike