From the pastor

September 21, 2003

I’ve been cold the last couple nights and mornings. So I decided to check the outdoor thermometer a few minutes ago to find out why. It’s in the mid 40s out there. That probably explains it.

For some reason, I am determined to wait until October to turn on the furnace. I’m not sure I can explain the reason. When I was in seminary (in Washington D.C.), they didn’t turn on the heat in the dormitories until October. But when I give that as a justification for the chilly house, even I’m aware that my argument is a cog or two short.

I pulled out my thermal blanket about 4 a.m. the night before last and wore a flannel shirt yesterday morning. Today I started a fire in the fireplace and set up the space heater to take the chill out of the study while I’m writing this. It took about four minutes of wrapping my hands around a hot coffee cup to get my fingers loose enough to type. And I’m wondering if I should slip my overcoat over my bathrobe. (Ah—I’ve let it slip…now you know that I preach in my pulpit robe and write in my bathrobe. That may explain why I frequently work at home rather than the office.) But as I sit here shivering, writing, and watching the sun rise over my neighbor’s trees—I look forward to swaggering around later today and announcing that I haven’t turned MY furnace on yet!

After all, when a man breaks a finger and can’t play tennis or softball for a couple months, there is something deep in the psyche that demands SOME manly accomplishment.

I’m not going to write about my cat Alison’s cat this morning. She knocked a flower vase over on an oil lamp and broke both of them this week. So she will have to wait a week to read about herself in this letter. I apologize to her fans who look forward to news about her.

I want to bring you up to date on our efforts to raise extra money for our Grace Vision: building renovations, Grace Street (a project to reach children and their parents) and Grace Years (a project to reach retired persons in our community). We have heard from 60 families or individuals who have given money or pledges. The amount received or pledged through the end of this year is now over $21,000. Work on the entrance way to our building should begin in another month or so. We already have Marcia Burns on the staff to help us with the Grace Street and Grace Years projects. As more money becomes available, we will be adding staff, equipment, and additional building improvements to our list. We are awaiting word next month on a conference grant of $66,000. I think there are some more families or individuals who have not yet contributed or pledged to this vision. Please let us hear from you if you feel drawn to be a financial supporter of this. Not only is our vision exciting and inspiring, but the unity and involvement of our members in this endeavor is holy to behold. --Mike

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