| Welcome, from the People of Urbana Grace! |
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SUNDAY MORNING from the pastor April 20, 2003 My awakening this morning: a little after 4:30 a.m., a westerly wind blew mists from the mid night’s rain through my open window, across my bedroom, and onto my face. Birds chattered. My brain raced. It is still dark, but there is evidence all around of something about to happen. Like the first Easter morning. I imagine that first Easter. It was not overly joyful at first. After all, life had been rough lately. But folks were suddenly swept up in events that were to change their lives. At first, there was confusion, discomfort, disorientation. But person by person--and hour by hour, it became clear that God had taken a decisive action that would transform everyone’s life. From the resurrection of Jesus onward: joy, justice, love, and peace. We gather to worship this morning--the climax of a week of worship and prayer. The beauty of sanctuary and song, the aroma of Easter breakfast together, the thrill of crowd, the joy of wearing our Easter best, and the presence of family and guest: Easter at Grace Church. For me personally, it is moment in time between something momentous having just happened, and something momentous about to happen. Last Sunday night, our church council voted unanimously to endorse a new vision for Grace Church. Grace Street, an outreach project to children in our neighborhood--and their parents, will set us on a path this summer to connecting, relating, and partnering with a whole new set of folks in worship, evangelism, and spiritual formation. Grace Years, an outreach project to retired persons, will set us on a path to connecting, relating, and partnering with another new set of folks in harvesting stories, reclaiming personal gifts, and partnering in God’s work. We will be hiring a full time Director of Developing Ministries in order to help us fulfill this high calling. Applications for the position, along with requirements and job descriptions can be picked up in the church office. We expect to hire a person shortly after May 15. Inquires can be made to the personnel committee, David Rivier, chairperson. (Inquire at church office for his number.) This decision by our church is a remarkable expression of faith. It is both a resurrection and homecoming moment for a 104 year old congregation. And I am eager beyond words to begin--and a bit frightened--if the whole truth be told. After the 9 a.m. worship today, my daughter Alison will be rushing me to O’Hare airport so I can fly to Rome to visit my daughter Mindy. I am eager to see her and be with her the next 13 days as we take the trains through Italy, France, and England. Happy Easter. --Mike |
