Dear Friends in Christ,
I felt the excitement building last Saturday night as the strings in our Christmas Cantata tuned up… It’s not the prettiest sound, of course, as they seek to be sure that they are matching the pitch on the grand piano, but it speaks of what is soon to come.
I feel it every time God’s people gather for worship in this place be it Saturday night or Sunday morning as the security chime rings in the office, announcing the arrival of yet another person who has come to lift their voice and heart in prayer and praise. And then as the conversation builds in the narthex as more and more people greet one another and begin to get caught up on the week’s events.
I feel it on Wednesday nights as one after another, confirmation students and guides drift in through the doors in fellowship hall, coming to learn about our God who created, redeems and guides them. I suppose to the unaccustomed ear it sounds like just ‘so much noise’, but for those who know its meaning it functions to build anticipation of what is to come. For me, anyway, that results in a combination of gladness and hope and yes, maybe a few butterflies at the unknown that lies before us.
In much the same way, Salem’s Annual Meeting on January 23rd at 12 noon is a little like those strings preparing to play. It’s when we gather as God’s people to adjust our strings, to check our pitch, to wonder together about how we have reflected our Mission Statement: “Living Christ’s Love” in the year past and to dream together about how we will do so in the year to come. Oh sure, to the unaccustomed ear it may sound like just ‘so much noise’ as we consider financial statements and budgets, listen to reports from staff and leaders, and elect leaders for the year to come. It’s more than noise, though, of course, for if you listen you will recognize God’s people checking in with each other, pausing to get ready to plunge into the next year of mission and ministry together.
I would urge you not to miss it!
Our meal will be served at 12 noon in fellowship hall on Sunday, January 23rd. Congregation members will be invited to sign up to help provide dessert. The meeting will follow immediately. Child care will be provided. I look forward to seeing you then!
Peace to you and many blessings,
Pastor Janet
