The SPIRE – March 2020

The season of Lent is limited to 40 days over six and one-half weeks (minus the Sundays), but the reason for Lent and our need for Lent are not so limited. The 40 days commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing his demons and preparing for his coming ministry. Those 40 days echo the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, finding their way from captivity in Egypt to a new life in a home promised by God. But the reason for Lent is not a number; it is time set aside to prepare ourselves to allow something to die, so that new life may grow in its place.

The SPIRE – February 2020

At the annual meeting the gathered congregation (including 37 official members, so a sound representation) unanimously approved the REACH Team proposal, which is described in this SPIRE. REACH is short for Revitalizing Engagement, Active Commitment, and Hope. Our goal in pursuing the changes you have now authorized is all in that name. As one member commented shortly after the vote, this is an exciting development and one with a lot of positive potential. Now the challenges of implementation and continuous improvement begin in earnest!

The SPIRE – January 2020

  As we turn the page on 2019 and prepare for another lap around the sun in 2020, I wonder how we might get closer to our aspirational goals over the coming year. How might we more fully realize the vision we have claimed?