A Vital Church Family

We have been updating our congregational phone / address list on the foyer table. For a happy reason. Of the names on our “directory” (which lists those who come frequently), about a third are new in the last year or two!

It’s refreshing and hopeful to have new friends among us! On the other chronological end, I find a similar number who have been with us for the past ten years, or nearly so (with a handful here for much longer!). How vital these “backbone” members are for our structure and continuity.

A healthy congregation has a basis of shared faith and dedication along with a variety of backgrounds and strengths. But what makes for a vital congregation, a genuine spiritual family, is practicing our faith together. Caring for each other, appreciating and enjoying each other, with each offering something. As often I hear of different ones of you reaching out to another in transportation or encouragement or some practical way.

At a Coffee Hour a few months ago, I offered an overdue recognition for the presence and gifts of a particular group among us. But as not everyone concerned was present, I want to “re-issue” below:

“We have been especially thankful these past months for several new and faithful friends. While most of them were not strangers to some of you, our brothers and sisters from Ogdensburg Presbyterian have been a sweet blessing and breath of fresh air. How we appreciate your warm and sincere faith, your spiritual experience, and your readiness to join in our fellowship.

“We recognize that the ending of a church’s journey of many years can be a difficult time. So we want to corporately welcome you, and pray that this church may be as much a blessing to you as you have been to us.

“We honor your distinctive memories and traditions, and appreciate the emblems of worship that you have offered: the flags, in our downstairs hall and in our den by the stairs; also the curtain / covering now on the back of our piano in the sanctuary, and the brass cross on the communion table.

“We give thanks for these gracious donations, representing our common faith, and hope they will remind you that you are truly at home. And pray to be stronger together in faith and love and service in years to come.”