"The Months Ahead"

Dear Friends,

I hope you were able to be a part of the recent Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter worship services at First Presbyterian Church. A number of you said those services were among the best that you have experienced here. I would have to agree. We had the largest Easter crowd in nine years. It really was a celebration. Of course, that doesn’t just happen by itself, it takes a lot of teamwork. I want to thank those who helped make this year’s Holy Week and Easter services so great: the music, with the Chancel Choir and soloists, under the leadership of Matt Rupcich, was amazing, the readers and liturgists were all wonderful, the Easter flowers were beautiful, the Easter Egg Hunt was enjoyed by all the children, and the special Easter Fellowship Hour following the service continued the Celebration. I also want to thank all those who work behind the scenes, especially our sexton extraordinaire, Sean Mulligan and our wonderful new administrative assistant, Katey McGarr. Over the last twenty-nine years, I have been blessed to be able to partner in ministry with so many wonderful people here at First Presbyterian Church who have inspired and encouraged me!

I do have to be honest with you, it did feel a little surreal as I participated in this year’s Lenten and Easter activities knowing that I am retiring at the end of October and that this was the last Easter with you as your Pastor. But, having said that, I know that as we begin our last six months together, God has more for us to accomplish together here at First Presbyterian. In the months ahead we have Spring for Kidz, Vacation Bible School, our Annual Promised Land Service and Picnic, the start of another Sunday School year in September, to name a few things on the agenda.

I again want to assure you, that you are in good hands with our Session and Board of Deacons, along with a great Transition/Mission Study Team (you can read the Team’s current report in this newsletter).

As the Easter season continues, these words to one of my favorite Easter hymns come to mind:

Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth its song begin; the round world keep high triumph and all that is there-in.

Let all things seen and unseen their notes of gladness blend, for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end.

Grace, Peace, and Love,

Pastor Bill