Jody's Journal

November 1, 2007

Dear Family and Friends at the Kirk,

This Sunday is a special one at the Kirk as we welcome David and Jeannene Wiseman to the church. They are missionaries in Guatemala and have played a key role in helping us develop our relationship with our friends in Pala. David and Jeannene will lead a special Sunday School class in the Fellowship Hall. David will preach. We’ll have a special potluck brunch following the 11:00 a.m. service. It will be a Sunday to celebrate our new partnership with the Peace of God church in Pala’. I hope you’ll be here.

We received our first Stewardship update this week. 44% of the congregation has submitted pledges so far. I would love to see us reach as close to 100% participation as possible. It would be a very tangible sign that church members support the congregation we call home. The pledges we’ve received so far represent a 5.89% increase over the previous year. Thank you to those who have already made their pledges. We hope to receive the remaining pledges in the next couple of weeks. The committees are beginning to work on their budgets and the pledge information is helpful in formulating our ministry goals and dreams for the coming year.

This week I experienced one of the privileges of being a pastor at the Kirk. I was part of the service for Lois Golightly, mother of Wendy Little. Lois loved her family and was well loved by her family. We celebrated God’s gift of her life and her resurrection as family and friends gathered for worship. Caregivers organized a meal with food brought from members of the congregation. Each salad and casserole was a symbol of our love and support. Thank you for your care for one another. This week Cathy Church Norman’s grandmother, Mary Turner, died. Along with Cathy, her mother and her sister (both members of the Kirk) were remembered in prayer. Warren Bock led the service for Mary Turner. I am grateful to be a part of a congregation that knows how to love one another, especially in times of need.

I continue to be grateful for you. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Jody