Letter from the Moderator

How does one summarize the last year in the life of our church? I have had the opportunity to work with many of you in 2025. In the first part of the year, I worked with the worship planning committee, supply pastors, and office manager Wendy to plan the services as we all tried to hold things together while we waited for Pastors Susie and Tim to begin their ministry with us. We were ever so fortunate that the committee found them without too much time elapsing. It had been a long time since we had a “settled” pastor, but from the time the search committee was able to begin its work, it was not very long. Considering the continuing shortage of available pastors and the fact that many pastors now want to serve churches in big cities, I think God must have had a hand in bringing them to us.

Since June 1, when Susie and Tim began their ministry with us, we have been getting to know them and experiencing some changes to a more informal worship style. We have also been attracting some new worshippers and finding that some long-time members are returning to worship with us. This has been very exciting and positive.

We now have a Kids’ Club and Youth Group in our church again! We are hosting the Warm for Winter mission project, which relocated to our building when they lost their previous home. We have had good attendance at our Sunday brunches, and wonderful food! People who have questions or comments meet in the lounge on the fourth Sundays after the service for free-ranging discussions at the “Listening Post”. We have some new vocal choir members, and if we gain a few more, will be able to sing more often. The bell choir continues to add to our services with their music, and they also have room for new ringers. We held a Christmas Bazaar and luncheon and a Christmas candlelight dinner, thanks to the organizers and many volunteers.

In the Executive Council this year we have begun working on re-stating and simplifying church operations. I want to personally thank the members and chairpersons of our standing boards for taking care of their many responsibilities. Please see the annual report to learn what the boards have done this year and thank the members for their time given on our behalf.

The annual congregational meeting will be held immediately after the service on Jan. 25. We will vote on the 2026 Proposed Budget at that time, and on the slate of officers and board members for 2026. Please plan to attend.
Sandy McKitrick, Moderator