March'26 Words from the Pastor

 The season of Lent has begun – commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness. Traditionally considered a time to foster spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and closeness to God. Throughout the scriptures, the wilderness represents a place of preparation, a place of waiting for God's next move, a place of learning to trust in God's mercy.

Within scripture 40 is a significant number – appearing numerous times.

• Forty: the days and nights that Noah and his family endured the deluge on board the ark, after which God made a covenant never again to destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 7:4,12; 8:6; 9:8-17).
• Forty: the days and nights Moses fasted on Mount Sinai as he inscribed the words of God's covenant for the Israelites (Exodus 24:18; 34:27-28; Deuteronomy 9:9).
• Forty: the days and nights Elijah fasted in the desert before receiving a new commission from God (1 Kings 19:8).
• Forty: the years the Israelites wandered the wilderness in preparation for their arrival in the Promised Land (Exodus 16:35; Deuteronomy 2:7).
• Forty: the days of the season of Lent as Christians participate in Jesus' ministry and follow his way toward the cross.

Temptation of Christ

The first Sunday of Lent – Matthew describes how Jesus is led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. It is no accident that Jesus winds up in the wilderness after his baptism. He is not lost, and he is not being punished for something he has done wrong. Rather – He has been led by the Holy Spirit for a purpose – to be tempted or tested by the devil. His interaction with the Tempter acts as an assessment of his readiness for the mission entrusted to him. 

What if we saw the wilderness as a classroom and the temptations as our teacher? What if temptations are necessary for us to remember in whose image we are created and to whom we belong?

When we consider the temptation of Christ – most of would agree that he was tempted 3 times. Once to turn stones into bread. Once to test God by jumping off a building and once to accept all the worldly things the Tempter offers. But is it possible there is a 4th temptation – one that is the foundation of the other 3?

Episcopal Priest Mike Marsh writes;

"What if the fourth temptation is a universal temptation that runs through and underlies the other three? And what if it's the temptation that you and I are always struggling with? What if all the other temptations are just variations on this fourth one?"

He goes on to suggest that temptations aren't really between ourselves and someone or something else. Our temptations are almost always a struggle between us and ourselves. The fourth temptation is the temptation to betray ourselves. In some ways it's the first temptation. I betray myself before I betray you or give in to any other temptation. This is what Jesus is facing in the wilderness.

Our responses to the temptations of life – tell us something about ourselves. They offer information about who we believe ourselves to be. They reveal where we place our trust – how we see the world – and our way of being towards others. As we face of our temptations – we learn where we are empty and what it is we truly hunger for. We acknowledge the wounds we carry and see the ways in which we act out of our woundedness – rather than from love. We discover our blind spots – and feel our soul's longing. With each temptation we learn a little more about ourselves.

Jesus knew in whose image he was created – to whom he belonged – and to what he was called to do. With each temptation he remembered this truth – never betraying himself nor God. As you move through Lent – what spiritual practices might you engage in that help you remember – help you to not betray yourself or God? What are your temptations teaching you about yourself? And what will you do with that information? Let this season be one of remembering that you "are the light of the world."

Blessings, Pastor Lynda

Lent began this year on Wednesday, February 18th.

February'26 Words from the Pastor

We are living in troubling and unprecedented times. As we watch the news and scroll social media, many feel overwhelmed and heartbroken. You're frustrated – angry – grieving – filled with despair – feeling hopeless under the weight of it all. How do I know? Because I too, feel the same way. 

Like you, I wake up on an almost daily basis to a country I no longer recognize. Like you – my heart hurts at what I am seeing. Like you – I am unable to reconcile my faith with the ever-increasing violence – cruelty – and complete disregard for the sanctity of life. I – like Jesus – weep. (Luke 19:41-44) With so many claiming this to be a Christian nation – where is the love? 

If you – like me – feel this way – be heartened. Because of our faith – we can't turn a blind eye. We are called to more. So what do we do? 

First – be gentle with yourselves and each other. Rest. Read the gospels. Pray and meditate. Lament.  And when you are ready – take action. Actions don't have to be large like those who traveled to Minneapolis in subfreezing temperatures to protest and bear witness. No. They can be smaller actions educating yourself about the issues and then reach out and supporting someone in your community who is being directly affected by policies aimed at causing them harm. Participate in the Lenten Devotional – delving into how Jesus responded to a tyrannical empire and how we might use His example to take action. 

Take note of what issues most upset you and find groups/organizations that are doing that work and inquire how you might help support their efforts. Or simply sign a petition. 

On Friday, January 23rd, just one day before the murder of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the PC(USA) made the following statement – issuing a call to action with a link: 

In response to the alarming militarization of I.C.E. and the repeated violations of civil rights, we urge you to contact your Administration and Congressional representatives to demand oversight and accountability.
Join our Action Alert today.
PC(USA) social witness policy statements affirm the core principles of the U.S. democracy that every person has the right to live with dignity, speak freely, protest peacefully, and receive due process. we are called to act justly and protect all people. Micah 6:8 reminds us: "To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
More here:
https://www.votervoice.net/PCUSA/Campaigns/133070/Respond

You must not lose heart. Allow your faith to guide you and – like Jesus – love relentlessly.

Pastor Lynda

September 2005: Pastor's Corner

When I’m asked what my favorite time of year is – I generally respond with fall. The beginning of a new school year always excited me. Done was the un-structuredness and boredom of summer and the beginning of a new year of focused learning. My love of learning has continued into my adulthood. I am the definition of a lifelong learner. 

Studies show that we are never too old to continue learning and that there are significant benefits to continued learning. Lifelong learning is not just about acquiring new knowledge, but also about fostering a mindset of continuous growth, adaptability, and resilience, which are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life. 

Learning fosters innovation and creativity by encouraging individuals to think critically and explore new ideas. It fuels curiosity and instills a desire to question. Lifelong learners become catalysts for positive change, inspiring others to think outside the box and push the boundaries of possibility. Proverbs 9:9 speaks to this. "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." 

As we continue the Interim Process there will be two learning opportunities beginning this month. The first will be focused on the spiritual practice of prayer – in all its many forms – and how you can incorporate prayer into the Interim Process as you discern what God is calling you to as a congregation.

The second opportunity will be a book study. The book we will be reading and discussing is 

"Weird Church: Welcome to the Twenty-First Century", 
written by Beth Ann Estock and Paul Nixon. 

The authors have been church consultants for more than two decades – helping congregations to successfully navigate the changing landscape. Utilizing Spiral Dynamics as a means of framing the current changes in North American culture – Estock and Nixon explore how churches might reimagine themselves in the twenty-first century – giving numerous examples of congregations who revived themselves by becoming "weird churches."

I hope you will consider participating in one, if not both, of these learning opportunities. There will be an evening and a daytime opportunity for both.

I’d also like to extend an invitation to anyone who is unclear or unsure of what the interim process entails or is unable to participate in Dinner & Discernment gatherings to reach out to me and I will meet with you one-to-one. Everyone’s voices matter.

Blessings,
Pastor Lynda

July-August'25: Pastor's Corner

Some of the most important work in interim ministry is introducing change – even at the exact time when many congregants may feel that too much change has already happened.

As we prepare to have our fourth Dinner & Discernment gathering – hints of discomfort with the process have begun to appear. I want to remind you that this is a normal part of the process. This month, instead of writing an article, I'm sharing excerpts from an article that Jeri-Lynne Bouterse, transitional pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio, wrote for the Presbyterian Outlook. I encourage everyone to take the time to read this as she explains the process – affirming that discomfort is to be expected – and that congregations willing to work through the discomfort will come out the other side with a deeper understanding of who they are and better prepared to call their next minister.

Blessings,
Pastor Lynda

 

The In-Between Time: Interim Ministry as Sacred Space

The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can't we just elect a pastor nominating committee and start searching for our next pastor? Why do we need an interim pastor anyway? Isn't an interim pastor just a space holder? This is when I take a deep breath, count to 10, and begin the hard – but important – explanation of interim ministry.

I serve as the chair of the Commission for Congregational Life, which provides support for the congregations in the presbytery — including assisting churches in transition. This season of transition is the in-between time. It is a sacred space and one of our tasks is to guide and support congregations as they discern what God has in store for them next.

I have walked with congregations many times now as a presbytery representative, as well as an interim pastor. Each time it is a privilege and a challenge. In every church – big or small, healthy or challenged, rich or poor, urban or rural – there is always a sense of urgency to find the next pastor and rush through the search process. It is my job to help congregations take a deep breath, count to 10 and then understand the benefits of intentional interim ministry.

Benefits of interim ministry

The benefits to this sort of ministry are plentiful. Interim pastors provide the opportunity for churches to discern who they are as a congregation without their former pastor, and who God is calling to minister with them in the future. Every church can benefit from interim ministry. But congregations who have experienced extreme conflict with the last pastor, the death of a former pastor, or the end of a relationship with a long-tenured pastor, especially benefit from leadership that walks them through conflict resolution, healing, grieving, restoration and change. Giving an interim pastor time to help the congregation come to terms with these issues will lead to a healthier beginning with their new installed pastor.

An interim pastor's primary task is to meaningfully fill the in-between time, allowing the congregation to reflect on who they are. Every pastoral change creates a void and often that space will unintentionally be filled by a strong, trusted member who may or may not represent who the congregation is. Interims step in and impartially fill that spot. Siding with no one, supporting all. The way in which the in-between space is filled is intentional: preparing the congregation for new spiritual leadership.

Vision and identity

It is sometimes difficult to convince a congregation that re-visioning and re-visiting who they are can be the most valuable part of their search process. Bob Anderson, an instructor of interim ministry and interim senior pastor at Wyoming Presbyterian Church in Wyoming, Ohio, shared: "A common theme in almost all the churches I've served as an interim is the difficulty congregations have articulating their sense of identity as the people of God."

Yet that seems to be exactly what my colleagues leaving healthy congregations hope the interim pastor will facilitate. Being clear about who they are will help the congregation create a solid beginning with a new pastor. New ways of being the church in this new season are possible!

Allison Bauer, recipient of The Fred McFeeley Rogers Award for Creative Ministry and pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Ohio says; "I hope any transitional pastor following a long-term pastor would help a congregation to see where they've perhaps gotten a little too comfortable and challenge them to re-imagine new ways of doing things even if they continue to do the same things they've been doing."

Other times, an interim provides an affirming, outside perspective on the current life, mission and ministry of a church. "I hope the interim pastor will take the time to observe the congregation, to see the good things they are doing in ministry, help them to recognize this and give them encouragement," stated Tracy Keenan, mission presbyter in New Castle Presbytery. However, most of the time, though, there's a need to clear old brush to make room for new growth.

Reflect, correct, protect and resurrect

Interims take time to reflect (what was), correct (change what isn't working), protect (maintain what is working), and resurrect (revitalize the ministry). Why an interim pastor? Reflection, correction, encouragement and hope. What if these things don't happen? If the congregation is unaware of who they are and where they are going, they can expect that the pastor they call will be at a disadvantage, perhaps feeling called to an illusion of the church.

Some of the most important work in interim ministry, though, is introducing change — even at the exact time when many congregants may feel that too much change has already happened. "I think the most important thing a transitional pastor does is to get the congregation to the understanding that things are changing. And to help them see into a future that is different from their recent past. Sometimes this is made extremely difficult because the pastor is beloved or is still physically in the area. It is even more important for the transitional pastor to help the congregation understand the 'end of an era,' whether positive or negative," said Brenda Barnes, the interim pastor of NuValley Presbyterian Church in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania.

"Effecting change is not easy!" My colleague Brian Harroff describes this well. "You can't do the job without ruffling feathers." Some of these changes are going to be "heavy lifting." 

When I'm asked, "How long will all this take?" I simply hold back a sigh and say: "I don't know. God's timing is God's timing."

June'25 Words from the Pastor

 As we approach our third Dinner & Discernment gathering, our focus will be on finishing the collection of the church’s history. Over the summer we will be looking at what has been collected with the goal of understanding how this community has come to this place in time. You will be asked to consider questions such as:

• What was important to the congregation during each period?
• Are there themes that appeared and continue to repeat with each new pastor? If so, are they healthy and/or promote growth?
• Was there a time when membership was disappointed by leadership? If so, what was the cause of the disappointment and why?
• If there was conflict, what was the cause? How was it addressed?
• Has the congregation experienced loss? If so, what was the cause and how was it addressed.
• Are there ongoing hurts, frustrations or differences that still exist that could be addressed and healed during the interim process?

Small groups will continue to meet as well. As we begin processing the church’s history in a large group setting, the focus of the small groups will be on our individual experiences within the larger community. Questions for consideration are:

• How long have you been a member of this congregation and why did you join?
• Why are you glad you are a member?
• What keeps you coming and engaged?
• Who do you especially respect as a person or as a leader in this congregation and why do you hold them in such high regard?
• When have you felt especially proud of some members or leaders from your congregation? What makes the incident stand out in your mind?
• How has being part of this congregation helped you and members of your family grow in faith?
• What are some examples of experiences, groups, or classes that made a difference? How did you change?
• Are there any annual traditions of which you particularly enjoy and in which you look forward to participating?

As we continue this journey – a journey that you have not engaged in with previous interims – I would encourage you to consider attending. This process is an invitation to participate in the process of visioning and defining who this congregation will be – what it values – and where it will invest its resources. The success of this process relies on the participation of everyone. If you have not yet been to Dinner & Discernment nor a small group – I strongly encourage you to join us. Everyone of you is important to the future of this church!

Blessings,
Pastor Lynda

The Interim Process

It has been 14 months since Pastor Cara left, and while we are grateful that Pastor Lynda has been with us for the past three months, many of us are getting anxious, confused about what lies ahead. In her role as interim pastor, the emphasis of Pastor Lynda’s work is both to lead us in Sunday worship and to prepare us for our next chapter. In addition to getting to know us and working with Session, her main focus is leading us through the discernment process. Presbyterian Church USA and Interim training break this down into five segments:

1. Heritage of the church – Studying how our congregation has been shaped and formed through pastoral leadership, worship style, membership, and community and world events.
2. Leadership – Assessing membership needs, studying those who have been leaders among our members, and empowering others.
3. Mission – Guiding us through discernment to redefine our identity and our sense of purpose.
4. Connection – Discovering relationships we can build with community associations beyond our walls.
5. Future – Building a vision for our future through really understanding our ministry goals and pastoral expectations as a launch for our pastoral search committee.

With Pastor Lynda’s arrival in late January, we are in our fourth month of the process, with an expectation the journey might be 24 months, requiring time and patience.

The first Tuesday evening of every month, many of us meet in Fellowship Hall, sharing a meal and digging into each of the 5 topics; later that month we break into smaller groups delving into each topic more deeply and on a personal level, sharing our thoughts at the next larger gathering. We believe after studying each of these five areas we will be ready to document the foundation for what we as a congregation want to be and form a pastor search committee to search for someone to lead us in that direction. We invite you to join us and make your voice be heard to further strengthen our future. 

 

May'25 Words from the Pastor

 A timeless message from Pope Francis while hospitalized before his death. 

“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches...
They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports...
It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor.
A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar...
In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist...
A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care...
A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor...
It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design.

And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing.
The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss.
A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.
This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.

Do not criticize your body too much.
Do not complain excessively.
Do not lose sleep over bills.
Make sure to hug your loved ones.
Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.
Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance.
You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect...

Listen, perfection does not exist.
A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.
Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.
So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.
Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path and let go of the path others have chosen for you.

Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.
Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!
And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”
—Pope Francis 

Rev. Lynda Myers
Pastor