Greetings Friends,
Welcome to my first midweek message! As I step into this season of serving alongside you while Pastor Thandiwe is on sabbatical, I want to say what an honor it is to be part of this congregation. In just these first few days, I’ve already been encouraged by the warmth, faith, and hospitality of this community, and for that I am abundantly grateful.
I’m looking forward to this opportunity to learn from and with each other. I think this interim season itself is such a beautiful expression of ubuntu, or “I am because we are,” that we will be exploring together this summer – I have this opportunity to grow as a pastor because we are part of the body of Christ, and what a blessing that is. As a further expression of this collective learning and belonging, on the Sundays when I’m not preaching we will be hearing testimonies from many of you in the months ahead, and I’m excited to learn more about this congregation through these vulnerable sharings to come. To those who have offered to share testimony — please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you would like to think through any part of your offering together!
Just a reminder that I will be caring for all pastoral needs until Thandiwe’s return in late August — if you have any questions/concerns about worship, you or someone you know is in need of prayer and/or visitation, or you would just like to have a conversation or share a meal, please send me an email, a text, or give me a call. My office hours will be Wednesdays from 9am-1pm, and there is a sign-up by the trophy case. Please feel free to drop by and introduce yourself!
I am also in the process of developing an adult education offering to hopefully begin next month, so if you have any topics of interest or intrigue, please share. Additionally, Thandiwe mentioned that some folks were hoping to have some fun together as a church this summer, so I will happily take suggestions for summer festivities as well.
What fun this summer will be, friends, as we lean into our belonging together! I look forward to this season of worshipping with you and seeing what the Lord has in store for the weeks ahead.
Peace and blessings,
Delaney
Interim Pastor
