Dear Ones,

Last year at this time, Advent was upon us, but we were not together. Distancing requirements were not the primary reason Session suspended in-person worship; they did so in order to keep us safe, and so we were united in our separation. I cannot understate my appreciation for all who worked hard and creatively to convey God’s love, Christ’s grace and the Spirit of fellowship during the 2020 Advent season. Families and individuals sent video greetings, worship leaders sent recorded prayers of confession, readers came one at a time to prepare the Scripture lessons for our Christmas Eve service. The effort paid off; when we returned to the Sanctuary, even with masks, we knew we were gathering as one congregation. Contributions remain strong, and pledging for 2022 is good. Weekly attendance has returned to near pre-pandemic levels, and members, visitors and I depart worship each Sunday energized, grateful and blessed.

A few things have not yet returned to “normal”. Traditions that involve touching things like bulletins, coffee cups and offering plates are still suspended, and maskless conversation is relegated to the great outdoors. Communion is not distributed in the Sanctuary. Weather permitting, we’ll partake outside, and if the weather does not cooperate, we will receive Communion in the Narthex as we depart. Christmas caroling will not be coordinated from a packed trolly; we’ll be walking in the neighborhood, sharing song on the porches of those nearby.

After more than two decades of budget cuts and staff reductions, it appears our present growth is bringing new opportunity. Looking to the coming year, Session will be budgeting for additional staff as we are seeking a full-time Director of Christian Education (DCE) and a part-time Director of Communications and Media. For the DCE position we have retained a church staff search firm to assist us with recruiting and vetting applicants for this important position. Please pray for the work of our search team.

At our November Session meeting, your elders reflected on what has been learned over the past two years. Their answers included many observations about the use of technology and the value of hybrid meetings going forward. But they also confessed how important their church became to them. The value of connection, the importance of contact and the need for community were forefront in their thoughts. We also recognized how dependent we are on God’s leading; as the familiar wilted we were worried, yet by God’s Spirit, innovation flourished and we were both safe and sound.

I need to tell you what I have been musing about for the past several weeks. I am proud of you, the people of FPCLG. I am grateful for your flexibility, your creativity, your imagination and your love. I am thankful for your prayers for one another, for me, for our staff and community. I am grateful for your generosity that has sustained our mutual ministry even without passing offering plates. I am energized by your commitment and faithful care for one another. I am glad to know FPCLG, our home for hope.

I remain,
With love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor