A Word from Nancy our AA

This week Pastor David is on a well-deserved vacation so instead of the usual Pastor's Corner, he has asked me to give you an update on the transition in the church office.

It's been two months and counting since I became a part of the FPC staff. Change is a constant in life, and it is no different here. The office has been in transition, first with Kat's departure after a whirlwind, in-depth two-week orientation. When that was done, my training wheels came off,

and I began to solo. Ron, who came and out almost every day doing something to make the church run more economically and smoothly, retired. Then within weeks his wife Ardyce, a gentle presence in the office and an authority on everyone and everything in the church I am trying to familiarize myself with, resigned. I'm grateful to have had the chance to work alongside both Ardyce and Ron. I miss their comings and goings and their interest and advice. Dana has come on board as Receiving Secretary. I am looking forward to working with Dana, even though will often have different work schedules.

 

Another new development around here is that a volunteer comes in each day between 11 and 1:00 to hand out sack lunches. This has given me an opportunity to know some of you better.

 

Through these transitions, I've been learning many things I need to know about the procedures for running the office, from Acolytes through Youth. Have you seen that HUGE notebook of info Kat left me? It's a volume with almost as many chapters as the Bible has books!

 

The best part of my job is keeping up with members and your activities and ministries and the groups you kindly share your facilities with. I've visited the Community Breakfast and both worship services, and it was an eye-opener to me to realize I like contemporary service. That was really unexpected for this old-time traditionalist. It's an on-going process, particularly some of the technological aspects. The technology thing is no secret to some of you! Kat performed magic, keeping all the balls up in the air here. She has been a resource for me; Barbara, too, as well as the many volunteers that have come through doing different tasks.

In my home church of NorthPark Presbyterian, I am a participant currently in a book study of We Make the Road by Walking. I've been reading about walking on faith journeys. The author,

Brian McLaren, made a point in this week's study that when people receive blessings they can spread their joy by becoming a blessing to others. From the day I began work here, I've shared with many friends how blessed I felt when I had the opportunity to join your staff, and it is my hope that I can become a blessing to the family of FPC Garland.

Love and peace to you!