Pastor’s
Annual Report - 2008
This year has been remarkable. In truth, I am a little dizzy as I write this annual report. The energy flowing out of the congregation is uplifting and the flurry of activity is swirling. At the same time, I realize that this is not a new trend, or one likely to become extinct in future years. The Federated Church of Ashland has a long, chronological history of stepping up and stepping out. Many of our most significant and meaningful church memories are documented in the pages of our history and memory.
Looking back . . . it is clear that a
combination of heart, spirit, talent, humility, and determination fill the
lives of the people of The Federated Church of Ashland.
I encourage every person to become familiar with the rich history
of the congregation. Dedication
by people who confess their treasure is God, and their service is to one
and another make serving as pastor a joy.
It is with sadness that we lose beloved people.
The loss of Ernie this year brought profound sadness to members of
the congregation. His memory
will continue and inspire. The
Spirit of God in our people has enabled the church to survive difficult
and even chaotic times. Dedicated
leaders have known when to forge ahead, as well as when to ask for grace
and forgiveness (annual report, 1999, page 7).
The wisdom in our heritage is significant in who we are today.
Scarcity has caused us to realign short-term priorities and keep
the gospel of Jesus Christ center. In
1974, $5491.00 was withdrawn from Community National savings bank
to pay for Christian Education salaries (annual report, 1975, page 21).
Christian Education continued to be a short and long term value of
the church. “The fact that
parents take the initial step to bring their children to church, suggests
that they do genuinely want their children to learn about Jesus and what
it means to be a Christian” (annual report, 1982, page 14).
Every single annual report I have read documents the continuous
upkeep of the physical space because we believe it is sacred space.
This is where we assemble for Holy Worship, fellowship with one
another, and study the Holy Scriptures.
The demographic of the town continues to evolve.
In the mid 1960’s, there were 19 manufacturing firms employing
over 3000 people in the town of
Looking forward . . . the goals of the
congregation presented to me when I began as pastor included attracting
young families, achieving a balanced budget, higher attendance in Sunday
School, youth mission projects, two worship services of alternate times or
styles, a part-time Christian Education Coordinator, outreach to seniors,
and adult education (FCOA church profile, 2005, page 12). The list goes
on, however it is clear these are ambitious goals of an ambitious church
body. Currently, the
congregation has continued many ministries that have been in place for
decades. However, three
ministries have become new foci for ministry in recent months that will
occupy energy, heart and spirit as we step forward together.
The Federated Underground coffeehouse is an exciting enterprise
with both amazing potential and a documented history in the church.
The Mandela Coffeehouse was up and running in the early 1970’s
and overseen by a minister named Ken Grant
(annual report, 1975, page 12).
I continue to meet people from around town who remember it and tell
me stories about the music, mostly folk, but also rock music, and how much
they enjoyed it. The current
coffeehouse has a new name and a room renovation.
Nevertheless, the vision of a spiritual experience through
community and music is still very much the same.
Another exciting outreach is our participation in the Interfaith
Hospitality Network (IHN). Our
church will participate with 12 other congregations in Metrowest to help
homeless families achieve housing. I cannot think of a more Christian
outreach than to love others by extending hospitality in this way.
While it is demoralizing that there are so many people in our
country that cannot afford housing, I am thankful our congregation is
willing to become a help to people in crisis.
We have a long tradition of caring, and it is important that we
continue to bless others in this way.
Christian Education continues to be of high value to the
congregation. Teaching and
organizing biblical activities and times together are pivotal to the
growth of healthy congregations. This
can and should be a primary focus of the
Looking outward . . . Looking inward . . . the
world continues to evolve and change.
The covenant God makes is timeless. It is faithful.
While the economy is turbulent and the well being of the
environment is a concern, the mission of the church continues to speak the
truth of God and to serve in a spirit of holiness.
As we look outward, we could fall into the temptation of believing
that we cannot keep up or effectively reach out.
Or, we can believe. We
can believe and continue to invite the spirit of God to be the center of
our lives and congregation. As
a result, the congregation together will assemble for worship, service,
and to take care of all God’s children.
We also look inward. We
are willing to examine our own souls, and are willing to answer honestly
when asked what compels us to give of our time, our talent, our heart –
we are willing to say that it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory”
(Colossians1:27). As we
continue forward and inward, my prayer is we continue to step faithfully,
heads high, spirit willing, and confident in the promise of God.