Dear RSNY Church Family and Friends,
For many pastors, the holiday season can bring a level of stress with all its year-end activities. We struggle through the difficulties of the Advent and Christmas seasons, then the planning for the new year. We navigate plans with our families, assist in the Christmas programs and worship services, reflect on the life of the church and concerns with the church finances. These navigations can all too often become frustrating and burdensome and make us lose sight of our Christian Ministry and in being thankful during this season of the year.
Like most Pastors, during the Christmas Season, I often find myself wondering about those we are called to minister to in our church and communities, whether we have enough food supply in our food pantry to provide for those who are not able to set the table and celebrate a Christmas meal, are we able to provide gifts to those children in our school program and church youth? Can we provide for those children whose parents are incarcerated? I wonder, how can we extend our love to the needy and those who might be undergoing holiday depression in our congregations and community.
After all the wonders of the season, I am reminded that this season is about Jesus. Remembering what Jesus did for us and being thankful for it. The wonders of remembrance can change everything.
As we come to the close of another year, as your Executive Minister, I am deeply grateful for God’s many blessings. I see the wonders of God in how many of our leaders in the church have been so supportive, flexible, helpful, and faithful during our Covid-19 terrible pandemic. Amid moving forward as a Synod, clergy, and lay leadership we have risen to a whole new level of engagement and responsibility. Our synod has grown in listening and caring for our Classes and Consistories in the level of responsibility and engagement, which is a testament to the steadfast faith and hope of the people of Christ the King. As we look ahead to 2023, I am excited about all the ways we will continue to grow in serving as a Synod.
Wishing you a Blessed and Fruitful New Year
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, Executive Minister