Our congregation, like every other, has had its fair share of challenges. In recent years, however, the departure of various families from among us has been particularly trying. With each departure, there has been a sense of loss and a deep sadness that has resulted in feelings of discouragement and frustration. And while I do not understand what all of the underlying issues are, I do wish to share a couple of things with all of you at this time.

First, let me assure you that I am deeply concerned about what is happening and committed to doing whatever I can to help bring healing and health back to our congregation. This past week, I met with our elected boards to begin to discuss these matters. We want you to know that we are no longer ignoring what is clearly a matter of great concern.

Second, I want to plead with all of you to remain prayerfully positive. It would be easy-in fact, it has been easy-to allow disappointments to snowball into something more serious. There is a tendency, when things are not going well, to point the finger in an over-simplistic way at something as the source of all of the problems and even to become critical of others. As a result, others are slighted, hurt increases, and the problem, instead of being effectively addressed, is magnified. Thus, what we need at this point in time, while we begin to seek solutions, is an extra measure of patient love mixed together with an abundance of prayerful, positive encouragement.

Read the passage above once more. It is about encouragement. Right now, that's what we all need. I sure do. And that's what we must all give each other. May God bless us as we work toward this end. May His Spirit cause the love of Christ Jesus to snowball among us.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey