Words from the Pastor

Encouraging One Another

Going through the mail recently—a job I never relish; you know the drill, bills, insurance promotions, requests for donations, ads, newsletters, etc, etc—I came upon the mailing for Continuing Education Offerings at Moravian Seminary, my alma mater. As I glanced through the brochure, my eyes caught a glimpse of an offering that warmed my heart. Rev. Dr. Kay Ward, now a bishop in the Moravian Church, who had been one of my seminary professors, is leading a workshop the first Saturday in December. My initial response: “It doesn't matter what it is, I'm going, just to be with Kay.” Usually I put events like that on my calendar, and then on or after the deadline, send in my registration. This time I went right down to my computer and registered immediately. That’s got to be a record.

I also registered because I am intrigued by the description of her workshop which appears below. If it catches your fancy as well, you can register on line at www.moravianseminary.edu or by phone, 1-800-843-6541.

"Words and Whispers of God: A Spiritual Formation Workshop Saturday, Dec 3, 9am-3pm $30, (lunch included)
Come and pick up a writing instrument (pen, pencil, crayon, or laptop) and experience the joy of words in this interactive workshop. You don't have to be a "writer" to benefit from thinking about words and how they can show us our deeper selves as well as lead us to a more mature place of faith. We will explore how we use words to speak of God and how God may use those same words to speak to us. Through written words, by our own hand, we may read the whispers of God. No previous experience is necessary.

If you can write a grocery list, you are qualified for this workshop."

One of my earliest memories of Kay is a time when I preached during the chapel service at seminary. There sat Kay towards the back of the chapel, grinning with every ounce of her being, cheering me on. She also had a part in my service of ordination. I wanted one of my seminary classmates, Jane Harberg to offer words of encouragement during that service. However Jane was already serving a church in Wisconsin and was unavailable. So I asked Jane to write her charge to me, and asked Kay to deliver it. It certainly helped that Jane and Kay are friends. I was ordained September 27,1992, almost 19 years ago.

Speaking of memories, five years ago, on September 24,2006, I was installed as the pastor of Pennsburg United Church of Christ. I selected that Sunday because it is so close to the anniversary of my ordination. How humbled I am to think of all the people throughout the years who have been cheering me on, building me up, as day by day, week by week, year by year, I seek to answer God’s call, not only to Christian ministry, but to be a faithful follower of Jesus. That’s the only way any of us can do it, by encouraging one another.

Encouraging you in your faithful service,

Pastor Becca