To the beloved disciples of CSPC,

A year ago today, I was driving towards the church for my very first day as your pastor–my very first day as a pastor (ordained and active). I was nervous. Excited. Tired from moving into my new place. Worried about learning a bunch of new names. Hopeful for what God might do next. I had my robe and stole in the backseat of my car, my first sermon loaded on my iPad, and the prayers of friends around the country to sustain me.

As I turned on to Western Reserve Road, I noticed a small sign in the yard of one of the houses down the street. It said WELCOME PASTOR CAROL. I did a double take and hit the brakes hard (glad no one was behind me!). Then I looked up the street, to see more signs on both sides. I started laughing. I felt again just how much this church was where God wanted me to be.

That day was full of welcome–sidewalk art by the kids, a banner by the door, an amazing chocolate-heavy reception after church, a beautiful blanket made by the Tabitha Guild. I think I practically floated home. I couldn’t have asked for a better first day of ordained ministry.

A year on, I want to say thank you for all the ways you have welcomed me over the past 365 days. The sidewalk chalk has long faded, but your hospitality remains strong. I want to thank you for invitations to lunch, supportive notes, recommendations for things to do around town. But even more importantly, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your lives and your hearts. Your openness to me and to my ministry has been the greatest gift a first-call pastor could receive.

Not all hospitality is about iced tea and cookies. Sometimes hospitality is about trust: trusting that a stranger is worth welcoming in. Over the past year, your trust has been invaluable to me. So here are a few brief notes of thanks–to thank you for everything would take a novel.

Thank you for trusting me with your stories. I know I still have a lot to learn about all of you, but I am so grateful for what you have shared with me this past year, in prayer requests, in casual conversations, during visits. It is an honor to know each of you, and to pray for you.

Thank you for trusting me with your families. I am aware that when I get up in the pulpit, your children are listening to me (some days more than others, but still). I know that what I say about the Bible might be the first time they’ve ever heard it. I take that responsibility very seriously, and am glad to be part of the village that is teaching them.

Thank you for trusting me with your church. Okay, technically not “your” church. Technically, Jesus’ church. Even so, I know how much you all love this place. I know that what I do here affects something near and dear to your hearts. So thank you for trusting my decisions, trusting that I love this place like you do, that I want it to shine bright with Christ’s love.

We don’t tend to list it under our mission activities, but I want you to know that calling a first-time pastor is absolutely part of a church’s mission. I know it is not always easy. Sometimes I work more slowly, because I have to figure out what in the world I’m doing. Sometimes I get things just plain wrong. I lean on session and lay leaders, and I can tell you this: I have not once been disappointed in your help and patience. I know this congregation is shaping me into a stronger minister, and for that you will have my gratitude–well, pretty much forever.

So thank you for this past year. I’m still pretty excited. A little nervous. Occasionally worried. And always hopeful–because I know the Spirit is active here.

I hope you know that I still see those welcoming signs every time I come into church on Sunday morning. Not on posterboard or written in sidewalk chalk, but in your smiles, your stories, and your love.

Here’s to another great year!

Peace,
Pastor Carol

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 5:13