Dear Church Family,
               Our annual meeting last Sunday was well attended by members and friends alike. The reports showed that despite our modest size, we are a vigorous congregation.  We had a full year in 2023 and were able to resume some cherished traditions.  Our stewardship is solid and we are in a healthy position financially.  We elected a great slate of officers. We had a robust conversation on several topics. And in an action dear to my heart you graciously renewed my contract for another year.  Congratulations to you on a good year and a good meeting.  Pick up a copy of the annual report in the sanctuary if you missed the meeting. 
               My Presbyterian background keeps slipping out!  Despite the fact that Presbyterians and Congregationalists come from the same Calvinist roots, their polity developed differently.  Presbyterians reserve very few decisions for the congregation (basically only electing officers and pastors) with the Session making most of the other decisions, especially regarding budget and spending.  Congregationalists, as the name suggests, zealously preserve the role of the congregation in significant decision making.  Each system has its strength.  
               We continue in Mark’s gospel on Sunday.  The texts are Exodus 17:8-12 and Mark 2:1-12.  The sermon is “An Ordinary Call.”  We’ll be singing two of my favorite more recent hymns, “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry,” and “Lord, You have Come to the Lakeshore.” 
               See you in church.
Rich