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Dear Beloved Community,
As I begin to settle into the role as your pastor, I think about where
our church fits into the community at Downsville. I have learned
that the building itself is an important landmark and a source of
inspiration. It is a place intrical in its role of calling our town
a home. As I think about ways in which we are to grow: in faith, in
attendance, in participation with our community, I find that our core
members are its greatest strength. Each member contributes in a
Christ-like way, finding ways to love and care for one another. For
this, I am humbled. In this coming year, after prayers of good
health, a deep faith and an abiding spirit, I hope to be inspired by local
events and create a greater presence for others. We will face
obstacles, challenges and resistance but in the end, we will demonstrate
who Christ is: a loving Savior who uses our hands and feet to promote a
gospel life to all we meet. Sounds easy? Not really, but to
walk the walk we must put one foot in front of another. We must be
willing to travel to places we are not sure of, and to offer compassion to
the broken through our own. If that means added participation with
the community through prayers, presence and participation then that is
what God calls us to do. It is not my intent to 'win' anyone over to
church, rather, its about showing God that we intend to love our neighbor
for who they are and value them as God values. This is our task: to
love beyond what we think is possible knowing God, in the Spirit, walks
with us.
Peace be with all of you in the New Year.
Reverend Christine Lindeberg.
Christine M. Lindeberg
Western Catskill Charge\
Senior Pastor
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