Ponder the Past. Now Forward to the Future.

Prayerfully, I sit with each of you upon my heart and try to hear what God has planned for us this coming year. It has been over ten years now that I have been offering an Annual Report. Basically, the report consists of the highlights of the past year. Rather than duplicating, I suggest that you read the Committee Reports. You will note we have both highs and lows this year. One of the greatest highs was receiving a $45,000.00 check for the outside restoration of our church through the Hathaway Fund. Then there are the lows. The deaths of Judy Mathieu, Bob Paige, and Neal Murphy. Another thing this report often does is start looking into the future of the church. What will we do this year? Yes, we will have the Veterans Dinner, the Christmas Bazaar, and hopefully a few other dinners. We shall have plays, collect food for Thanksgiving, and offer the White Gift program. There will be bible study opportunities alongside grief support sessions. The pastor will continue to work alongside the other local clergy through the Greater Fall River Council of Churches, participate with all town activities as requested and able, and offer animal blessings. Who knows, maybe we shall even have a “blessing of the cars” again? 

Now that we are thinking ahead, what will be our vision? I have been asking this question for a few years and we have yet to formalize an answer. One of the most important things for us is to do our very best to bring about the Kingdom of God right here in Somerset. Recently, I met with the SAM Committee, and we started reminiscing about the things the church used to do. There was the CROP Walk for Hunger, Build an Ark with Heifer, along with other wonderful ways to spread the love and mission of God throughout the world. Did you know the church has what is called a Benevolent Fund? This Fund works by donations collected over the year. At the end of the year, all the contributions are brought together before the Social Action & Mission Committee (SAM) to distribute. Yes, there is a page of these distributions in the booklet. Are you giving to the Benevolent Fund? How about the need for both Stewardship and Volunteerism being essential to the survival of the church? Stewardship is taking care of, and volunteerism is the use of your time. If you have been in the scriptures with me at all, you know both are sought by God in the righteous person. We are living in a consumerist society. This mindset of living has transcended into the life and leadership of the church. No, not just ours but all churches of all kinds. When we do not like something we simply walk away for another one that suits us better. My question is if we are all spending so much time wondering about ourselves and what makes us happy, talk about self-entitlement!  Where have we time left for God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or your neighbor? Have a vision for the kingdom and the rest shall follow. May this year bring light, love, and Spiritual Vision. The Reverend Cheryl L. Rieder