Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ.
The first anniversary of my ordination has come and gone, and with it
are wonderful memories of the time spent with you.
This has been an amazing year. I still have to laugh when thinking I
was destined to minister in an inner-city church and find myself
dropped into a cornfield [literally] in Central-Southern Illinois. But
God knew what he was doing. The two congregations that I now serve are
most gracious and have welcomed Dave and me into their church family.
As soon as I arrived last summer, I hit the ground running with
Vacation Bible Schools at both St Peters and St Johns. This was
followed by "lemonade-shake ups" and pie-ala-mode booths at the
community "BURGOO" celebrations [for more information see
www.burgoo.org], Rogation Sunday services, children's sermons,
weddings, baptisms and funerals. The candlelight service on Christmas
Eve was the moment I knew I belonged here. The lights were dimmed, the
candles were lit and we sang "Silent Night," and it was very humbling.
God is good; all the time!
Our two-point-parish shared Lenten responsibilities, alternating each
Wednesday between churches. The theme this year was the last words of
Jesus from the cross. Easter morning was hectic. I felt a bit like a
circuit preacher. We began with sunrise service at St Peters at 7:00
followed by an Easter breakfast. Unfortunately I was unable to stay
for breakfast, because I was on the road to St Johns for their 8:00
Easter service, which was also followed by an Easter breakfast. I
understand that both church breakfasts were excellent. I wouldn't
know. After the 8:00 worship at St Johns, I was back on the road again
to St Peters for their second service at 10:00. This was followed by
our vacation trip back to Northern Illinois to spend a week with all of
our children and grandchildren including the ones from Portland,
Oregon.
Some of the "seasoned" pastors in my text study group tell me that I'm
still on my "honeymoon." If that's so, I hope that I stay on
my "honeymoon" for a long, long time. Because I couldn't have asked
for a better first call than this. And except for an early summer fire
which destroyed our Parish Hall, and the building project that is
currently underway - ministry life has been flawless. I am so blessed.
And so, I want to thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement
while I was at seminary and on internship - and the memories and
friendships that sustain me this year. If you get a chance, please
check out St Peters first attempt at a website. You will find us at
www.stpetersarenzville.com And you are always welcomed to visit us in
Arenzville Illinois. We have plenty of room in the parsonage to
accomodate you and your family.
God's continual goodness and blessings,
Pr Deena Laird
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you. 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18
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