Our annual campaign theme is 200 Years of Blessings: Imagine What Comes Next. Sue Cole from the Stewardship Committee shares her story.
Sue Cole
In thinking about my favorite blessings from First Presbyterian Church, two very different but extremely important personal events come to mind.
The first was more than 20 years ago when my husband, Gordon, was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer at the age of 54 and was given only six months to live. Miraculously, he was successful in fighting this horrific disease for 11 years. During each of those years, our family was lifted up by incredible kindness and thoughtfulness from so many members and ministers as we lived out those many years of anxious uncertainty and sadness.
The second experience was the week before Christmas last year when Dirk and I got married. The ceremony was in our beautiful sanctuary on a Wednesday morning surrounded by the festive poinsettias given by church members for the Christmas season. Only our witnesses were present as Jill led scripture and nuptials in this peaceful and serene place of worship. And with every word spoken, Jill exuded warmth and joy for our marriage. What a blessing to experience her joy in our beautiful sanctuary for our very special day!
As I reflect on these two experiences as well as “ordinary” times in our church, I recognize that our church is my happy place. It’s a welcoming place to chat with church friends, to be inspired by thought-provoking sermons, and to become more centered during troubled times. What a blessing to be part of this warm congregation!
Thanks to ALL for your warmth, encouragement, and joy!
This Sunday, October 27, we will make our commitments to the church for 2025. Pledge packets have been mailed, or you can pledge here.
