From the Desk of Beth Robey Hyde .  .  .  .  It seems fitting that the turn of the year is a time of endings and beginnings at Christ Church. We have celebrated the lives and grieved the deaths of two friends, each of whom is dearly remembered in connection with special aspects of the church community.

In the same period of time, we have seen the sanctuary seem to expand to almost twice its former size, as the fence came down and the risers were removed from the choir loft. A breathtaking effect of that change came almost unexpectedly, as sound and light both flooded into the space! I can hardly wait to see the next step in this exciting transformation. 

Then the congregation approved a budget that appeared to have a $6,000 deficit, only to find that there were pledges yet uncounted, that brought the budget essentially into balance!

We have a way to go in our task of claiming an essential core mission and reinvigorating our life in the wider community, but doors are opening, possibilities are beginning to present themselves, and members are impatient to be about the work of the Gospel. God has been good to us here in this church, and we are moving forward.

2009 began a transition that will come to fruition in 2010, if we keep listening to our Stillspeaking God, and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Let us follow the old words of wisdom: pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on us!

You will receive this issue of the Caller early in February, but it is not too late to wish you a happy and blessed new year!

Beth Robey Hyde