Beginnings

Fall has always been my favorite time of year.  A time of new beginnings.  As sad as I am to see the free form, lazy days of summer come to an end I am equally happy to embrace the cool weather and the start of a new school year for my children.  Fall also marks the births of my two eldest children and even though they were born 18 and 16 years ago, I am mindful that their entry into the world was the start of my journey towards adulthood. I am the woman I am today because of their, and their siblings, presence in my life.

First Parish is also experiencing yet another new beginning.  On August 1st we welcomed Reverend Christina Sillari as our 15th settled minister.  She is the first woman and the first mother to lead our historic faith community. I am filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as I look into the future.  At this critical juncture in the history of our community, as churches in our city close their doors due to lack of members and money, we at First Parish are filled with hope, commitment and passion.  We are called, each and every one of us, to re-imagine, reinvent and recreate what it means to be a church.  If we have the courage, the creativity and the boldness to take up this great challenge then we will not just survive as an urban church but we will thrive.

This blog is a new beginning as well.  It has been too long since I have written on a regular basis.  If one of my challenges is to find joy in my role as a leader then I must do those things that bring me joy.  Writing brings me joy.  I plan to use this forum to explore not just the challenges of our community but the challenges that face all of us as we battle a culture that is often filled with discord, commercialism, negativity and injustice.  I also envision this as a forum for healthy discussion. It is only when we question each other; challenge each other; lovingly critique each other, that we have a chance to grow as individuals and as a faith community.  I encourage you to leave your comments.  They will be read and honored.

Peace.