By The Rev. Dr. Anne McKee

Ashton and I decided to call my words “The Bridge” because that’s what I hope to be here at FCPC– a connector, helping you all move over some rough waters, onto what I hope will be a smooth road to your next phase of life as a church. Bridges are not usually very long, but sometimes they are wonders of design – holding us up, helping us move forward, and occasionally offering a good view. I hope that will be the case in my short time here– that by the end of June, a spirit of calm and hope will prevail, the search process will be well underway, and the ministries of FCPC will not just be continuing but strengthened in your witness to Christ. That’s the work of all of us together – the congregation, the presbytery leaders who are helping you, and myself, as well as the next transitional pastor who will help guide your journey. And also, of course, the Holy Spirit, who will fuel our travel and show us the path. 

Those of you who came to the listening session Wednesday night know that we are well on our way. I was so touched by the love in the room – how even in your different responses to recent events, you all share a genuine love for Christ and for this. You grieve the loss of your pastor, especially after such a short time, and you grieve friends who have not been coming to church or who have left. And yet, you are eager to reach out in love to encourage them to return, and to trust Christ, who called you here, to lead you to a future with hope. 

More than anything, I want to be an encourager among you, like Barnabus in Acts. Yes, the road can be hard, and sometimes there are rivers to cross. But we can help one another get to the other side. One way we do that is by being faithful in worship, by being present with one another and praising God together, by participating in study, fellowship, and service, so that we demonstrate Jesus’s love active among us. Please let me know how I can support you as we travel together. 

Blessings,

Anne McKee