Dear FPCA Friends:
This Sunday marks a new chapter in the life of our congregation as we joyfully welcome The Rev. Stephanie Anthony as our next installed lead pastor. This is a moment of deep gratitude and hope, a time when we open our hearts to new possibilities and embrace the Spirit’s leading in fresh ways.
Transitions in ministry are sacred. They are times of both excitement and adjustment, of joy and curiosity. To help us prepare, we have included a guide in our upcoming events section with simple, meaningful ways to support Pastor Stephanie as she begins this journey with us. I encourage all of us to practice these steps; not just this week, but in the weeks and months ahead.
As we prepare to welcome Pastor Stephanie, I want to take a moment to share my deepest gratitude for all of you. Last Sunday, I preached on Jesus’ call to love our enemies: a text made even more real in our world today. As I spoke from my heart, as a person in the LGBTQIA+ community facing attacks in this country, I was met with your resounding love and affirmation.
I cannot express how much that meant to me. To stand in the pulpit, to name the realities of injustice, and to feel not alone but deeply held by this church – by you – was a powerful, holy moment. I am grateful for the Spirit who intercedes, for the love that fills in the gaps of what words cannot express, and for the ways you show up again and again as a people of grace.
During our congregational meeting, when I lifted up all those who have shaped our ministry along the way, including each of you, your response reminded me that we do not walk this journey alone. You have shown me what it means to belong to a body of faith that loves, cares, and supports one another unconditionally. I pray that as Pastor Stephanie steps into her new role, you will offer her that same deep love, that same Spirit-filled embrace, and that same unwavering support.
This is who you are, FPCA. A people of love. A people of grace. A people led by the Spirit.
God’s peace,
Pastor for Faith Formation
P.S. There is some damage to our parking lot outside of the fellowship hall. The driving path between the speed bumps has been roped off, and we will not be able to drive through it. Please be mindful of this on Sunday. Our property staff and building & grounds team are already diligently addressing this issue.
