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Dear Members and Friends of St. John’s,

Ordinarily, one might say it was bad form to brag too much about things at church – pride goeth before a fall, and all that! But as an outsider to St. John’s, I think I may be afforded that privilege, so here goes:

You have an amazingly dedicated group of people who keep St. John’s and its ministry’s best interests deeply planted in their hearts. I have earned so much in the past 9 months from walking alongside the people of this congregation – both its leaders and those who simply “show up” for worship — that I would not be able to list all the experiences that I have cherished in this letter.

I am so grateful to work at a place that allows the staff to try out new things. You demonstrate a willingness to try new things that is both admirable and holds up a mirror to a God who daily “makes all things new.” This is no small feat given all the changes you have been through in the past several years – well done!

I have never experienced a place that continually reinvents itself so ably. Wednesday Night Live (WNL) is a prime example. St. John’s has made a brilliant space for this new offering and it has the potential to be a powerhouse for evangelizing new members and feeding our current members. As Dr. Hilary once described the experience: “It gets inside you” and you can feel the power of the Holden Prayer Service throughout the week until you come back.”

The adult education class that I have been teaching looks to be a fun and engaging way for us to expand our own faith. We are currently reading a book by Amanda Held Opert (her focus in the book is on grief written after losing her sister and other things she writes about, just as Covid hit, which made this process extra complicated). The class both instructs about the roots of this universal human experience and teaches us how to live with our grief (large and small) while at the same time providing the opportunity for some doodling and conversation that just seems fun!

The view from the Acting Lead Bridge Pastor these days is towards a pathway that is opening wide! As you also know, St. John’s is about to be joined with a highly capable leader in the person of Rev. Linda Noonan. It is an exciting time to be in ministry in Lansdale!

Peace,

Pastor Tom

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Hello, St. John’s family! My name is Kay, and I am the Office Manager. I have been extremely blessed to share the months since coming aboard with all of you!

In Spring, Lisa Delp, my predecessor, celebrated her retirement on the last day of March. Thanks to the dedication and work of our Council and staff, I was brought on the first day of April, with no gaps in office coverage! While I’ve been hard at work keeping the ship afloat, I’ve also been spending time reading old publications, and speaking with Council, staff, and all of you to learn as much as I can about St. John’s as possible.

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In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah foresees it. In the New Testament, John the Baptist proclaims it. This Advent season at St. John’s, we will live it. This season’s theme, Prepare the Way, reminds us of the importance of preparing. Preparing for a hectic holiday season, preparing for new leadership at St. John’s, and most importantly, preparing for God’s only Son to enter into our broken world.

Join us as we Prepare the Way in Advent and celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve and beyond by attending our upcoming events this holiday season.

 

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Dear Friends and Family at St. John’s,

Featured in this edition of The Enlightener is Rev. Addie’s note in which she shares her bittersweet thoughts on her time at St. John’s and her parting. A ministry of 10 years that saw so much change is impossible to convey in one letter, but we are all grateful for her time here. I am most grateful for Rev. Addie’s love of God, the Church of Christ and the people of St. John’s.

Right now is a time to feel our feelings rather than to ignore or even fear them. We acknowledge our fears about the future, but do not give in to them. Instead, let us recognize that God does not send fear into the hearts of God’s people. When we receive messages of fear and hopelessness they are generally from what I like to call: “the other spirit.” Sure, at times we can see some truth in a message of doom, but ironically it is sometimes harder for us to see the promise that is near or even just around the corner.

We will always have challenges in our future, for nothing will change unless we actively invite that change and work within and among us to realize the change that is God’s future. St. John’s is about to embark on a future with a Settled Lead Pastor that will provide the opportunity to work towards a shared vision of divine servanthood.

For now, I encourage you to think about the ways in which God and St. John’s have been a positive support to you in the past. The promises that God has fulfilled in the past are our best guide to a hopefulness about our future – a future that is unknown and unknowable, but already held in God’s hand before we can “see” it. I cherish the opportunity to walk together with you as your “new” Lead Bridge Pastor as we journey towards St. John’s future – a future of promise and joy!

Peace,

Pastor Tom

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