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The Rev. Dr.Cynthia Cearley
Lead Pastor of Congregational Life
Friends,
The month of May always brings the reminder to begin thinking about Montview women and men who may be called into the leadership of our community of faith. Presbyterians believe that God's spirit works in and through the nominating process of a particular congregation. In January, at the annual meeting of the congregation, you elected a representative group of men and women to undertake this important work. They need your help as they begin this process.
During the months of May and June, they will listen to the Spirit, talk with one another and discern the names of those who will be called to be Elders and Deacons for Montview, to begin serving in January of 2014. These leaders will join with the current Session and Board of Deacons to lend their inspiration, faith and hard work to leading and caring for this congregation.
Elders should be strategic thinkers, good listeners and effective decision-makers. Deacons should be compassionate, caring and enthusiastic leaders for congregational life. Both should have the best interest of Montview at heart, be examples of faith, love and service and be open to God's leading. It is a privilege to join the long lines of Montview's faithful who have served this church and it is a call to commitment and dedication.
This is where you come in. If you are led to suggest a name to the Nominating Committee, they are eager to receive your suggestions. Persons must be Montview members, who are active in participation and financial support of the church. There will be cards in the pews for the next several weeks and a box to receive the cards in the Commons. Don't delay, we begin our work in one week's time. You may also submit a name by
Thank you for helping us find those who will lead us into Montview's exciting future.
Blessings,
Cindy
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Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Dear Friends,
Webster's Dictionary defines sanctuary as "a particularly holy place within a church or temple." By that definition, Montview has many, many sanctuaries. On Sunday, May 5, the Fellowship Hall was one of these as over 100 children and adults met to celebrate the involvement of our children and youth in worship. This was a time for sharing food, conversation and laughter. It was a time when those gathered became a large, bustling extended family of sorts as friends appeared to be cousins and uncles and aunts enjoying each other's company. It was also a time filled with appreciation and applause for the readers, acolytes, ushers, Pulpit Players, choir members, program leaders, parents, and Children's Committee members.
Desmond Tutu wrote a book for children entitled God's Dream. In it he shares that each of us carries a piece of God's heart within us. When we are together in kindness and joy, God's heart is made whole. These words seem to further define sanctuary.
Here at Montview Church we have many particularly holy places where God's heart is made whole by the kindness and joy we share. Last Sunday, one of these was Fellowship Hall!
Thanks be to God for this church and for all who fill its sanctuaries.
Peace and joy,
Sandy
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