Butterflies and Hot Tea

This article first appeared in the 2011 Annual Report.

As I write my year-end report, three days before Christmas, I am looking out the window of my office at a Hickory Hills completely devoid of snow. Who would have thought that those of us living in Chicagoland would be able to sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” with any sense of seriousness? Even more amazing, who would have thought that this summer-loving, Texas-bred pastor would grow to love the snow, and to wait impatiently for it?

The year 2011 has carried with it many “who would have thought” moments. Some have brought joy, others sorrow – but all have contained the wonder of knowing the comfort, hope, strength, and amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hickory Hills welcomed four active members in 2011, one through the sacrament of Baptism, and three through reaffirmation of faith. In addition to our four new adult members, Hickory Hills has received two new infant members through the sacrament of Baptism. The different methods and times at which people join the church is a testament to the joyous fact that God works in all stages of our lives, longs for relationship with us, and challenges and commands us to always strive after greater knowledge, greater trust, and greater faithfulness as followers of Christ.

The participation in the life and ministries of HHPC by adult members, whether they have joined recently or been a part of the fellowship for many years, reminds us that a life given over to God necessitates connection to the community of brothers and sisters in Christ given to us by God. The reception through baptism of infant members, who by definition cannot fully participate in the life and ministries of the church, reminds us of the completeness of God’s love for us, even before we can consciously choose to love God; as well as reminding us of our responsibility as the body of Christ to teach one another, to work and worship and learn side by side, and to live up to the wording on our bulletins that states that the ministers of HHPC are all of its members and friends.

The reception of new members, whether through baptism, reaffirmation of faith, confirmation, or letter of transfer; whether as infants, youths, or adults; includes a promise by the congregation to support, nurture, and teach new members as they travel on their walks of faith, and this promise never expires!

That support and nurture includes standing with each other in joy and in sorrow. First Corinthians reminds us as the body of Christ that, if one part of the body suffers, all suffer with it. If one part of the body rejoices, all rejoice with it. I have had the joy of officiating two weddings this year. One was at HHPC, where the bride is a member. I was also honored to officiate the wedding of my sister in Austin, Texas. It was a joy to witness the birth of three new babies in our congregation, and to participate in the celebration of three new Eagle Scouts. I had a wonderful time experiencing my first Lenten series and my first Vacation Bible School at HHPC.

I have also officiated or co-officiated seven funerals or memorial services this past year – for members, for the family of church members, and for the family member of former church members who was also a dear personal friend. In addition, I have attended several memorial services or funerals to support those in our congregation who lost loved ones this year. The congregation was shocked and grieved by the sudden death of our music director, G.R. Snow, who was also a beloved member of the congregation. Although these are times of sorrow, comfort is found in the assurance that loved ones are out of pain, and in the promise of the resurrection and of Christ’s coming again – the assurance that a day of peace will come when tears will be wiped from every eye. And we are comforted by each other. We cry and mourn and grieve together, we are warmed by each others’ embrace, and we are reassured of God’s love and presence with us.

As part of my ministry at HHPC, in recognition that we are a connectional church, I continue in my work with Chicago Presbytery. This year, I have accepted a three-year-appointment on the Worship, Music, and the Arts Workgroup of Presbytery. Together, this group plans worship services at Presbytery meetings and other Presbytery events, including the L.E.A.D. leadership training event in March 2012 that is a joint effort of Chicago Presbytery and McCormick Theological Seminary. I have also been active this year with Mission Council 8, teaching a workshop at their leadership training event in January, and attending several events and leadership meetings.

I have had several chances this year to fulfill my goal of doing more teaching at HHPC. In addition to the yearly new officer training that takes place in January, I led a leadership training mini-retreat in August. I had the pleasure of leading a Lenten series for the Women’s Bible Study in March and April. And I have had the opportunity to lead, co-lead, or teach our young people at various times during the year, at Kid’s Club, Junior High Youth Group, and Senior High Youth Group.

There has been lots of new-ness at HHPC this year. We have added a new staff member in our worship and music ministries. We have added to our Christian Education ministry with two new weeknight adult classes. We have added a new outreach and mission to the community through our food pantry ministry. We have a new addition to our web-based ministry with the pastoral blog. We have new carpet, paint, and floors downstairs. We have new outside doors at three of the church’s entrances, and new handrails on the stairs off the parking lot leading to the office entrance. And we had our Rally Day picnic this year using a new grill and new picnic tables. Just about every day brings a new experience, or a new opportunity to minister in a new way. And there is plenty of new-ness to anticipate this year, as we begin a search for a new director of music, and look forward to the installation of a new sound system. Each year – each day, even – brings new goals and opportunities.

None of this new-ness would be possible without the new-ness of life that we are given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. And all that we do as Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church – whether it is something new or some treasured tradition – must point to this new-ness of life that we have. As we begin 2012, let us not forget our mission and purpose – to SEEK God’s Word, to SHARE and CELEBRATE God’s love, and to SERVE Jesus Christ in the world. Let us not forget our chief end and purpose as stated in the Westminster Shorter Chatechism – “to glorify God and enjoy God forever.” Let us not forget the first and greatest commandment, and the second which is like it: To love the Lord our God with all our heart and mind and soul and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And let us not forget the new commandment given to us by Jesus Christ, to love one another as Christ has loved us. In this new year and always, let us not forget who – and whose – we are. Happy 2012! I am, as always, working, playing, and praying…

In Joyful Anticipation,

 

Pastor Lara

 

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