Back on the Porch

Well, it's about time this "blog" got started again.  Welcome back, or welcome the first time to "Back Porch Notes."  It's been a while since anything was posted, but now about once a week I plan to post on this blog - reflections, an occasional sermon, thoughts from different people who are part of the extended PCC family. Here is the first post - reflections by Elder Susan Debnam at this past Tuesday's Session meeting:

The Rest of the Christmas story… devotion for Session meeting – 12/11/12

By Elder Susan Debnam 

(NOTE: newly-elected elders and deacons were present for the meeting)

I always sign up for December devotions because our hearts are filled with words and thoughts of  holly, wreaths, & cookies.  We can’t wait.  Doesn’t it sound wonderful?  But as I grow older I realize the Christmas story has a lot more in its message than a baby being born in a stable.

Let’s look at who was there –

·      Animals that smelled (they weren’t ready for a 4-H show)

·      Shepherds who were living in the fields (just a group of farmers)

·      Kings who had everything (maybe bankers or golfers)

·      Mary and Joseph – I surely would not pick them to give us the Wonderful Counselor

What does this say to us at PCC?  As we invite new members to the session how can we continue to love and care for each other when we are so different? We come with different backgrounds.  I think these new members are one of the best groups PCC has invited to session.  But there are those days when we all seem to work in our own corners and forget that our charge is to be Christ-like and lead this church in new ways with great JOY.  When this church was formed we didn’t want another church – we wanted a church that could be excited about doing God’s work.

Two weeks ago I watched farmers, boat captains, kids, carpenters, and ladies build a beautiful Christmas ledge. It warmed my heart. [NOTE: The “ledge” is above the chancel.] 

Last week, 22 members and friends traveled north to work on storm damage from Hurricane Sandy.  They came back with great stories and not just about the house they worked to repair, but with stories about each other.

I watched as the 911 team kicked in when Bill fell ill Sunday during worship.   

Two weeks ago our kids gave Clairvaux Farm families a Christmas gathering.

It is all wonderful! PCC has had a great start but 2013 has the opportunity to continue down this road finding new ways for PCC to do God’s work here and around the world with members and friends that are very different but believe in the same wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

Let these leaders look for hope everyday 

Look for hope in the faces of the people you meet.

Give hope to those you meet and help PCC be the Christ in the world.  Amen.