The Wednesday evening study group has been reading and discussing the book of Daniel. There are only a few small verses of this book in our lectionary sequence, which is not a real surprise, since part of the book is apocalyptic literature, full of visions and interpretations of things to come and the end time, rather like the book of Revelation in the New Testament. While these visions are not always pretty, they always contain a message of hope for the people, that God has not deserted them, and will prevail in the end.

Recently I have heard some visions and interpretations of our church, which have not been very hopeful. It would seem as if a gray cloud of negativity has descended, and it is easy to get lost in its gloom. While I believe in being realistic, we are far from going under. The Old Stone Church has survived worse than this, and has survived this long for a reason.

Jesus is still the Light of the world. When we are tempted to be negative, let us imagine his glorious light shining through the clouds. In the spirit of apocalyptic writings, let us imagine the Holy Spirit blowing away all those clouds. And then, let us imagine our church gatherings to be places of great joy in the acceptance of God’s unfailing love.

Come together, people of God! Share your new vision of the Old Stone Church as a safe haven for all people. Attend all the meetings with a positive voice, and hopeful suggestions. This church is Christ’s church, on loan to us for our time—and a short time it is. We are not alone in our struggles. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, and a very great power it is! 

 I wish you peace and joy in believing,                                               

Karen 

From the Associate Pastor                                                                                                                                                               Amy   

“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning…” Ecclesiastes 7:8

 My beginning at Old Stone was slow, quiet and full of unknowns. Now, I take my leave powered by the Holy Spirit, headed into the fast pace of a city and knowing how far the love of a Christian community can take you. My husband has finally finished his program at Yale (praise God!) and has begun a postdoctoral fellowship in New York City . At the end of July, I will be leaving our beloved Old Stone Church . Often in life we have to do what God wants us to do and although we try to fight against it—God’s way is the only way. My fondest memories include: all of you, standing up, clapping and singing during the Pentecost service led by the Youth Group a few years ago; eating that amazing cake with you at the baby shower for Evelyn; and praying with you at many times and in many places. I thank God for my time at Old Stone. I thank God for calling me to you. I thank God that this goodbye is so difficult because it means that we have truly grown together in Christian love.

Yours in Spirit,