Communication and Virtual Relationship - Just beginning

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

--Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Community Presbyterian Church—The name says so much to me. First, I have discovered in my short time among you that you are a community of faith. As the banner at the front of the sanctuary so boldly proclaims: “Community Presbyterian Church – Where Friends Become Family.” I believe this to be true. Our community of faith is a family. We are a welcoming church and for that I applaud you. I feel very much at home with you already (and it hasn’t even been three months yet!).

            But the CPC family extends beyond the walls of the church. I have been impressed by how vital the witness and ministry of this congregation is to the community of Plainview and the surrounding area. For example, the Community Clothesline has made a difference to those in need by providing much needed clothing and other items. And the money earned at the Community Clothesline will be designated by the Mission Ministry Team to be given away to various community organizations, thereby expanding the positive influence of our ministry in countless (and immeasurable) ways.

            This edition of the Newsletter (my thanks to Eileen Wood for her tireless work and nimble computer skills!) contains many important announcements about our common life and work – information on the start of the LOGOS program (October 26) and my first Sunday in November – November 6^th). All of this information is important to deepen our relationships and strengthen our community.

            This week, I created two things that I believe will continue to strengthen our community and our ministry and witness to Plainview and the world. I would like to invite you into these virtual communities. First, I have created a Facebook page for Community Presbyterian Church. I encourage you to look up “Community Presbyterian Church; Plainview, MN” and “like” this page. My hope is that this will provide another way to stay connected and deepen our relationships with one another as the body of Christ.

            The second thing I did this week is to create a blog. I intend to blog each Monday morning about Community Matters – things that I believe are important specifically to CPC, as well as things that I believe are important to our lives of faith. And occasionally, I confess I will probably rant and ramble about things I am passionate about – like coffee or the Nebraska Cornhusker football team (don’t say I didn’t warn you). My hope with this blog is to provide a way for some deeper conversation around the things that matter most in our lives of faith. You can check out my blog at www.communitypresmatters.blogspot.com. Eventually, I hope to connect the blog to our church webpage (an in-the-works process) and to you all through Facebook and email. As with so much of our technology today, it is truly an experiment, but one in which I have hope; hope that we will continue to connect over things that matter--relationships and community.

            What’s in a name? I think our Community is a good place to start.

            Prayerfully,

            Pastor John