Pastor's Message
January 2025
Pastor Ivy Gauvin
I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. Although we were unable, due to weather, to connect with family for our Thanksgiving, they made it for Christmas! We did however, miss our granddaughter, who had flown from Charlotte, NC to Rochester. As you know, the Thruway was closed. The disappointment seemed to linger.
I am writing this article on the day that is the winter solstice, when we experience the longest night of the year. Some churches have The Longest Night or Blue Christmas services. In these services, worshipers can remember those they've lost during the year or simply bring themselves before the Lord.
When I was on internship in Petersburg, WV, I experienced such a service. It was sponsored by the local hospice and was primarily for those who had lost a loved one who had been in hospice. However, others were invited to participate as well. The service was very moving.
I don't know about you, but when I have been struggling with something, the nighttime seems the worst. I lie in bed and I feel like there's tape on a loop in my head. At times like this, is when God meets us.
Of course, we wonder what this year may bring. We may be excited by the results of the election for President, or we may be mourning the aftermath. Either way, our God will accompany us as we journey through 2025. What will it bring for us, for the world? I don't know, but God does.
I am often reminded of this verse, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NRSVue). Although addressed to the nation of Israel and not to an individual, we can still receive hope from these words. God is for us, not against us.
God bless and keep each of you in his love this year.
God's peace be yours,
Pastor Ivy