Blessings Abound!!

So we are now into the 2nd week of October and things are getting back to normal....as far as me being away from church off and on... the last few weeks. My husband Matt, and I, had a wonderful vacation in the New England states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The leaves were just starting to turn, but it was such a blessing to be away from the noise and worries that may have surrounded us and just simply get away. We also enjoyed seeing family at the wedding of my niece.

Last week, the 7th, I was away from church for a purely selfish reason. My sister-in-law, Angela, and I started a tradition about 13 years ago of getting away together to just have some "Sister Chick" time. We typically enjoy a little shopping, perhaps attend a festival in the area, go to a few wineries here and there and just enjoy being together to giggle, talk, cry and even inspire each other. The highlight for my trip this year was beating her in a game of Scrabble!!! I never win when playing one of the Howsley members of my family....they are all pros....but not this time.

While I was away, Matt filled in for me, bringing a wonderful sermon entitled "The Room" that I know everyone was blessed by. And then he and another member of the church met with 12-14 kiddos immediately following church for our new children's program, Chalice Kids. I truly did not like missing this event (my trip was planned months ago before I began my ministry here), but I know that it was a wonderful time for the kids as well as the adults that helped.

Another blessing for this week is our "Noisy Offering". Once a month when our Chalice Kids meet, we also have a special time of offering that the children collect from the congregation. It is called noisy offering because it is the loose change that people have in their pockets collected in tin cans. (I must confess that I pinched this idea from Speedway Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN when I visited there last year). The kids love going from person to person to collect the offering and I have promised the children that once we get a good amount collected (at least $100 or more) we will discuss a worthy cause to use the offering on. The children will be in charge of the final decision of what is to be done with the money. It won't be spent on them, but rather a worthy and needed cause within the community or abroad.

This is a new thing for our church. We have just recently started this tradition, with this past Sunday being only the second time we have collected coins. And what a blessing everyone has been.....because as of this second time collecting the offering, we already have over $100!!!!! It is so totally amazing and gratifying that our congregation is supporting our children in this way.

Our congregation is not a huge mega-church. I think we all like that fact very much....but we also desire to be a voice for God in this fractured world and so we are all working together to be a church family and to provide for our children the opportunity to learn what it means to worship and honor God, to remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us all and to welcome the Holy Spirit within our midst as it flows through us.

The children are working towards their opportunity to lead worship on October 28th, which is Youth Sunday. This month is also Pastor Appreciation Month and I would like to take the opportunity to mention a few ministers who have had a large impact on my life.

First is the minister who baptized me about 52 years ago. I have to admit I don't remember his first name, but I do remember him as Brother Carclicks. I was nine years old at the time, but I remember him being very loving and genuine as he met with me about the decision I had made to make my public confession of faith. Another minister that had an impact on my life was actually an aunt of mine. My aunt, Irene Martin, began a small nondenominational church and served as its minister in Texas and it was my first exposure of seeing a woman in the pulpit. This was in the late 60s to early 70s and in a small, rural town in Texas. You can probably imagine how welcome that was to some people....but she persevered for a while.

Two ministers that were vital to my Christian journey were Rev. Lloyd McIntosh and Rev. Gary Smith. These two ministers presided over the marriage of Matt and I....Brother Mac being my minister and Gary being Matt's minister. It was a beautiful and moving service and one that definitely showed an ecumenical presence to me as these two ministers....from two very different faith communities....came together to unite us in Christ.

Perhaps the most pivotal minister in my life was Rev John McLemore, who is now with the saints. He was the pastor at the congregation Matt and I first became involved with here in Oklahoma and he mentored and encouraged me to answer the call that I was feeling on my life to become a licensed minister. His wisdom, guidance and jovial laughter will always be with me.

During my training as a pastor, Rev. Donna Compton served as another mentor, helping me by giving advise, critiquing my required paperwork and theses as well as just being an all around great friend. Many other ministers have also left an impact on me....Rev. Bill Shields...Rev. Bill Shaw....Rev. Loma Sullivan...Rev. Leslie Dotson...Pastor Marilynn Knott.....Rev Joe Jones....Rev. John Imbler...Rev. Greg Shaw...as well as Rev. Pam Holt who currently is serving as our Regional Minister. There are so many more that I could list....but time and space is limited....but I would like to say to you all thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me.....for believing in me and especially for showing me by your wonderful example what it means to be a pastoral servant of God.

I look forward to the rest of this year and to seeing what is next on the horizon!!!

If you are reading this and do not have a church home....we would love to have you visit us. Not because you will add to our numbers or perhaps make an increase in the offering plate, but because we truly enjoy meeting new people who are on life's journey and we would be honored to be a portion of journey.

Happy Fall to you all and I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday!!!!

Pastor Elaine Howsley,

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Pauls Valley, OK