Tis the Season

Thanksgiving is over, Christmas and the New Year are fast approaching. Where did 2018 go?

Tis the season is most often recognized in the lyrics to the classic holiday song, Deck the Halls. Go ahead and sing along... Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa la la la la, la la la la 'Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Well, 2018 has been an eventful, yet fulfilling year for our church family. No need to rehash it all, but for me the positives far outweighed the negatives and I am personally excited about the future of First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso. Being jolly means to be happy and I am happy.

2019 will bring us a new pastor. While there will be some effort needed to be expended by a Pastor Nominating Committee, soon to be formed, their work will be so much easier because we are a church well-positioned for attracting quality pastoral candidates. FPCV has a solid base of members that support the work of the church and God's work financially, they show up each week to worship, they willingly share their treasures (time, talent and money) with others both locally and beyond, they think and act beyond the walls of the church building, they believe Christian Education is important for all ages, and support the youth of the church. What's not attractive about this situation for a pastor seeking a challenging new call?

So... the future is bright, 2019 is just around the corner. This congregation supports its members, it is a caring and a sharing group that welcomes visitors and persons seeking a church family to become a part of. We have experience with staying together during the times there is no dedicated pastor... so it is easy to stay positive and await what God has in store for us.

May your holiday season be filled with quality time with friends, family and your church family. I hope to see you all at worship each week for the next few months... lots of good music and fellowship opportunities are in store. Now is the time to stick together and stay together, not a time to take a break and wait to see what is going to unfold. The church is its members and while having a spiritual guide in the form of a good pastor is very important, it is the relationships and long-standing friendships that truly make First Presbyterian of Valparaiso the wonderful church it is!

Thanks be to God!

Jim Hubbard