Webster Word

A Message From Your Pastor

Dear Webster Family,

I thank God that my mom is in remission now, and I hope that she will remain happy and healthy for a long, long time. I thank you, my dear family for all your love and support over this past year. I have learned so much from you about what it’s like to be a member of this Christ-centered family as you show love to all, and you nurture each other in the faith. I am thankful too, for those members who have been through health challenges, have undergone medical tests and treatment, and now are able to worship with us once again. The Lord has answered our prayers and we are all so very grateful.

I am once again volunteering at Harford Memorial Hospital on the Spiritual Care Team, giving service to the patients who do not have a faith community, and to those who are facing life-changing illness and injury. It is very rewarding to be able to share the faith in our community with those in need of a word of hope.

I am also returning to the Susquehanna Ministerium, where local pastors gather to share their faith and participate in local ministries such as working together on keeping Christ in Christmas, sharing in the celebration of Baccalaureate at Havre de Grace High School, beginning the Havre de Grace City Council meeting with prayer, and supporting transitional housing in the city. There is a lot to be done, and Webster is a part of the progress being made on the local front.

During 2007, I have the honor of being Chaplain of the Level Volunteer Fire Company. Whenever there is a need for spiritual support to officers and members of the fire company, for those who protect property and provide immediate medical care in emergency situations, I will provide spiritual care on their behalf.

Thank you to Auggie, George and the choir for your participation in the Smith Chapel revival service on Feb 19 th. Everyone enjoyed the service, and the music was delightful! Then, on Ash Wednesday, the Taize service was so wonderfully meditative and spiritual; those who were able to participate were really moved. Thank you to all who helped make these special services so meaningful for so many people. I hope you continue to pray and reflect on Christ’s journey toward Jerusalem, as we accompany Jesus to the Cross of our salvation. May you be blessed along the way, and we will all celebrate the Resurrection together on Easter Sunday.

I am so pleased with your enthusiasm and willingness to serve for all our committee chairs and members who were just recently elected. You are creative and innovative, and you have taken your leadership responsibilities to heart. I look forward to working with you and learning from you. Members and friends of the congregation have come up and shared with me how much they appreciate your leadership, and we look forward to a year of growth and continued participation in activities where we get to know each other and enjoy fellowship with one another. You have brought so many rich experiences to share and we all benefit from your presence and your commitment to the health and growth of our church.

We now have five young people in our confirmation class. They are Katie Hower, Woody Hower, Patsy Hower, Andrew Meiselwitz and Greg Reynolds. They are all very interested and excited about becoming full members of our congregation. So far, they each have perfect attendance, and we hope they will keep coming each Sunday, with 100% attendance, until we celebrate their achievement on April 29 th, with a special confirmation service. We meet each Sunday, from 4:00 to 6:00pm, and we are currently planning a retreat and some other fun activities together such as attending another church for a praise service and meeting for other youth activities. Please keep them in your prayers as they learn more about what it means to have faith in God, the history of Webster and the UCC and ultimately the rewards of becoming a member of the Body of Christ at this particular church.

Our congregation is blessed to welcome three new little ones into the fold. They are Lily Amelia Corpuz, born February 13 th. Ella Marie Pensell, born February 14 th, and Dakota Jane Arnold, born February 19 th. Our new little girls are all happy and healthy, and the new parents are beaming with joy. We anticipate the birth of Kyla Placzankis, around March 27 th. We pray that all of our children will continue to grow strong and will come to enjoy the fellowship of this faithful congregation.

May you be blessed in all you do, and may the Spirit guide you with love and light as we journey on together in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Peace,

Pastor Lonna