There is no question that Eastrose is undergoing a period of transition. Our minister of the past eight years retires at the end of June and we have just installed a new board of directors. We are actively searching for a new minister, but planning to go lay-led if we need to.

It was joyous to see so many at Rev. Patti’s final sermon and potluck picnic this past Sunday! There were many happy reunions. Here’s hoping there are many more to come.

There is much work awaiting all of us, but I am confident that our new board, whose members bring tremendous talents and skills, is up for the challenges.

Some of the things on the horizon include:

• Continue to improve our worship experience in person and online,
• Update and improve how we conduct the business of the church (ie, bylaw revisions),
• Improve our physical space inside and the grounds outside,
• Grow our online presence,
• Energize our family ministry program,
• Grow the congregation through outreach to members lost during the long closure, and outreach also to the community, and
• Increase stewardship through pledges of time, talents and money.

My pledge to everyone at Eastrose, both members and friends, is to keep you informed about what is happening and where you, as individuals or families, can get involved.

If you have suggestions, ideas or want to offer your services, just drop me an email at board@eastrose.org.

In faith,

Cynthia Hopkins