Often times when family or friends arrive at our house they say: ‘We’re here’. It is a pleasant phrase, indicating that the gang has gathered; we who belong are in one place; the party is about to begin!

I wonder if it can also be a phrase that can be made into a question: ‘We’re here…where are you?’ For so long during the pandemic we struggled with not being able to be in one place, to party together, to gather as one gang. But, now that we can, we (not just Fort Plain and Sprakers, but the church and many institutions at large) are noticing that there has not been a GREAT HOMECOMING to worship and other programming.

There are all sorts of theories as to why we are not seeing a great return. Some say we have grown lazy or complacent. Others say we are afraid still of what could happen if we get together. Still others say those not returning were not really committed in the first place. Personally, I don’t prefer any of those theories. I lament what was, I worry some about what is, but in the end, I just simply long for what God is up to NOW. I am curious as to why some folks have chosen not to return (AND I invite you to reach out to me and share your thoughts, lets get through this together) but I am more curious about what God continues to do in our midst. Here we are two smaller congregations, with vital ministry happening in a huge way. I want to stay focused on what God is doing here, now…instead of getting on the treadmill of what was. Yes, we all lost some things (and some of us lost dear family and friends) as a result of the pandemic, but we did not lose it all. God has remained faithful, has shown us some new things, and continues to guide us to a future with hope (thank you Jeremiah 29:11).

One thing that I do know, those of us who are gathering are finding great strength from one another. So, I invite you to join us (if you are able, if you are not physically able, we still record our services and stream live from Sprakers) Sunday’s at 11 am at Fort Plain, 2nd and 4th Saturdays @ 6pm and 1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:00 am at Sprakers for worship. There are other ways to connect as well…so stay tuned.

I look forward to hearing you ALL in the near future declare…’We’re here’, and for all God’s people to gather in God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving.

PEACE~Pastor Nancy