May 3, 2018
Dear Congregation:
In reviewing the annual report for 2017, considering everything that we were experiencing in terms of disruption with the building project, I hope and pray that when you look at the annual report that you will see that we remained the same active congregation. Even in the midst of space challenges – including not having a kitchen or a large gathering place.
Just one example of how we continued our commitment to the community is that we were able to move the 12 step groups that had been meeting in Kemp Hall to Trinity Chapel. As a commitment to our faith that new beginnings are possible, we painted the second floor of the Chapel and refinished the floors with a memorial gift from the family of Jackie Storm. It’s now a warmer and more welcoming space that is larger than what these groups experienced at Kemp Hall.
We continued to open space to whatever groups needed a safe place to meet like the Trans Support group through the Frederick Center. That was another group that formerly met at Kemp Hall.
In the annual report, you’ll see the list of groups that continue to utilize our buildings and the many organizations we support in Frederick and beyond.
The only program that we needed to -- temporarily – say, “No” to was hosting the emergency family shelter. It just wasn’t physically possible to set aside the space with everything else was going on.
For me, it’s really important that we, as a congregation, understand that we did not compromise on our mission even as we’ve been building new space. In fact, we have enhanced it by getting the word out about why we are building this new space. So that we can have more outreach in the community, more space for educational programs, more opportunities for groups to find a space and a welcome place.
I’m looking forward to celebrating at our congregational meeting. We’ve been through a lot since we started talking about this project with our needs assessment in 2012. We’ve had our ups and downs but here we are in 2018. In a few months we really will have completion. Come join worship on Sunday to sing and praise and celebrate who we are as ERUCC.
Food for Thought:
"When I say it's you I like, I'm talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed." (Fred Rogers)
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762