Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey May, 2001

This time in our church life is filled with promise.

We are creating our search committee for our new instrumental musician. This and the repair of our organ console confirm our deep valuing of music in our life together. The The Sundays, Etc. Committee found that the church wants a musican with strong classical skills. The church also appreciates the increasing diversity in our music. The Board has asked that the Search Committee seek a musician with both those strong classical skills and an enthusiasm for diversity in our musical experience.

More children are coming to church school. Lots of babies are coming to the nursery. Our adult classes are rich experiences. The good work of religious education is yielding strength in our life together.

Members and friends offer each other friendship and support. Our Caring Committee responds to people who are in special need and they provide support for all our Memorial Services.

The Social Justice Council has used First Forums and Soup Lunch effectively in communicating about its work to help create a Caregiver's initiative. The Board voted to speak out against homophobic hate crime in our neighborhood, and the Social Justice Council has witnessed against the kkk in Skokie and Gary, Indiana, and is joining with the Hobart church and others in a witness against a racist hate crime in Valparaiso, Indiana.

A small church group is meeting to take up renewed Welcoming Congregation programming, and the Charlotte Lackner Committee has recently held a First Forum to educate the congregation about its mission and programming.

The Committee on Ministry is gaining greater clarity on its mission and, with the assistance of Angela Merkert from the Central Midwest District, the Committee recently shared at a First Forum about the Committee's history and mission.

In addition to its other work, the Property Committee has led a fine retiling effort in Pennington Center. Much of it was completed in time for Rev. Marlene's Walker's Installation. Some more will be continuing in the near future.

This month will be filled with lively, evocative worship, including hearing from Karen Day, one of the seminarians we sponsor, on May 6, and hearing our wonderful choir sing a special program on May 13.  Rev. Marlene will preach the homily for that service and also the sermon for the May 20 service. I will return to the pulpit for the Memorial Day Service (after a pulpit exchange and study trip -- see the article on "Looking Through Another's Eyes").

The Administrative Committee and I are working hard on recruiting a new Administrator and we hope this will be accomplished very soon. We continue to be grateful for all the volunteers who help our church office support the many programs and space uses of our church!

We are blessed by wonderful lay leaders who strengthen the ministry of the whole congregation. Our Nominating Committee has been recruiting continuing and new leadership for our offices and councils and our Board is preparing for our Annual Meeting.

Ministry in this vital, rich and diverse congregation is a joy. I am grateful every day.

In faith, with love,

Nina