Rev. Dr. John Lentz
2009 State of the Church
Dear Friends,
In the January Tower, I quoted the great Dag Hammarskjold who wrote in his diary on a New Year’s Eve long ago: “For all that has been - Thanks! For all that is to be - Yes!” There cannot be a better way to begin my annual letter to the Congregation.
I cannot list everything that happened in 2009. Every Sunday there is something profound going on in Adult Ed., in the worship services, in the classes and fellowship groups. Here are just a few things for which I am thankful and that show who Forest Hill Church is.
In February a group of us went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. To walk the paths of the biblical characters, to see the sites, to experience the fullness of life in contemporary Israel and Palestine was nothing short of transformational. Thanks to Clover for imagining these pilgrimages and for organizing them. She and Liz will be heading to Turkey at the end of this month to pave the way for the pilgrimage in 2011. Truly, I don’t know where Forest Hill would be without the vitality, faithfulness, depth and joy of Clover Beal!
During Lent, Anne Wilson and Amanda Powell directed contemplative services of such beauty and power. I am so lifted by the power of prayer, the gifted leadership of Anne, the new friendship with Amanda. It reminds me of the blessings of worship, the beauty of music, the deep connections we share with each other and our Creator. I say this every year, and I will say it again: thank you Anne for your ministry among us. Each year Anne thinks of something new and pulls it off with aplomb.
On Sunday, April 5, $50 bills were handed out and the BIG GIVE began. We distributed $15,000. Over $28,000 was returned. Now that is an investment! We also saw the tilling of the soil of the Abundance Acres. All summer long we celebrated the wonders of the fruit of the earth. Thanks to Laura Steiner for heeding the call to lead this initiative.
In July the FHC Softball team won its third consecutive church league championship. I know that softball is not for everyone. But for over 30 people these Sunday evening games are a source of fellowship and joy. Jason Hidek is a master organizer. He also sits at the back of the sanctuary looking for new talent and new members!
In August I participated in Mayor Jackson=s Sustainability Conference. Over 400 participants envisioned and planned for a new day in Northeast Ohio shaped by a sustainable economy for “AGreen City on a Blue Lake.” Mark Chupp also attended. It shows a depth of our Christian commitment to stewardship to be so involved and I am so very grateful that you support my work in this area. Dave Neff attended a conference at Montreat on Creation and Stewardship. Again, our leaders are involved in things that matter.
Each month Clover and I have the privilege of meeting with the Elders and leaders of our church. I don=t think we appreciate the time and commitment that this takes. Again and again we are deeply moved by the faith of our membership and by the generosity of their gifts. Truly God is good! Thank you to Barb Hansen, Session Clerk, for keeping us all in order.
In November we hosted a meeting of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve. The highlight of the meeting for me was the worship service. Anne and a crew of FHC singers led the liturgy. I looked out over the crowd of guests representing all the Presbyterian churches. Despite all the divisions that seek to separate us as Christians we were together in worship. After the meeting was over, so many came up to me to express their gratitude and said, “Clearly, something is happening at Forest Hill.” Indeed something IS!
Just this past month Liz Wolleager organized the Advent Workshop and she and Clover directed the Christmas pageant. Liz is a wonder. We don’t know all the hours she spends making the youth program successful. Liz makes it seem so easy. But it is a LOT or work!
Of course none of this work would be accomplished without Lynda, Becky, Stavros, Michael, Anthony, LeRoy and the host of volunteers who give of their time and talents and treasures.
What are your favorite memories of 2009? I know I left out a lot. I hope you give thanks to God daily for the staff and programs, the leaders and fellowship, the faith and the formation that takes place here.
So what is before us in 2010? Excellent education, lively worship, joyful fellowship, a pilgrimage to El Salvador, perhaps a 4th softball championship. There are two things that I want to call to your attention because they are of such importance. Starting at the end of the month a small group of 12 members will begin to explore Evangelism led by Keith Logan. We need to grow this church. There are so many deeply faithful and imaginative people in our world looking for a place to ground their lives. We all need to hone our ability to share good news of our experience of faith. The best way to grow a church is by word of mouth and by living a life that draws attention to the source of peace and activity that we pursue. Following the model of small group ministry exemplified by Faith Leaders, this Evangelism group will add a dimension of power to our lives.
In order to grow the church and expand our mission (by the way, have you checked the kiosk in Fellowship Hall? Thanks to Julie Lustic and the Ministry of Justice and Mission!) we need to tend to our building. Forest Hill Church has been located on the corner of Monticello and Lee for over 50 years. We have been an anchor institution in the Heights and we witness to the East Side of Cleveland welcoming all, joyfully celebrating our gifts, and reaching out in mission to the world. It is time for a major restoration and repair project. What goes on inside these walls in worship and programming and outside these walls in mission and outreach depends upon our care of the walls, the roof, and the drainage. Therefore we will be calling on the membership to support a campaign to restore our building. The repairs that we must undertake are not superfluous or Asexy.@ They are simply necessary. Just as any of our houses need to be maintained so too does the church. I know you will all support this great work. Thanks to Gary Lustic and Dave Hunter for their leadership.
You all make it very easy to say “Thank you!” and “Yes!” It is a privilege to minister among you and call you friends. With each passing year I am more and more grateful, indeed awed by your generosity, humor, support and grace.
Thanks be to God! Thanks be to you!
John C. Lentz, Jr.
Senior Pastor