Welcome to Woodside

It's a steep climb up this learning curve, the one that comes from transitioning from associate pastor to "pastor-in-charge" (in charge of exactly what I am still not sure!). After a long day of moving that nearly didn't happen, week one at Woodside UMC began with a Spirit-filled worship service. We celebrated communion and there was a liturgy to celebrate my appointment which involved many new (to me) and wonderful people. Everyone was excited to meet us and many people told us how glad they are to have us there--it was a great welcome.

But then the work week began, and with it came building issues, illness, death and dying, assisting neighbors in need...and it culminated with an accident on Georgia Ave. in which one of the drivers crashed into our lawn, building and the church sign which still reads: Rev. Rachel Cornwell, Welcome to Woodside! (Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt!)

It has been a little overwhelming, but it has also been a great first week. There was that really engergizing meeting with the outreach co-chairs who caught me up on all the cool ideas they have for the church in the coming months including an all-church picnic (August 13th!), a fall open house, and Wednesday nights at Woodside with dinner and a program for the community. There was a great celebration of the life of Rosemary Louft and the passing of Helen Sherbert, two long-time, faithful members of the church and a gathering of family and friends, and the sharing of memories, and I had the priviledge of being a part of that. And there were all the people who stopped by to talk, the introductions and getting to know each other that's made me feel like Woodside is becoming my home.

Best of all God has clearly been present this week--opening up opportunities, giving us fresh energy, watching over and protecting us. And like that sign, I'm still standing!