Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 “Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the {person} who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.”  (Psalm 1:1 Amplified Bible)

Blessed, happy, fortunate, prosperous and enviable are great words to describe how I am feeling today.  The last two weeks exemplifies for me just how blessed we all are!  It is the first time I have experienced the return to church after a summer of trips to parts beyond Long Island.  It was great to see all the church families returning for Sunday school, to listen to them playing the bells and their sharing during the Children’s time.  We experience showers of blessings through the young people who call this church “Home.”

 ^“But his/her delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he/she habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.”  (v. 2)

As the children return to continue their studies, I pause to consider our own studies.  The Psalmist understood that happiness is a matter of finding good instruction (while avoiding poor instruction) and living by it.  The Biblical understanding of happiness involves being in relationship with God, who teaches, guides, and directs our paths.  This is why the Psalmist speaks to ponder and study by day and by night.  This is something that continues throughout our lifetime and we are blessed for continuing this practice beyond our confirmation.  It makes for a purposeful life, one that is ever-growing and expanding with each day.  Moreover, it is even better when we do this in community.

 So how can we maintain and build on the happiness we have experienced during the first couple of weeks in September?

The answer lies in the third practice of fruitful congregations.  In July and August, I spoke about the first two, which were Radical Hospitality and Passionate Worship.  The third is Intentional Faith Development.  All three requires the church to consider hospitality, worship and faith development in intentional ways.  When we consider hospitality and worship, we take a good look at everything that is involved in those areas with the goal of doing church in such a way that church is an uplifting experience for all people present.

The practice of Intentional Faith Development realizes, as the Psalmist points out, that abiding in the Word of God causes us to have a happier life in relationship with the Creator, particularly when we intentionally study and ponder the Word of God within community.  The Psalmist continues:

“And he/she shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].”  (v. 3)

Our children look to the adults in their life to set the standards for their life.  Intentionally planning to come to worship on Sunday mornings begins to set an important foundation for them.  However, it is not just about them, it is about maintaining our own foundations.  It is about staying connected to the life-giving waters of God so that we can continue to be prosperous and bear good fruit for the Lord.  In addition, I believe that during this time of discovering God’s vision for the church, we need to be firmly planted in the Word of God at all times.

 This is why I am initiating two things this fall.  Beginning the first week in October, I would be available between services (9:15 to 9:45 a.m.) for prayer and study.  Anyone who wishes to join me is invited.  Second, I am providing a daily devotional entitled “Disciplines” for members to take home with them.  We may use this as our guide for Sunday mornings but we can use other materials as the group desires.

May we be nourishing and drawing nourishment; giving, yet maintaining identity; growing and reaching, while remaining firmly grounded in the Lord.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Interim Pastor

Congregational United Church of Christ, Farmingville, NY

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