Colchester Federated Church

Pastor's Corner

Pastor's Corner

Dear Members & Friends of the Colchester Federated Church,

The seasons of our lives have a rhythm circling round the seasons of the year. My grandmother kept a five-year diary, comparing what she planted and harvested in the days of each year—also seeing who she visited, who was sick, who died and who was born.

In my own life I often measure the years by where I’ve lived and ministered, what milestones of maturity and transition my children have experienced, even by what car I’ve had as I pursue my daily tasks and adventures. Pictures can help us mark these times, as we remember the past, seek strength in the present, and hope for the future—in our personal lives and the life of our community. What a difficult and precious burden it is to care for those who are sick or in crisis of any kind. Yet God gives us the strength and insight to see us through the tough times—and the expansive spirit to celebrate the joys.

In our congregation we’ve had some tough times, and there’s no guarantee they’re over yet—but God has seen us through thus far—and also given us gifts to celebrate: the daily presence of faithful ministry in this time and place, the practical resources to sustain our work, the specific gift that funded our site renovation project which is nearing completion. We have loved ones to cherish, children to nurture, music to sing. We see God’s grace at work in our lives and give thanks for opportunities to celebrate God’s love for us all!

This is our church community. God asks each of us to participate fully, following Jesus’ example—knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God—living generous vital lives of faith, witnessing together through our beloved Colchester Federated Church.

May the peace of Christ be with you, now and always,
Pastor Linda Barnes 

Sara Ofner, Yale Divinity School student and our student pastor from Sept. '08 through April '09; sermon given at Colchester Federated Church April 19, 2009 (PDF)