From “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”1 Corinthians 12:4-6Hard to believe Autumn is already here. And what a Spring and Summer we’ve had. Really not like anything else. Our lives have changed completely. We’ve been bumped out of our normal everyday comfort zones by this unseen, deadly Covid-19 virus. I trust that you all are continuing to keep yourself and others safe by practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings. I now have a greater appreciation forwomen of di)erent cultures who normally are required to wear face coverings. It has been a challenging experience…an experience that will not anytime soon be leaving us. I encourage you all to continue with these safe practices and regular sanitizing of hands and surfaces. We have entered a new age where the viruses seem to be winning. Let’s continue to be smart about this. Regarding this pandemic and government regulations, I just want to give a shout out to our Moderator at First Federated Church…Craig Korowski. He has taken this virus seriously from day one and has been scrupulously reading and acquainting himself with all the latest health updates, denominational and government guidelines to keep us all safe in the church. As you may or may not know, Craig is a lawyer and has the amazing agility and ability to thoughtfully,analytically and with impartiality look at both sides of every issue. Thank you so much Craig for keeping our congregation’s health, well-being and safety in the forefront of all your advice and recommendations. We value your service and dedication to First Federated Church.
Another important shout out goes to Pat Patrick who has stepped down from his many duties as Treasurer and Deacon at the church. We have all appreciated Pat’s faithfulness in allhis duties and the many hats he wore over the last years. Pat kept our ‘ship’ on the straight and narrow for many years, watching faithfully over church 3nances, investments, gift cards to the needy and many other everyday duties. We will greatly miss his expertise and many years of experience and wisdom…not to mention his famous, lengthy ‘stories’ in true Irish tradition! Due to a number of factors Pat has felt strongly that it is now his time to pass the gauntlet of service to someone else. Pat selected Rob Mildish to replace him as Treasurer, with Board approval. And we are all delighted that Rob readily has stepped in and has eagerly taken on Pat’s duties, in spite of his own busy position in mortgages and banking. Pat we all want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all you have done at First Federated. It has not gone unnoticed and we will miss you.“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it iswith Christ…Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.” 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14.Rev. Yvonne Miloyevich