News from the Interim Co-Executive Presbyters

Often in January for Epiphany, churches offer Star Words for the year. This is a word that a person randomly picks up and makes it their word for the year. This Word is then used during the year in your life, your prayer life and in your service to others.
What we offer this month is a little out of the ordinary. Given the last month, we offer two Star Words for Hurricane Recovery.
· Resilience: “An ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.”
As the staff has checked on churches following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we all have heard in the conversation the resilience you are displaying. The people of Central Florida are resilient and we are adjusting in the midst of many changes. We have heard of your cleaning up and repairs of homes and church campuses. Your resilience is a gift which gives you strength and hope in times when they are needed the most. Thank you for all that you all have been doing during the recovery of the storms. Our prayers continue to be lifted for all of us as we move forward and as we know that there is one more month of Hurricane Season. Our resilience comes from knowing we are not alone. “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1-2a)
· Generosity: “Showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.”
·We are witnesses to the generous nature of people as we look at the donation boxes overflowing in Church Narthexes, in grocery stores, in Post Offices and many other places. When we see a need, such as storm recovery, we want to help in some way. As we enter into the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas Seasons, we begin to seek ways to help others through food offerings, toy drives and Angel Trees. We become Stewards, Disciples of our Gifts by helping others. As Christians, we are called to be stewards of our gifts, from money to the talents given to us by God, and to offer them and use them to God’s glory. We do that often more than we realize, following Jesus commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
Together, may Resilience and Generosity guide us as we seek the Light of the Star of Christ.
Peace,
Olivia and Hoover

NOVEMBER 2024

Rev. Dr. Hoover & Rev. Olivia Haney