To say First Church has gone through multiple transitions in the last few years would be an understatement. Even as news stories of COVID-19 outbreaks in the area came out, the suddenness of the shutdowns still came as a shock. I remember working on that Sunday’s bulletin when I got the news that in-person worship was canceled that week, and all staff would be working from home, without any idea of when we would be returning.


At first, we thought the shutdown would last for a few weeks, but then those weeks turned into months. People throughout the Oregon-Idaho Conference called to see when First Church would be re-opening, but I had no answer for them other than to watch the news.


When in-person worship began, we had to limit the number of who could attend, and there was a period we couldn’t sing or fellowship together over coffee, along with many faces we couldn’t see without masks. Because of health and safety reasons, there were, and continue to be, folks who stay home and watch the service online, despite wishing to return in person.


As if a global pandemic wasn’t enough of a transition, we went through several changes in leadership, with Rev. Donna’s much-deserved retirement. As Rev. Kate gently guided us through the interim period, we were ultimately blessed with the appointment of Rev. Karyn Richards-Kuan as our Senior Pastor last year.


When Rev. Karyn first arrived, she wanted to meet, face-to-face with everyone at First Church. Throughout the year, Staff Parish Relations Committee has been organizing small gatherings with Rev. Karyn and members of the First Church community to make that goal a reality. While the initial purpose of these gatherings was to allow folks to “meet & greet” Rev. Karyn, they have also allowed people to reconnect with each other.


In the aftermath of so many changes in how we do ministry, let us not forget the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love, which are our connections to one another. In next week’s newsletter, we will hear from voices of those who have attended Meet & Greet gatherings in the past, and the new connections those gatherings facilitated. We will also include sign-ups to be a part of the next series of Meet & Greets SPRC is planning.


If you have not attended yet, we invite you to be a part of, and discover the next connection.


Matt Edey, Office & Communications Manager
Sandee Hallock, SPRC