2005 - 2006 Annual Reports

REPORT OF THE AFFILIATE  PASTOR

In Matthew 13: 44 – 48, Jesus tells us the stories of persons finding a treasure in a field, a pearl, a catch of fish.  What kind of treasures are we looking for?  Will we recognize it
when we “find it”?  And what will we do with it when we find “it”?

I’d like to take this opportunity to lift up some of the treasures we have right here in First Parish Church, right now!!
            Count the number of children that go forward each Sunday morning.
            The number of young people in our church school.
            The number of youth attending a sleepover, a bicycle ride or a work detail.
            The number of choirs we have: cherub, youth, women, senior, brass band,
                        hand bell, individual players or groups and sacred dance.
            How many times have you not been able to reach or be reached by Alice
                        and/or Lucy?  Have either of them not taken the time
                        needed to speak to you of your concern?
            And the vast number of persons serving on all of the various boards and
                        committees.
            And we have had all the various services, recognitions, baptisms, weddings,
                        and funerals that one would expect.
But let us look further in searching for our treasure.  Take our church buildings and rooms.
            Can we fathom all the meetings and happenings that have occurred here
                          in our 287 years?  The good times and the lean years?
            Who have gone forth from our fellowship?
                        A signer of the Declaration of Independence.
                        Founders of colleges.
                        An army chaplain who was at the liberation of Dachau, in Poland.
                        One who has walked on the moon.
            Why are some of our rooms given names?
            Consider all the history that has come and gone since the time of
                        Nutfield and the beginning of our nation, the old style town
meetings,  to our own activities of today.
            We have a wealth of treasure – all around us, here at First Parish.
And there is yet another source of treasure, or at least the possibility.  These treasures
            need to be sought out and uncovered.
            I’m referring to our own members who have been with us over the years.
            Do you know the experiences and roles of those who sit next to you in
                        sanctuary?  Are they an unknown treasure?  Each of us have a
                        unique story to tell and to share whether we are old or young..
                        Listen.
           
We are blessed by the jewels and gems which can be found around us!
            Our Fellowship
            Our History
            Our People

Let us take the time and the joy to search out our Treasures in our midst.
            We are truly rich!

                                                            Pastor Chet