A special treat was in store for the worshippers on Sunday December 31, 2006.  Madelyn Betz, as usual, was at the organ, making beautiful music.  But the choir was given the day off, and Pastor Peggi was on vacation. 

So things were a little different.  Elder Pamela Matthews led the worship in addition to doing the Time with the Children.  Steve Smilie sang “I Wonder as I Wander” for the anthem; as always, we were awed by his beautiful voice!   

Then Organist Betz demonstrated for us all that she is answering a different Call from God.  She moved calmly from the organ to the pulpit, read the Gospel lesson, and preached!  She has one year of seminary left, and will be leaving us in the Fall.   

So 2006 ends with mixed feelings… joy and pride and high hopes for Madelyn’s future, all mixed in with sadness that she will be moving away and anxiety about the search for a new organist/choir director.  Once again, we are asked to trust the Holy Spirit to lead us all into God’s future.

As we begin 2007, we pray God’s blessings for Madelyn, Steve, Pamela, and all of you.