The Congregational Elder nurtures and supports the congregation and staff by keeping in touch with new members, the bereaved, and those who are ill.

As a lay person she represents the congregation at congregational functions. She is also the liaison between the congregation and the official board.      

 Ann speaks to the Congreation at Northminster           June 26, 2011

Good morning:  Congregational Elder...That sounds like quite the title.  Although I was please to be asked by Mary Hess Northey to consider filling this position, I did deliberate for about two months before saying "YES."

Even though I have been a member here, for about thirty-five years, I appreciate that some of us don't know each other very well.  I feel that some of you may have been asking, "Who is this new congregational elder? We don't know her."  So I volunteered to introduce myself.

In doing so, I'd like to revisit last Sunday, whether or not you were here on Father's Day.  These are purely my own reflections on something special that happened that morning.

It was almost an afterthought when Maggie Crawford announced at the very end of our worship service, that if anyone wished to go out to the front, we could see the Sunday School chrildren releasing their butterflies.  Now I had not heard much about this, but thought it sounded interesting, and that perhaps some people might go out.  Then I was detained for a bit and was rather slow making my way to the front doors.

When I pushed those doors open, the sight was astonishing!  The sun was bright, the sky so blue...and there were you...so many of you!  FIlling the wide steps, spilling out onto the terrace.  The children were a little further down on the lawn with their teachers.

I couldn't see very well over the heads of everyone, but I caught glimpses of the kids looking very intent, no doubt hoping their butterflies would cooperate.  Your faces were full of anitcipation. 

You were there...for them.  The sun was scorching and you were there.  Those butterflies were in no big burry but you were there!

I stood beside Paul Breese, when suddenly, he and I caught sight of a single one in flight.  Then another.  You folks pointed, cheered, clapped and smiled.  I saw a Dad running to his car for his camera.  And then I noticed young Kean with his finger out like this.  He was coming back up the steps.  You guessed it...one little butterfly was clinging to Kean's finger, reluctant to leave.  (Truthfully, I think it just liked Kean a whole lot.)

You know, it warmed me to the core to see you affirming those children be being so present as their project came to fruition.  This experience reminded me of how often this congregation has put its collective energy into supporting the initiative of one person, or one group, whether that initiative be a small one, or one not so small.  It has been during these times of growth - and yes, change - that we have been called to forge ahead with patience, tolerance, open-mindedness and love.  We have bcome a strong church family.

Now back to the butterflies for just a moment.  Those tiny creatures had just come through some pretty big changes.  And what did they do about it?  well, they hesitated, they looked around and they looked up.. Then they literally took one flying leap of faith...to get on with their job!  The ones I saw all flew away in the same direction.  "How did they know which was to go?"  I wondered.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could always be so sure of our intended path...and just go for it?

So in closing, I feel so positive about you being my church family.  We'll become better acquainted.  I'm approachable.  If you need to speak with me, I can easily be found.  Please remember in the coming months, I too, shall need your support.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.