Middle Island Presbyterian Church

19 Longwood Road

Ridge, New York 11961

(631) 924-6443 (phone & fax)

 

                                                           

January 5, 2007

 

 

To the Members & Friends of MIPC:

Most everyone has been informed by now of the tragic death of Pastor Pamela Harvey.  As a church family we grieve her loss both personally, for she was a vibrant and caring human being, and professionally, because her arrival here at MIPC gave us such hope and promise for the future.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pastor Pamela’s family, and also to her former congregation at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Yonkers. 

 

While it may seem difficult right now, in the midst of shock and grief, to imagine ourselves forging ahead to secure a new pastor, with God’s help that is indeed what we can and shall do.  We ask for your continued support and prayers for the Session, staff, and PNC (Pastoral Nominating Committee) here at MIPC, as we all work together to close this chapter in our church life, and move forward with hope and faith into the future.

 

It is precisely during such times of extreme duress, when we experience utter turmoil in our lives, that we are called - as Christians - to give our burden of pain, fear, sadness and even anger, over to God.   It is His guidance, His direction, His comfort we seek, and we must remain confident and faithful when putting our trust in Him.

 

Sometimes when life seems overwhelming or too complicated, it is best to go back to the basics, and revisit the fundamental lessons of Christianity.  If we practice the Golden Rule of “doing unto others”, such acts of kindness or charity often take us outside of ourselves and our personal pain.  By helping others we can redirect our grief and channel it into positive, healing energy.  Another Christian “basic” is the Lord’s Prayer.  We may have memorized it as children, but when was the last time you examined those familiar words and phrases?  Christ taught us to ask God to provide the necessities in life, to ask for forgiveness for our sins, to find the strength to forgive those who sin against us, and to help us stay strong in the face of temptation.  But the prayer starts with the words “hallowed be Thy name”, and ends with the phrase “for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever”.  The Lord’s Prayer starts and ends with God.  So should our days, our months, and our lives start and end with God, so that He is given the power over our lives.  And if God is at the helm, we cannot help but get to the destination of His choice, and learn the lessons He would teach us. 

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

The Session of the Middle Island Presbyterian Church