After a wonderful dinner in the home of Rev.Len Silvester, he and I made our way over to the home of Desert Surprise's moderator, Paul Brosor.

Two weeks ago, DSUCC learned that their Interim Minister would no longer be able to serve them. Since then, Paul, Len, and I have been working together to develop a course of action that would ensure the continued health and vitality of this congregation.

We met last night with almost all the members of the congregation. It was a joy to meet with them, even if under less than the best of circimstances.

Good conversation was shared. Feelings of shock and anger and disappointment were expressed. And thoughts about how to move forward were put on the floor for discussion.

It is in moments like these that we rediscover the value of our covenant partnerships, and test just how strong are those ties that bind us together in Christian love and fellowship. In what ways do our partnerships compel us to respond to a church in need? And how is it that we make use of our relationships and the resources we can bring to bear in order to partner with a sister congregation struggling with a present crisis?

That is in part what Len and I were there to discuss with DSUCC last night.

We invite you to keep them in your prayers. We have every reason to believe that the group with whom we met last night, resilient and faithful and compassionate, will not only move through this time of confusion and pain, but will blossom and grow.