Valley Community United Church of Christ, Silver City

I have just returned from an absolutely delightful weekend in Silver City.

I chose to take the long drive (which is shorter in terms of miles, longer in terms of time) through the mountains, and it was well worth it. The scenery along the way was spectacular, and the drive from Superior AZ to Globe was breathtaking.

Pastor Larimore and his partner Carlos treated me to an evening out at the Buckhorn restaurant just outside of Silver City, in Pinos Altos. It was a walk back in time, and around that table we shared the gifts of story, of family, and of fellowship. It was most enjoyable.

But the highlight of the trip was the time I spent worshipping with the good folk of Valley Community United Church of Christ. In a sanctuary adorned with stained glass windows that incorporate the surrounding geography, the family of faith at Valley church gathered to find nurturance and sustenance.

It was an honor to be present, and to represent the face of the wider church to an endearing Covenant Partner.

Prayers Needed

We are being asked to lift two of our clergy up in prayer.

Francis Rath, whose leadership has long been valued and whose commitment to the mission and ministry of the Southwest Conference is much appreciated, asks for prayers on his behalf. He has recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Since it was caught early, he has every hope and confidence that he will be fine.

Virginia Bergfahl is also asking for prayerful support. She will be facing back surgery soon, and is hopeful that this will bring some much needed relief.

Executive Committee Meeting

I know, this is not the most exciting subject: a quick report about a Committee meeting.

But, this was important. It was my first time to meet with your elected leaders. From my perspective, things went very well.

I must say, I am impressed with the folk you have assembled to sit around that table. I give special thanks to your Moderator, Rev. Len Silvester (whose only drawback was he arrived with a Boston Red Sox mug - and as if that was not bad enough, it commemorated their 2004 World Series victory over my beloved St. Louis Cardinals).

Among the array of subjects we dealt with, the most important was our discussion around 'Building Relationship.' It will be our focus for a while, and the Exec. Co. took this very seriously. Some very good ideas emerged that will be a large part of the retreat in September that we will have with the full Board of Directors (stay tuned for more info about that).

Please keep your elected leaders in your prayers. This is an important time in the life of the Conference, and your support is essential.