December 2009

I must begin by saying that this is not really a “President’s Message”…it’s more of a “First Lady’s Missive” (to use our government’s phraseology). For RUCC’s president, Loring Fiske-Phillips, is currently on his way to Newark, NJ to care for my brother, Ben who was unexpectedly admitted to a hospital on November 30th. (Ben was on his way to a pilgrimage to the Middle East. You might remember Ben from our Visioning Day earlier this year.) Since Loring’s the one traveling across country and doing the hospital care, I agreed to pick up some of his tasks here at home. One of the tasks that he couldn’t complete was writing this column for the newsletter.

Loring’s willingness to be the one to do the family’s caretaking of Ben reminded me of some of the stories I got to hear this Sunday in the videotaping of the founding members of the congregation. The nineteen founders who were present shared stories of coming together for both celebration and support in the early days of this congregation. They talked about sitting vigil with a dying member; they shared story after story of work projects and ministry through their hands and they talked about the importance of community. They talked about their faith journey and how what brought them together in the beginning was the belief that God was calling them to be a part of a larger church than just one congregation – that the United Church of Christ was following Christ’s call to work toward justice and equality in the world – and that they wanted to follow that call also.

As they shared, I was touched by the depth and caring they showed for one another and for the amazing congregation they gave birth to. I know that for most of them it was their understanding of Christ’s model in the world that persuaded them to take the leap of faith to begin RUCC. It is that same understanding that has guided them to build and nurture this congregation for over three decades. And one of the most amazing things, in my opinion, is that they have truly welcomed in each of us and allowed us to be full participants in the congregation’s journey. They have unselfishly followed their guiding beliefs that God continues to speak to and through us, and that all are welcome.

I know that if Loring were writing this he would agree with me that it is the beliefs and actions of this congregation, that follow so closely the model of the Christ that empowers him to fly cross-country to care for his brother.

With Gratitude,
Barbie Fiske-Phillips