Greetings on behalf of Faith Church and in the name of Christ!  I am glad to be able to call myself Faith's pastor once again, since I was reappointed in 2005.  Serving Faith Church has been one of the joys of my years of ministry.

Faith is one of the warmest, most joyous churches I've known.  In addition, we care strongly about justice and we continue to find ways to work for a world of peace with justice.  I'm proud to be a part of that.  At the same time, we are dedicated to helping persons grow in their spiritual lives, as we all learn more of God's love through Jesus Christ.

That combination of justice and spiritual growth expresses for me what Faith is about.  As we are learning together how to love God and love neighbor, we are also helping so many individuals realize how much God loves them.

We can be proud of 50 years of Faith history, beginning with the vision that planted a church in a place that was stil farmland.  The vision that grew a church then is still a challenge to us today, as we look at a city that has a great need for what Faith has to offer.

Committed to justice, we have been a beacon to those who believe the church can speak to the 21st Century and call our society to account.  In a world where people suffer daily because of sexual orientation, we are the church that says God still loves you.  You can find God and acceptance here.

I am touched by the number of people I have met at Faith Church who express relief and joy at finding a church that accepts them or their family members and friends.  I long for the day when all of Christ's Church is as accepting.

Meanwhile, I'm glad to be a part of Faith United Methodist.  We can be proud of our past.  We have much to do.  As long as God's children are hurting and oppressed, we are called to new ministry.  I am certain the people of Faith UMC are up to it.

In the words of the hymn, we answer individually, "Here I am Lord!  Send me!".  And together we say as a congregation, "Here we are Lord!  Send me".