Is it I Lord?

The children sang beautifully in worship Sunday. For the anthem they sang a hymn that has always tugged on my heart. At my ordination service almost 30 years ago we sang it; Here I am Lord. Years ago I did not make it through the first verse before the tears flowed, and even to this day I sometimes am so overcome that I cannot sing. I just listen. Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

 One of the powerful components of our reformed tradition is the election of officers; men and women called to serve and lead. To me, the power is in the movement of the Holy Spirit that guides the church, the nominating committee, and the individuals through the process. Through the names of people nominated by the congregation at large, the conversations and prayers of the nominating committee and through the person who hears a call and asks, “Is it I Lord” the Holy Spirit is at work.

The Holy Spirit is at work here and now. The time has come for you to prayerfully nominate people from the congregation who have servant’s hearts, good leaders, and examples of faith in action. We can’t list all of the people who are eligible for nomination because the list would be too long, however, we can let you know who is currently serving, that way their names may be eliminated for now. You will find a complete list in the Binder and also in the bulletin. The list will tell you who, of those officers, are eligible to serve again. These people will all come from the class of 2023 as their term expires.  The Book of Order states that no one can serve more than six years at time (Everyone needs a little break from time to time!). Both Jean Nexsen and Hal McGill have served two consecutive terms so they cannot be nominated this year. I hope this is helpful as you prayerfully listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Please submit names to the church office by May 12th.