A Word of Encouragement for This Season

Dear Mission Friends,

As my first season of Fall at Mission Presbytery settles in, I pray this busy time is going as well as possible for you and your family, as well as your congregations. 

I am aware that these few weeks have been especially difficult for many people. Let me just remind you of something simple but important: you are not alone.

Many of us are already carrying a full plate -  stewardship season on the horizon, programming in full swing, pastoral care needs pressing, and the steady pace of preaching that never lets up. It can feel as though the work has only just begun, and yet we are already weary. Am I right?

If I were to channel our incoming Moderator of Mission Presbytery, Rev. Monica Smith, she would say, “breathe,” just “breathe!” Yes, do not forget to pay attention to God’s gift of breath, of slow, steady, deep breath.

We hold each of you in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord who never slumbers. And you are surrounded by the mighty clouds of witnesses, as well as the connectional nature of our Presbyterian identity -  colleagues and congregations who walk this road with you, praying for you, always.

Our call is not to frantic success but to faithful presence. The Good News of the gospel does not depend on how many programs we run, how full our pews are, or how quickly our budgets balance. The Good News rests in God’s steadfast love — love that sustains us when our strength falters and surprises us with joy when we least expect it.

So take a breath. Honor your Sabbath. Reach out to a colleague for prayer. Take a walk in the park or the woods. Let yourself be refreshed by the Spirit who promises rest for the weary. Needless to say, all these apply to me as well. 

I thank God for each of you and for the ministry we share. Together, we are bearing witness to Christ’s love in this difficult season - not perfectly, but faithfully. And that is enough, for now. 

Grace and peace,

Rev. Bobby Musengwa

Transitional General Presbyter