Psalm77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, thoughyour footprints were not seen. (NIV)

DearFriends,

                             One of the mostfascinating things about being on a cruise ship was watching the passengerliner come into a new harbor. Just before this happened, a small speed boatwould suddenly appear beside the ship in order to let the local pilot comeaboard. The pilot’s knowledge of the water depth, harbor walls, and submerged rocksensured the ship’s safety as we proceeded to dock or undock. Without the pilot,the ship’s captain would not dare to enter or leave the harbor. However, withthe pilot’s presence, the ship docked safely each time.

                             This processreminded me of my role here at First Presbyterian. It has been almost two yearssince you invited me to be your part-time interim. My purpose has been to keepyou on the right course as a congregation and thankfully we have managed thistogether. Hopefully, we are soon coming to a point on our journey where my workas your pastoral pilot will be completed, and you will have a new skipper to leadyou to better and brighter things.

                             The presence of thelocal pilots on the cruise ship also reminded me that every one of us hasChrist as our individual pilot to lead us safely through turbulent times andtroubled waters. In today’s world, we can all be overwhelmed by the chaos andcorruption, callousness and conceit that have damaged us as a people, or even personallyas individuals. As Thomas Paine once remarked, “these are times that try men’ssouls,” so the stress and sorrow that we have for the world can adversely affectour bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. This is why we look to Christ to pilotus through these rough seas; this is why we need Him to guide us safely ashore.

May Godbring you and your loved ones peace, hope, and faith to endure and overcomethese troubled times.

PastorJohn