What a joyous Sunday yesterday was, and how fitting that my first Sunday coincided with Epiphany! Epiphany is a Christian Holy Day that commemorates the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana. These events symbolize new beginnings and are marked by signs from heaven—the guiding star of the wise men, the descending dove at Jesus’ baptism, and the water transformed into wine at the wedding feast.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the past few weeks as my family made the transition from Columbia to Greenville, there were simple signs from heaven along the way, reaffirming the rightness of my call to be your pastor. A plant sent to our new house by an FBG member, a thoughtful invitation extended to my son by a youth parent, which helped him get to know a few kids from his new school. A warm welcome from the staff on my first day in the church office, and the kindness of neighbors who invited us over for an evening bonfire—each gesture has been a reminder of God’s grace.
Special thanks to the dedicated members of the Pastor Search Committee who helped unpack all my books and played a crucial role in setting up my office! Your generosity and support have been a tremendous blessing throughout this process.
As we embrace this new beginning together, church, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your pastor and for the grace that God has showered upon us throughout this transition. I will be preaching my first sermon this Sunday and invite each one of you to join us for worship.
—Carol