New Britain Glacier

Finally… the New Britain glacier is melting. We have all marveled at the mountain of snow that stands between the Giant food store and Lenape Valley Church. One snowstorm after another… one snow plough after another… resulting in a mountain of snow over 10 feet high. For some, our town’s little glacier has been a novelty. But for those of us who park at the Giant shopping center on Sundays, that pile of snow has been an inconvenience. The well-marked path between church and food store sits beneath feet of snow. I want to thank those who choose to park across the street, giving your parking space to a guest or one of our members who needs a shorter walk to the building. But since January, your act of kindness has been challenged by a wall of ice. Every time I walk around the mountain to get to church, I yearn for spring.

Don’t get me wrong. I actually like winter, perhaps because Advent and Christmas come during this season. And while I don’t like to be cold, I love what comes with the cold. Every year, I hope for a good snow, one that keeps all of us home. I still have a child-like joy in having a snow-day. But this year we had an over abundance of those ‘good snows,’ thus the New Britain glacier. So, I am ready for spring. I would imagine that you would agree. Take heart: they say that the cherry blossoms should be in full bloom in time for Easter. Soon, the crocuses will peak out, and then the daffodils will sprout across the front lawn of the church. I’m excited to see buds on the trees, ready to bring flowers and green leaves. Our Garden team is hard at work creating a pathway into the church that showcases the beauty of spring. I think we are all ready for a change of season!

On Sunday, March 15th Lenape Valley will take her first steps into a new season in the life and ministry of our church. We will gather after worship to elect a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) who will search for the next pastor of Lenape Valley Church. I will continue to shepherd our flock through August, while the search is happening quietly behind the scenes. The PNC will have the resources of a national search firm- Vanderbloemen- to help them find good candidates to consider. Our hope and prayer is that God will bring the next pastor in 2026 allowing ministry to continue without pause. But even if the search takes longer, let me remind you that the strength of our church is in the pews not in the pulpit. Our church leaders are showing that strength as they lead us through this time of transition. Right now, they are working like our Garden team, clearing the beds so that new growth can emerge. The time is ripe for a new season… but are we ready for a new season?

As I write these words, my heart is both joyful and sad. I love our church. You are our church family. We have walked together through so many valleys and seen the Son rise victorious again and again in our lives. It has been a good season. But God is preparing Lenape Valley for a new season, that holds His promises. I know in the depth of my heart, if God is calling me away, God has already laid the plan for your new season. Remember God’s word to Joshua as they prepared to go into the Promised Land: 

Be strong and courageous…
for the Lord himself goes before you, and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:7-8

And God’s word to the people living in exile, who struggled to see the way forward:

For I know the plans I have for you,
Plans to prosper and not to harm,
Plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11  

When I think of your new season, my heart is joyful. Our Star word this year is Fulfillment. That word declares God’s faithfulness. God has only just begun to grow and deepen the fellowship of Lenape Valley. God has new mission fields for you to explore. As I see the promise of God’s good next season for Lenape Valley, my sadness turns to dancing.

Please join me in praying for our leaders, for the election of the PNC and for their vision and courage, and for the next pastor who will shepherd the flock. God has already gone before us and will go with us into this new season.

With you in prayerful anticipation,
Anita