From the pastor's pen...

 

JUNE 2023

 

Dear Church Family,

         

We will have many special services and activities in June. I’m looking forward to our first march as a church in the annual Asbury Pride Parade on June 4th. Bill and I will be traveling to Pella, Iowa in June to attend the RCA’s annual meeting of the General Synod. Please pray for the work of our denomination. 

Our men will lead worship on Father’s Day, June 18th. I will lead my last worship service here on Sunday, June 25th (Farewell Sunday) and I hope you will join us then and at our retirement celebration that evening.

            The Consistory, our classis supervisor, and I have worked hard to provide for pastoral coverage upon my retirement. Grace Modla, a seminarian from Drew University, will lead worship for the months of July, August, and September. She is a gifted candidate for ministry in the United Church of Christ and has just finished a year-long internship at the Middletown Reformed Church. Grace will also lead us in worship on Sunday, June 11th, so come and meet her. Rev. Tricia Sheffield, our classis supervisor, will be available for pastoral care emergencies this summer.

            By October 1st, Rev. Dr. Todd Buurstra will be in place as our specialized transition minister. Pastor Todd is the former senior minister of the North Branch Reformed Church. He brings many years of experience and specialized training to his work here. Pastor Todd lives in Keyport, is an active member of the Keyport Kiwanis and looks forward to “walking to work.” He is very kind; I can’t wait for you to get to know him.

            My friends, you are truly blessed to have such wonderful leaders and a committed consistory to move Community Church of Keyport forward to its next chapter of ministry. I humbly and sincerely ask you all to continue your support of CCK. The church is not about me: this is God’s church, made up of all of you in your service and worship of God.

            And finally, THANK YOU, my church family! You have blessed me with your love and service. You have helped me live into my calling. You’ve been gracious with my shortcomings and generous with your encouragement. My heart is full of gratitude to God and to all of you for the privilege of serving as your pastor. Please know that you will remain in my heart forever.

                                                                                           

                                              May God bless you always,

 

                                                Rev. Dawn Seaman