Seasons
God designed life to be marked by seasons. Winter gives way to spring rains that nourish the earth to send forth vibrant blooms of summer which in turn surrender to autumn. Despite the slogan on our state’s license plates that reads “endless summer,” even Florida experiences seasonal variation. As you receive this Epistle, the rainy season is in full swing. Through the change of seasons, God provides a way for us to observe the passing of time and celebrate endings and beginnings.
Churches also experience distinct seasons of congregational life. With the close of the 2022 winter season—which felt much more like a typical season than the two preceding pandemic-era seasons—First Church entered a new season. This transition began following the completion of Pastor Brad’s doctoral studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and his installation as co-pastor alongside Pastor Doug. In early June, Pastor Brad’s family and Pastor Doug had the opportunity to attend Brad’s hooding ceremony and commencement in Pasadena, California.
This new season of co-pastoring has led to some office relocations. Pastor Doug has moved into his new office at 9696 Bonita Beach Road, suite 203. He is joined by his Executive Assistant, Donabeth Urick, and Pastor Allen Walworth. Following some cosmetic work in Pastor Doug’s former office, Pastor Brad has relocated there. First Church has a strong culture of mission. This is not a program but part of the fabric that makes us First Church. Still, the summer of 2022 marked a first for First Church as one of our beloved pastors, Su Kim (and his family), was commissioned to serve as a missionary in Bangkok, Thailand. The culmination of Pastor Su’s ministry at First Church marks a new beginning for the Kim family and an exciting new season for our congregation as a “sending church.”
This season marks a beginning for several new staff members. Pastor Steve Clark, a native of Rhode Island and a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (and former intern at First Church), will join the pastoral staff. In the fall, Steve and his wife Kim (and their puppy Scout) will move to Bonita Springs. First Church also welcomed a Director of Finance and Accounting, Maria Hayes, who began her service in July. Finally, we celebrate the ministry of Geri Wolfe, who completed her service as a Parish Nurse, and welcome Sidney Morice, who joins JoAnn Hochstetler in our Parish Nurse Ministry.
Summer is traditionally when facility projects take place at First Church as the smaller crowds enable the church to schedule projects with minimal disruption. This summer, a major 6 to 8 week Sanctuary lighting project has begun to replace the failing 20-year-old fixtures and provide lighting to support our in-person and online worshiping community.
Also this summer, over 150 members of our First Church family traveled to Europe. They enjoyed a Danube River cruise together (along with Pastors Doug Pratt, Steven Grant, and Allen Walworth, Pastor Emeritus Paul Fahnestock, and Sacred Arts Director Jeff Faux). The trip’s centerpiece was attending the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany (performed only once per decade).
Wherever you spend your summer, we pray that you experience the abundant love of our Lord and His protection for you and your family.
Yours in Christ,
by Co-Pastors Doug Pratt and Brad Rogers
