It must be a St. Paul’s virus or else evidence that Stan and I are chronologically closer in age than I thought!  Last year Stan noted how 2008 had sped through his life. Well ditto for me with respect to 2009.  Last Sunday I/we celebrated our first anniversary together. It seemed only a short time since I had arrived here and took up residence in Simcoe.   

It’s been a year of learning – I suspect for all of us. Doubtless some of my idiosyncrasies and nuances, not apparent in September of 2008 when we first connected, emerged throughout the year. Hopefully those personal style preferences and characteristics don’t detract from the substance of gospel ministry.  For my part I certainly feel much more knowledgeable about the congregation - it strengths, history and possibilities than I did 12 months ago. What we have learned about each other in 2009 should enable us to move forward in 2010 with increased effectiveness.  

It’s been a year of challenge. As Bob notes in the Session report we committed some significant effort to budgetary matters. It appears the results are good but it was a demanding task. Our ministry with children and youth continues to be a pressure point. We remain pleased with the large number of adults who give leadership in the Sunday School; but know more is needed. And we face the ongoing demand of care in the face of serious illness and death. Once again a number of members have passed away and others have experienced serious health set backs.  

It’s been a year of celebration. We have experienced a modest increase in regular worship attendance and continued to enjoy services that engage the whole person – mind, body and spirit. We have had many opportunities to gather as a family of faith around tables with food and refreshments aplenty and enjoy being with one another. We have reached out to the needy and the hurting, both near at hand and far away. We were challenged financially and we gave. We were given opportunity to learn and we came. We were invited to risk and we served.   

When one begins to look back over the year and observe the variety of activities and ministries that were part of St. Paul’s in 2009, it should not be surprising if like me, you felt the year ‘flew by’. Let’s take flight again in 2010.  

Enthusiastically,

Ian Shaw