A Word From Joel - November 20, 2024

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

Yesterday, I was elected and installed as the Moderator of the Presbytery of Scioto Valley for 2025, and Covenant served as host church. What a blessing! After 8 years of ordained service in this Presbytery, I am honored to help lead our 86 churches over the next year. In preparation for this undertaking, I went to the Moderator’s Conference at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville last week. This was my first time seeing the national offices of our denomination, the PCUSA. I was so encouraged to be a part of this diverse group of moderatos, all agreeing to serve not for pay but out of love for our church body. I left Louisville with an even deeper appreciation for what it means to be a Presbyterian. Our church body has been ordaining women since Dwight Eisenhauer was President, and we continue to extend our welcome to more and more people. This Sunday, our church will welcome a diverse group of new members who have discovered that they too belong. When we say, “You Belong” at Covenant, we are not merely speaking of our church, but of a divine love that makes space for us all. You belong at Covenant, and you belong in this world God has made. This is your home. You belong here. I am so grateful to have found a home in the Presbyterian Church, and I am honored to be your pastor. Now I am honored to be the Moderator of our Presbytery as well. Thanks be to God!