Dear friends,
2022 is a year of anniversaries! Five years ago, on January 1, 2017, Edwards and Grace Churches officially became one congregation. Five years later, we have so much to celebrate. We are stronger together. We bring the riches and gifts of two communities—musical talents, passion for justice, deep friendships, love for God’s creation, faithful stewardship, diverse styles of worship, a shared commitment to being Open and Affirming, and most of all, wonderful people. With the resources of two congregations combined, we have the financial stability that enables us to look outward. We make a difference in each other’s lives, and in the life of the greater Framingham community.
As we began our merger conversations in 2016, we noticed that our two congregations had very different organizational structures (the boards, committees, teams and councils that make decisions and do much of the work of the church). We agreed to start off with the organizational structure that Edwards Church had been using. We all agreed that, in five years, after we have settled into our new strengthened congregation, we would step back and consider how we might best organize ourselves to do the work of the church.
The timing is perfect. During the last two years of pandemic uncertainty, we have needed to be very flexible. Some boards and committees discovered that the roles they play shifted dramatically. New teams emerged to respond to new needs. We are becoming aware of gaps and opportunities. We have learned a lot, and we are continuing to learn a lot. It is a time of great possibility.
At our congregational meeting on February 6, we will present a proposal from church council to enter into a year-long process of examining our organizational structure. We will ask existing boards, committees, teams and other groups to reflect deeply on their purpose, their passions, and the needs of the community. We will appoint a team to look at the overall needs of the congregation and consider multiple possibilities for structure. We will bring the wisdom of all those groups together and see what creative new ways to organize our work emerge. We will take our time; we will listen to one another; we will trust in the Holy Spirit at work in our community.
It is daunting. It is also exciting. We have such creative, dedicated, thoughtful members, and we want to organize ourselves in ways that allow each member to use their gifts in the service of our congregation and our mission. I look forward to the process and to what will emerge.
In addition to being the fifth anniversary of our merger, 2022 is also the 195th anniversary of Edwards Church. Over almost two centuries, our sanctuary has been a place of prayer, community, inspiration and love. Over almost two centuries, there have been many changes: an addition to house the organ, new windows installed, upgrades to shore up the foundation, changes in heating and air flow and sound production. As we seek ways to move into a future that includes “hybrid” worship, we will need to make further changes so that community members joining virtually are part of the congregation. I invite you to think about these changes as a “birthday gift” we give ourselves, in honor of 195 years of faithful, ever-changing, ever-constant worship.
Happy Anniversaries!
Peace, Debbie