Hello. Although many of you know me by name by now, this is my first newsletter submission for the St. Peter’s (Lishey’s) UCC community. One of the most significant pastoral lessons I had ever learned was through a mentor of fifteen years. It is a simple, but not always easy principle—how you say “hello” and how you say “goodbye” makes all the difference in the world.

I am genuinely happy to be here at “Lischey’s” and to help guide your leadership and the community through the Intentional Interim Process. The way that you have said “Hello” to me with warmth and openness tells me a great deal about who you are. More importantly, it tells the greater community and prospective members of who you are in Christ.

During my time at St. Peter’s, we will work together on the following tasks:

• Remember and come to terms with our history
• Work through what it means to be St. Peter’s (Lischey’s) UCC here and now
• Learn to accept and support shifts in lay leadership in the church
• Clarify your relationship with the wider United Church of Christ
• Prepare for new pastoral leadership and committing to that new future

Of course, there will be other things going on during our time together such as worship, programs and visitations. Some of these things will be shared responsibility so that I can facilitate the community through the covenanted tasks.

If we are prayerful about how we do this work together, the Holy Spirit will uphold us and provide us with a measure of joy. I am confident in the nurture that this community has received in the past and hopeful about all that can be accomplished.

If you wish to speak with me, or share your thoughts, please always feel free to call on me. I freely have chosen this yoke and am here to serve this community with integrity and compassion.

In Christ,

Aris Fokas

Interim Pastor