February, 2010

The Greatest Love

        As children of God, it is exciting and pleasing to know how much god loves us.  The Love that God shows for us is greater than any expression of love that we may express for God or for people in our lives!  The Hebrew word hesed most nearlycaptures the magnitude of God’s love.  This word translates into English as “steadfast.”  It means immutable, fixed, unwavering, unchanging, and faithful. 
        The hesed of God is described in Psalm 36 thusly:  “Your steadfast love. O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds...you save humans and animals alike, O, God!  All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings....For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.  O continue your steadfast love to those who know you” (5-10a).  Indeed children of God have the comfort, safety, and security of God’s hesed.
        As we approach Valentine’s Day, we reflect on the love that flows between us humans – between parent and child, between spouses, siblings, lovers, neighbors, friends, and sisters and brothers in Christ.  As strongly as we may feel affection for each other, we sometimes fail to show our love adequately.  We may not express apologies well or humbly seek forgiveness.  One of the pair may not feel secure in the love of the other.  With God, we can always be confident that there is no greater love than the love of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – for those of us who are called according to God’s purpose.  Thanks be to God that we can enjoy the greatest love all of the days of our lives!

- Rev. Helen Bessent Byrd

January, 2010

HELLO COVENANT and friends!

Where has the time gone?  It has been almost six months since you called me to the position of Temporary Supply Pastor in July, 2009.  Since then we have had a joyful and busy time working together in the name of the Lord. Some of the highlights of our time together follow:

• You helped plan for my ordination and hosted a celebration for me.
• Special services and programs were held including the Women’s Day Celebration, the Veteran’s Recognition program, Stewardship Sunday and the Norfolk State University Choir in concert. 
• The congregation voted to work to become a viable individual congregation.
• Officers were elected, trained, and installed.  In addition, the Session and Diaconate participated in an Officer’s Retreat
• The Annual meeting was held.  Also, a fine annual report was compiled and disseminated during the annual meeting.  The report was comprised of reports by all committees and auxiliaries as well as photographs and the membership rolls.
• Membership has increased by two members and worship attendance has grown.
• The congregation has shown compassionate care and actively engages in mission projects within the church family as well as to neighbors and the larger community.

These activities clearly show the church family’s commitment to learning the Word, living the Word, and sharing the good news of God.  Thanks to you all and thanks be to God.  Alleluia!  Amen.

 

- Rev. Helen Bessent Byrd