Our Pastor
In May, 2019 Ted Brelsford joined with us as Transitional Pastor. He and his wife, Leslie, are living in the church parsonage and have quickly become part of our Faith community. Ted is a graduate of Slippery Rock State University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University (PhD). Prior to coming to Boston Ted and Leslie were on a 7 month sabbatical at Green Bough House of Prayer in Scott, GA. Before that Ted was pastor of a church in Orchard Park, NY from 2008 to 2018. From 1999 to 2008 he was on faculty at Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, where he continues to teach occasional online or short on-campus courses in the areas of Religious Education and Practical Theology. Leslie is also a graduate of Slippery Rock State University. She teaches at the Montessori School in East Aurora. Ted has 2 adult daughters and 2 grandchildren in Georgia. Leslie's adult son and daughter live in Western NY. We are delighted to have them with us!
Pastor’s Ponderings
April 2020
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? – Matthew 6:26
There used to be a little sign sitting around in our house that read: Stay Calm and Carry On. I urge you to stay calm and I pray that you may feel the soothing love of God and the comforting fellowship of the Holy Spirit, even though you cannot carry on your normal activities at this time. Make time to pray. Make time to read your Bible or other spiritually nurturing materials. Check out the inspirational posts on our Facebook page. Make time to connect with friends and family in whatever safe and appropriate ways you can. And, please, please give yourself a break from news and social media regularly. Give yourself a sabbath. Maybe pick one day in the week, or at least an 8-hour chunk of a day (not including sleep time) during which you will not expose yourself to any news or any social media. Or designate a chunk of time each day to completely disconnect from news and social media. I know things are developing rapidly. It is be tempting to check the news constantly. And it may be tempting to be on social media constantly. But your mind and your spirit need a break. You can go back to social media and back to the news after your sabbath. Allow yourself occasional, or regularly scheduled times of relative calm. Rest in the assurance of God’s love and grace, despite the turmoil all around us. And then carry on.
Although our activities in the church building are severely restricted this month, there are a number of activities and opportunities happening at church. You will find below in this newsletter short articles, postings, and lists of what is going on here at Faith Church, as well as suggestions for maintaining your spiritual life and getting through this time of crisis. Remember, the church is not the building, the church is the people! Remember to stay in touch and let us know if you have needs.
Blessings and peace,
Ted
P.S. My father continues on the road to recovery! Thank you for your prayers!