Pastor’s Lectern October 2026 – Behold, I am doing a new thing!

“Behold, I am doing a new thing!”, says the Lord in Isaiah 43:19, “Now it springs forth! Do you not perceive it?”

Members of Berlin Congregational, I want to tell you about a new thing God is doing among us. Maryann Lexius, longtime member of this church is offering, and hoping to start, a new ministry among us. Maryann is hoping to get four members of this church to form a support group called “Grief Share” here. Currently she is honing her training at Bethany Covenant Church, having gone through their process twice. She has been asked by that group if she would lead a group here. Over Labor Day weekend, she announced it in our church and was looking for people. Since then, another member of our church has attended, and it fits with her skill set as well!

I want to tell you why I support the concept and Maryann’s leadership of it.

First, one of the things discussed at last year’s retreat was issues we knew to address. If there is anything this church has experience with, it is grieving.

Secondly, given the age of our congregation and the number of illnesses out there – for instance, COVID – we have more experience with grieving. As the CDC changes healthcare, the likelihood is that there will be more grieving happening with measles, and any number of other illnesses.

Third, this ministry comes from you, our congregation. Maryann brings a wealth of scriptural and prayer experience, honed from lessons taught here by Rev. Tamara Moreland years ago. It uses your history. It uses the value that this congregation has as its core identity – kindness. In a time like the present moment, something as simple as kindness looks – and is – radical Christianity.

Building a church’s identity comes by putting down a metaphorical tent-pole in shifting sands and storms. This is a tent-pole – a marker of where we stand. As we claim more of these in our faith, the stronger the church is for Jesus. I am thrilled that this is happening here, because it means we are changing for the future by being our best selves.

If you want more information, talk to Maryann.

Be Blessed,

Rev. John

Other New Things –

Men’s Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Rev. John is in the process of getting guest speakers for this year’s happenings.

Bible Study returns every other Wednesday a month with a new lens – we will look at the Gospel of Mark using both sides of our brains, artistic and intellectual. Come and join us at 10am.

A new book study – on Jeroslav Pelikan’s book, Jesus Through The Centuries will be offered on Wednesdays evenings at 6pm for people who work or go to school during the day and want to be spiritually “fed”. You might want to pack a light dinner or snack because of the time.

A new Confirmation Class is in the works. If you know of young people who want to join, contact me Rev. John or leave word in the office.

We have a new member of the choir! Come and see her or ask Mary Lou about her.

If you happen to see a new person cleaning the church, her name is Becca. Say hello to her.

Of course, we have our new website fully operational. Thanks to Jill Hanson for that.

We have a new married couple in our church. Erica Haba is now Erica Russo, having married Michael Russo in our sanctuary.

Also, we have freshly steam cleaned carpets in the Richards Room, thanks to the Gaszeks.

October 4th at 1pm will be something new for me – a Blessing of the Animals and fundraiser for the Berlin Animal Control and Rescue.

That’s enough for now. I hope you will find something that is to your liking here.

Peace,

Rev. John Madsen-Bibeau