When I put a jig saw puzzle together, my strategy is to separate the edge pieces from the middle pieces first. Then I put the edges together and separate the middle pieces by color and work from there. It is in this slow and steady process that the larger picture comes into view, as we see beyond the individual pieces and appreciate more fully the emerging image.
The Christian Church in Ohio supports the ministry and mission of all of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) churches and congregations and affiliated institutions in Ohio. As a pastor, I lean into this support. It is invaluable to have the constant reminder that the work Howland Community Church does, and the work I do, is part of a larger movement. The resources we have at our disposal, including but not limited to opportunities for growth and learning, access to many avenues for mission and service in the larger community, and quality camp experiences for all of God’s children, for the youngest among us through seasoned seniors. I am particularly grateful for the wise counsel and generous pastoral care I have received from our Regional Pastor and President. I would imagine it would not be easy to be a pastor to pastors, but the support I have known has certainly allowed me to be far more effective in my own ministry.
I make a financial commitment to the Christian Church in Ohio because of the commitment and covenant we share as we seek to bring God’s hope and healing grace to a world sorely in need of compassion and community. That is how many different pieces come together as a whole. That is how we build the Body of Christ.
Reverend Erica L. Brown
Pastor, Howland Community Church, Warren, Ohio
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