Pastor's Life - Harvest of Joy

Reaping a harvest of joy from our tears by Rev. Erin Hayes-Cook What tears have you shed as of late? Are they still captured inside only to come out at an inopportune time? I would like to know if you have allowed yourself to take a deep breath and begin to dream the dreams of God for your life and ministry. Our resilience has been tested over these past years. As a spiritual leader of many I know I often feel like I need to be one step ahead so that we might walk together. One step ahead of technology, one step ahead of the spirituality trends of the community, and one step ahead of needs; it is exhausting. And part of the greater call for our lives. I wonder if our time in ministry right now is a mix of looking ahead and being present. The resilience that is required of us right now might be to rest in what is right now. Our Creator is able to reap a harvest of joy from our tears. But first we must release them, hand them over to the hands of our Jesus.

Rev. Erin Hayes-Cook recently accepted a call to serve as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hackettstown, N.J. She previously served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Rahway, NJ, from 2013 to 2022. She has gained great joy in walking alongside the diverse communities she serves through her local presbytery and synod. She is looking forward to studying for a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Duke Divinity School. Rev. Hayes-Cook and her husband Lawrence welcomed their first child, a daughter, in June 2019.

Featured Resources

Waiting and Wondering Toward Wholeness In the December lectionary, Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia discusses how our call this Advent season might not be to envision what will happen but, instead, how it will happen, stating that this shift can open countless possibilities.   Year-end Giving Resources The Presbyterian Foundation has resources available to help you prepare your congregation for year-end giving. Find bulletin inserts, slides and information at the link below.

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