The month of February continued our period of transition for FCC. I’ll share some of the highlights of the past month and also take a look into the future of our church.

During February we were blessed with Sunday worships led by Pastor Nancy, with much support and participation from members of the congregation. Each week during February we had over 160 people in attendance during worship. In addition, we often had over 70 viewing our on-line service. During the six weeks Pastor Nancy served FCC, she preached each Sunday, provided many FCC members with pastoral care, and met regularly with our staff, board members, and other church committees and groups. Pastor Nancy was a positive and spirit-filled presence at FCC. She was a blessing to us during this early period of transition. We said our goodbyes to Nancy the day before Lent. She was able to return to her beloved family in North Carolina just before the snows and frigid weather returned to Eugene.

During February, the Transition Team led by Martha Pitts continued the process to identify, interview, vet and select an Intentional Interim Pastor. The team followed a rigorous process from start to finish; they recommended and the church board approved calling Rev. John (JT) Smiedendorf as our new Intentional Interim Senior Pastor. Pastor JT arrived on March 10 and attended worship on March 12. He was able to meet with many of you after church on Sunday downstairs in the atrium lobby.

The final Sunday in February was the start of Lenten worship services. It also signaled the beginning of a month-long celebration of FCC’s 27 year commitment to being an Open and Affirming Congregation under the United Church of Christ. Several members of the Open and Affirming group participated in worship. We also celebrated the 15 year anniversary of Rev. Micki Varner’s Ordination at FCC. Micki provided the sermon for the service.

As we look to the future, we continue to seek God’s presence in all we say and do. With God all things are possible. Thank you for being a part of our faith community.

Dan Close, Church Board Moderator