May, 2025

WALKING TOGETHER

On March 6 with Ash Wednesday, we started a spiritual journey. During our journey, we worshipped with our brothers and sisters of other denominations: Baptists, Mennonites, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. Our services, while similar, were not the same, yet all centered upon God’s gift of love through Jesus the Christ. I am thankful for all the clergy in our Upper James City County Ministerium, and for the relationships I have established with them and members of their congregations. But I am especially thankful for the members of Olive Branch who walked this journey with me.

Every Wednesday our members showed up in the greatest of numbers, to the point that when I preached at the Methodist Church, the congregation did not look so different from what I see at Olive Branch on Sundays. What a comfort that was! Thank you for embracing and supporting our community Lenten services. Your support reflects our Disciple heritage and our love for ecumenism.

But I am always thankful for our faith community. Time and time again, members step forward to help with our different ministries and fellowship events. “No” is not a word often heard at our church. Be it cooking for meals, setting up the fellowship hall, donating time and talents, offering prayers, teaching Sunday School, leading our children in worship and wonder, providing music for our worship services, serving in worship, or just making our visitors feel welcome – Olive Branch is far better than most. I admit to being biased, but you are the best I have seen in my 44 years of ministry.

But don’t let it go to your heads. There is still work to be done. There are still journeys to take together! So, keep walking! I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Blessings ~ Pastor Richard
May, 2025