Building our future

By Joe Shackelford
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I have been a member of CGS for only 5 years, compared to so many of you who have been here for many years. This is already my 3rd year on the CGS council. Some of you were here at the ground breaking of the original sanctuary, which is now the Great Hall. In this light, it gives me a very humbling view of this faith-based community, for your faith, your willingness to give your time, talent and financial support and a vision you had with each successive step. You all have made great leaps of faith during those many years, from the onerous project of building our new sanctuary and school. Those decisions have made profound changes in your journey and for the betterment of our members and greater community.

We are now looking forward to how we can be better stewards of the wondrous gifts God has bestowed on us. This is an exciting time and CGS needs all its members to participate. This new journey is not just about the physical building, but it is about how we as members are going to serve anew, beyond the building and out into our community. CGS needs all of us, not just some. As in the past you all took part, you all gave your ideas. Some agreed and some did not but you continued to discuss until together you decided what was best for congregation as a whole and you achieved it. Now is not the time to step back and let others do, thinking that you are not listened to or not important. YOU ARE! You have been an essential part before and you are an essential part now, no matter how young or old. I had thought about not continuing with being a member of the CGS council seeing as this year is the end of my term, but have decided to take another term if you will let me. I cannot allow myself not to be a part of this exciting adventure. I pray that you all will be too.

With God our Christ the Good Shepherd as our guide we will not fail.

May God bless us all.
Your devoted servant,
Joe Shackelford

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