In this issue of Abundant Magazine, we will be exploring together the Power of Proximity as it relates to how we gather for Worship, Faith Formation, Service, Visioning, and Nurturing Relationships. We will be hearing stories from many of our ministry partners of different ages and life experience as they talk about the importance of proximity in their lives as we gather together. We will also be hearing about the opportunities that our congregation will have in April to gather for visioning, as we consider together what God is calling us to be and do as we prepare to celebrate our upcoming 200th anniversary as a congregation!

In this Abundant, we look at the many ways FCC members have invested in their church, their congregation, and the community! To highlight a few articles: there are spotlights of youth member Hannah Stanley and longtime Discover Zone staff member (and current Interim Executive Director!) Debbie Smith; a history of investments made by the church throughout its nearly 200 years here; reflections on investments made in 2023; and a handful of reminders on how YOU can invest in Florence Christian Church by way of the Legacy Tree and the multitude of volunteer opportunities!

There is no doubt that we are in a time of great challenge and change in our lives, our church, our community and our world. The question is always “how will we respond to challenges and changes that confront us?” In this issue of Abundant, we are looking at how our expanding ministries are a witness to our mission as a church to build and, in some cases, rebuild…on Christ, who calls us to stand upon our faith in Him.

In this issue of Abundant, we are focusing on our 2022 theme REBUILD as we look at rebuilding through leadership. And as you read what’s inside look with me at how change is happening in the midst of rebuilding through staff changes, our evolving mission and ministry, and the stewardship opportunities that call us to consider how we will be a part of what God is doing in us and through us.

Indeed, we lean into our faith in God during challenging, liminal times! As we look back and acknowledge the difficulties of 2021, we celebrate the blessings of our Sabbatical Year of Replenishment. We also look forward to a new year as we pivot on the theme Rebuild.

Standing in the crossroads of Pastor Diana’s return and Pastor Susan’s embarking on sabbatical, this issue looks to lessons we’ve learned and how we will continue to move ahead toward replenishment.

The pastors will both be taking a sabbatical season to find growth and rest, to replenish their spirits and calling. The church, too, is on a journey to renewed faith and replenished hope.

Reaching the Summit: The journey to the summit has strengthened this congregation through faith and hope.

Our Guide: Florence Christian Church provided guidance through the pandemic for many who experienced isolation and food insecurity.

Broken Hearted: Read stories of life changing struggle from individuals in our community

We form faith every day. Our desire is to walk alongside people in their journey of faith at every age and life stage. We offer practices and approaches that help people form faith every day, everywhere and with everyone.

We serve boldly. We will assist people in serving out of their giftedness in ways that are meaningful to them and make a difference for others. We offer settings for people to discover and develop their God-given talents.

We welcome radically. We strive to extend Christian hospitality to all people in all settings. Our desire is to turn strangers into friends and for people to experience God’s abundant love, grace and acceptance.