From Ben Silva-Netto

This and That

The stretch of highway that connects the city of Mt. Shasta to Fall River Mills has a section that cuts across the forest where the autumn fiesta of magnificent wild colors of yellow and brown dance exuberantly amidst the evergreen of towering pine trees and redwoods. Occasionally the pink of the dogwoods joins the Alleluia chorus silently yet majestically in the mist of fall rain. I am convinced that this is the best time to visit the Siskiyou County, although local residents would argue - most convincingly I am sure - that any season would be good time to be in this part of the State because this is truly God's country.

The second round of charge conferences took me and Marlyn to the churches of Etna, Fort Jones, Montague, Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta, and Fall River Mills. Reception from folks from these churches has been exceedingly warm and cordial in spite of the difficult issues we have to deal with as each of them evaluates the ways they have been faithful to God's calling to make a witness in their communities. I solicit your prayers for each of these churches and the many other small struggling congregations. We are genuinely grateful for the hospitality of Bob and Hazel Buckner who provided us lodging, food, fellowship, and most cherished friendship during our stay in Montague. The picture window of our bedroom faced the magnificent Mt. Shasta, snow-capped and standing tall against the October blue sky. Carol Fowler, the chairperson of the PPRC of Montague, bade us farewell with huge juicy tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, and a friendship which we hope would last for a long time. Pam and Earl Coy-Armantrout helped make the joint worship service and Charge Conference of Etna and Fort Jones genuinely inspiring.

The trip through the Marble Mountain took us to fascinating places and an introduction to a Portuguese woman and her cows going down from the meadows atop the mountain to the valley below in preparation for inevitability of winter. The few faithful folks of Dunsmuir shared the difficult decision of having to close their church building and parsonage and to terminate the services of their CLayM pastor due to financial difficulties. But their unflagging spirits will keep them worshipping as a "house church" in hopes that they could continue to make a witness to their faith in the town of Dunsmuir. Also struggling as a small congregation, Mt. Shasta engaged in envisioning a future where their community of faith would reach out to the young families and would increase their number sufficient enough to carry on the various ministries needed in the community. The commitment of the lay leadership of this congregation was amply demonstrated by their willingness to step a couple more steps more than they seem able at this point.

Highway 299 led to the small but historic town of Fall River Mills where the brown brick United Methodist Church sits by the side of the road. Pastor Thom Brackney talked about some of the difficulties his congregation faces as well as the passion reflected in various ministries of pastoral care even for those who are not members of the congregation. The "white elephant building" became a symbol for congregational vitality [ask Pastor Thom what this is].

The other Charge Conferences in the North Coastal Region speak of vitality and growth as well. Smith River, our most northern church, is creatively exploring ministry with the Hispanic population under the cooperative leadership of Pastor Michele Holloway and Pastor Maria Inez Lugo. They are soliciting donations of band instruments for their praise band they plan to organize to enrich their worship services.

Among the ministries the church has developed is an ESL (English as Second Language) program for the people of the community. Pastor Maria Inez writes articles for the daily newspaper, "El Heraldo," which allows them to advertise free of charge their worship services and other activities.

Arcata under the leadership of Pastor Kate O'Leary is exploring ministry to the university students attending the nearby Humboldt State University.

Fortuna reports bouncing back from a difficult conflict situation and is now looking towards a future of vital ministry under the leadership of Pastor Ray Dowdy. Charles and Kathy Smith helped make the Charge Conference at Eureka a time of celebration in joyful anticipation of God's continuing participation in the ministries of a vibrant congregation.

Meeting a young lady of 15 who went to Kenya, Africa for a Volunteer in mission trip this past summer provided us an inspiration we shall long remember. Recruitment of persons for pastoral ministry has been a passion of this congregation. It is immensely exciting to visit these churches and to see how they are all engaged in clarifying their mission as churches, exploring the vision of an exciting future, and tapping into their passions for the work God has placed upon their hearts.

Ben Silva-Netto