Dear Friends, One of the things I value about being Presbyterian is our commitment to speaking about real life issues. As we watch the news and hear more stories about the Occupy Wall Street movement across our nation, we are reminded that our current economic situation in America is a hot button issue. It is quite literally taking up residence in major city centers throughout our nation, including Denver. The Advi­sory Com­mit­tee on Social Wit­ness Policy of our Presbyterian Church USA was asked to study and write a paper on our current economic crisis. Members of the committee were recently here in Denver to listen to our stories and to hear how we are experiencing the impact of this economic downturn. As I sat at a table with brothers and sisters in our denomination from around our country, I was surprised by one of the questions we were asked to discuss. The question went something like this: “What have been the unexpected blessings of this financial crisis?” I heard incredible stories of people discovering new passions, sharing resources, and choosing to open their homes to others. Though it was clear that there has been great pain and loss through this economic crisis, it was also clear that it has created space for people to re-prioritize their values and their behaviors. After the discussion that night, I have continued to ponder how this parallels the current situation of the church in America. The church in America today has experienced and is experiencing its own downturn. Many of our churches know firsthand the loss of members and financial resources. I wonder what we would say to the question: “What have been the unexpected blessings of this crisis in the church today?” It has reminded me that ‘church’ is not about a perfectly orchestrated worship experience; but rather about the person in the pew holding the hand of the person next to them who recently lost a spouse. It’s not about beautifully worded prayers; but about creating a space for the one who longs to cry out: “Lord, help me. I’m lost!” It’s not about slick looking church brochures with packaged answers; but rather a safe space to ask such questions as: “Why am I here?” How would you answer the question: “What have been the unexpected blessings of this crisis in the church today?” In this season of Thanksgiving it seems especially appropriate for us to look for those hidden blessings in life. How would you answer these questions: “What have been the unexpected blessings of this economic downturn?” “What have been the unexpected blessings of this crisis in the church today?” As we ponder such questions, I wonder if we might hum the chorus to the hymn “Count Your Blessings.” The chorus goes like this: Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings; name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. In this season of Thanksgiving may we not only look for those unexpected blessings, may we count them one by one! Grace to You, Pastor Gretchen