The office is getting a new computer, so for the last few weeks Laura has worked to clean-up
old files and delete ones that are no longer needed as we prepare to transfer items to the new
system. When questions came up about whether or not something should stay or go, she asked
the pertinent people. She also had some questions for me as she found files and old programs
from as early 2002. Some files had old copy of newspaper ads for past events. I saw notes from
committees that no longer exist, and items from committees that have changed their name or
their portfolio. Most things that were deleted haven’t been mentioned or thought of for 10, 15, 20
years or longer. This makes me all the more excited to see Peg Gage’s history of the church
when it is ready (and for which she will be asking members of the congregation for information
and their recollections).

Looking at the old computer programs and files helped me realize how living and dynamic our
church is. And it showed me how we are able to change to meet the needs, circumstances, and
interests of our community and society, and all those who participate with our church. Indirectly
it made me consider how I’ve been attending and active at People’s Church for twenty-some
years. First I simply offered some lectures and classes, mostly on Christian church history or the
history of philosophy, and occasionally a pulpit. Then I was the Director of Religious Education
for adults and children. In 2013 I became Pastor Bud’s associate minister, and then in 2016, the
senior minister. Now I begin to prepare to retire sometime by the end of 2028, (my heath and
the congregation’s desire I stay that much longer permitting).

The old computer shows how that over these years there has been a lot of change, a lot of
programs, a lot of fun and activity, and much friendship. It is also amazing to consider all that
the church has accomplished as a group. It is true that sometimes there is frustration,
sometimes hard feelings, sometimes impatience, but by and large, it’s quite a testament to our
commitment and flexibility, and I guess, commitment to flexibility, that we have accomplished so much and persevere. We have certainly demonstrated that we are able to do what we decide to put our minds to. I consider that this is due to good intentions, good planning, and lots of good practices in consensus building and cooperation. For a free standing liberal church that
celebrates diversity and free thinking, when it comes to making group decisions for things, like
the budget for example, we are quite accomplished.

As the deleted and soon to be transferred computer files show, things do not stay the same. In
our needs and the needs of the community, in our priorities, in our activities, in the computer
programs we use to help get the tasks done…how we have changed over the years! But in and
with these changes, we have demonstrated how we remain relevant, dynamic, and vital.