Eastrose has a new minister! Reverend Robin Zucker begins her ministry at Eastrose on August 1, 2023. When I wrote my December blog, I could not have imagined this possibility. Everything has fallen into place so well that it seems meant to be. After a year of being lay led, Rev. Robin’s ministry signals new beginnings for our congregation.

Her priorities include creating a comprehensive path to membership, preaching three Sundays a month, actively supporting family ministry, outreach, worship, pastoral care and social justice. The continuity in the pulpit will undoubtedly result in increased attendance in-person and online.

New beginnings have already begun with the relaunch of our children’s religious exploration classes on Sundays. As the weather moves from winter to spring into summer, we expect to see the numbers of children increase significantly. Thanks to Tara Toler and Kathie Loveall for all their hard work on behalf of our children and families.

While we recently set up a family area in our chapel for parents of little ones, we are also looking to hire nursery workers for Sundays. Once the nursery is staffed, we anticipate more parents of young children will attend Sunday services in person.

In 2022, we invested substantially in repairing and upgrading our facilities: installing a new heat pump, repairing leaks in the roof and replacing our worn-out coffee making equipment. These investments will serve us well into the future.

We’ve also invested in our dedicated staff, without whom we could not function. Our congregational administrator, A/V technician, music coordinator and family ministry coordinator all signed updated contracts, reflecting current realities.

Let’s continue to look forward in the coming year to more new beginnings.

Cynthia Hopkins
President, Eastrose Board of Trustees