In A message from Joel Gill, Executive Director:
What signs do you see that foretell that autumn is soon to come? For me it’s formations of Canada Geese flying overhead, sightings of prickly walking sticks hanging from small branches and busy squirrels stowing away their food for the coming winter.
I do love the changing of the seasons, but it can be an awkward time too. A day can be both warm and cool. I often don’t know whether I should put on my sandals or boots. My most successful wardrobe days seem to be when I dress flexibly in layers. This allows me to adapt as the day changes and plan for multiple possibilities. As the day warms, I remove a layer and adjust and as the evening comes and the temperatures begin to fall, I grab a favorite hoodie or jacket.
During this time of seasonal transition, I find myself pondering what the harbingers of Ferncliff’s recovery from this pandemic will be and how Ferncliff will prepare for the “in between time” where risks associated with COVID-19 are lowered but not altogether gone? How do we prepare for the recovery while still being in a pandemic? Carefully and flexibly; I think that must be our answer. Ferncliff must “layer up” both programmatically and financially and adapt to whatever the current conditions become.
Although our normal modes of operation have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, we have been able to continue working towards our mission of making a positive difference in the world. I believe this is because Ferncliff as an organization isn’t just one or two things but rather a collection of programs, ministries and methods for delivering our mission. If it’s unsafe to host residential camp, we can adapt and offer limited day camp programs. If many families in our community are choosing virtual schooling options, we can provide an ideal environment for their children to learn. If we are unable to host 50 people for a week-long retreat, perhaps we can host families for weekend retreats. We can start small and go from there.
In the book of Zechariah it reads, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin”. Ferncliff started with a small beginning; two people had an idea for a place where people could gather to explore and strengthen their faith. Over the years many more people have become part of Ferncliff’s story, each person’s contribution or ‘small beginning’ layered on top of the previous, slowly transforming Ferncliff into the center of mission and ministry it is today.
Today I’d like to ask you to consider a small beginning of your own. Would you consider joining me and making a small monthly gift to support Ferncliff? You could be a harbinger of Ferncliff’s recovery. Your monthly gift could help Ferncliff “layer up” and remain resolute through these difficult times and ready for the more favorable times that are sure to come.
When you notice your harbingers of fall, I hope you think of Ferncliff and the part you play in supporting our mission. The industrious squirrel burying food for the winter can remind you that you are helping secure Ferncliff’s future. The formation of Canada Geese flying overhead may remind you that you are helping Ferncliff remain flexible and able to change course when necessary. And perhaps the prickly walking stick clinging to the branch in the wind will remind you that you are helping Ferncliff remain steadfast and endure through this difficult time so we can sustain until favorable conditions are restored.