At this particular time in history, it is a great blessing to be a part of the growth of the Church here in the Upper Valley. This is a turning point that will be remembered for generations to come. The work of the Lord over the past 4 years has been reflected in all of us who have been, and continue to be, his instruments. Without a doubt, the hand of God has been present guiding us and directing us during this historic project.
Salomon says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build" (Psalm 127). We truly believe in the words of the psalmist. It is the Lord constructing his house through your hands and mine. It is the Lord that will continue using whoever he wants to be part of his project to build a house for his honor and glory. The psalmist reminds us that it is the Lord himself who is the builder. If the Lord wants it, we work for him. We know that it is not me or you who are ultimately responsible for our building – instead it is the Lord.
Throughout this entire process, we have striven to depend upon the Lord in everything we had done. Our meetings and deliberations have always been accompanied by prayer so as to be in communion with the holy will of God. It is in living out the words of the psalmist that we continue to move forward in humility and with an openness to what God Himself wants for us.
The Executive Council committee, Liturgy Committee, Communication Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council have been integral elements to this project. I am grateful for their faithful support. I have witnessed them undertaking their tasks just as the priest says in the doxology, “Through Him, with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.” I admire their love, their care, their courage and I feel honored to be able to share with them in this work of God.
We know that a building is meaningless unless it facilitates strong relationships between people. We have a very dedicated and solid core of many parishioners who share the desire to construct a building that gives honor to God all the while building up and strengthening our relationships in our parish more than ever with one vision, constructing the house of God.
With the Lord’s help we are marching forward to build a structure that is truly the “HOUSE OF GOD AND THE GATE TO HEAVEN.”
Sincerely,
Rev. Miguel Gonzalez
en español:
En este momento particular de la historia, es una gran bendición ser parte del crecimiento de la Iglesia aquí en Valle. Este es un cambio total que será recordado por las generaciones venideras. La obra del Señor durante los últimos 4 años se ha reflejado en todos los que hemos sido y seguimos siendo sus instrumentos. Sin duda, la mano de Dios ha estado presente guiándonos y dirigiéndonos durante este histórico proyecto.
Salomón dice: "si el Señor no construye la casa en vano se cansan los albañiles" (Salmo 127). Realmente creemos en las palabras del salmista. Es el Señor que construye su casa con tus manos y las mías. Es el Señor el que seguirá utilizando a quien quiera para que forme parte de su proyecto de construir una casa para su honor y gloria. El salmista nos recuerda que el mismo Señor es el constructor. Si el Señor lo quiere, trabajamos para él.
Sabemos que no soy yo ni tú el responsable final de nuestro edificio, sino el Señor.
A lo largo de todo este proceso, nos hemos esforzado por depender del Señor en todo lo que hemos hecho. Nuestras reuniones y deliberaciones siempre han estado acompañadas de oración para estar en comunión con la santa voluntad de Dios. Es viviendo las palabras del salmista que continuamos avanzando con humildad y apertura a lo que Dios mismo quiere para nosotros.
El comité del Consejo Ejecutivo, el Comité de Liturgia, el Comité de Comunicación y el Consejo Pastoral Parroquial han sido elementos integrales en este proyecto. Estoy agradecido por su apoyo fiel. Los he visto desempeñar sus tareas tal como dice el sacerdote en la doxología: "Por Él, con Él y en Él, en la unidad del Espíritu Santo". Admiro su amor, su cuidado, su valentía y me siento honrado de poder compartir con ellos esta obra de Dios.
Sinceramente,
Rev. Miguel González