Donna Chase – Director of Christian Formation
On Sunday we celebrated Donna Chase, Director of Christian Formation, as she retires after 23 years in ministry with us.
One of my greatest blessings from family, along with a strong legacy of faith, is a deep love of life’s work and calling.
I grew up with role models who spent their days helping others and they did it with joy and compassion even when life’s challenges came along. I’ve come to understand over the years that this is centered in a belief that what brings meaning to our lives is using our God-given gifts to love and serve others. Theologian Frederick Buechner puts it like this: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
My call of 23 years here at FPC Greensboro has given me the joy and privilege of walking alongside children, youth, parents, families, adults, and colleagues as we have grown up in faith together. I am grateful to have been called to an amazing faith community where I have learned so much from the congregation and staff. I will always treasure this time as part of my 40-plus years of ministry in Christian formation in the local church.
As I prepare for our Scotland pilgrimage in celebration of the church’s 200th anniversary, I pray that our vision and mission of being rooted and grounded in faith and reaching out in God’s love to the community will continue to transform you. I leave you with words from Christine Eberle in her book Finding God Along the Way: Wisdom from the Camino for Life at Home:
- Travel lightly
- Be present in the moment
- Ground your day in prayer and gratitude
- Open your heart to the wonder of God in every encounter
- Rely on and be reliable to all God’s children who share the journey with you
As I continue to discern where and what God might be calling me to next, I look forward to taking a Sabbath rest and seeing you as our paths continue to cross!
Blessings and peace,
Donna S. Chase
