About 20 years ago I was the lay leader of our congregation. It was a time of great rancor. We were building a big addition and asking for money for same. Rewriting the church constitution - by definition of one of the most brain-numbing activities in the world - turned into a huge brou-ha-ha over church finances and leadership. Although Council meetings and annual congregational meetings had clear agendas, they were usually hijacked by a few difficult individuals who had personal axes to grind. My stomach cramped in anticipation of each meeting.

We got through those years. Difficult people moved on. Our beautiful addition was completed. Gradually, with occasional relapses, our congregation started working as it should. This doesn't mean there haven't been differences of opinion and difficult issues, but for the most part, they have been dealt with appropriately.

Fast forward to today. This morning was our annual congregational meeting and it was remarkable. After all the turmoil related to calling and then losing a wonderful pastor, the meeting was calm, optimistic, and laced with laughter. Present slate of candidates, vote, elect. Present budget, discuss briefly, vote, pass. Explain proposed constitutional changes (yes, once again!), discuss, approve. Thank out-going president, welcome new one. Open meeting for discussion, listen to one person's articulate and polite criticism, hear a polite counter-opinion, continue respectful dialogue over coffee. Wow!

Parents and teachers are told repeatedly that modeling appropriate behavior is critical for the development of children. It has been critical at Ascension this year also. What could have been an explosive, divisive, ugly year has, instead, resulted in calm, optimistic people who are confidently waiting to find out what growth God is going to make possible in this new year.

That modeling has come from many people, but particularly from Chris - the outgoing president. Throughout all the crises, he has remained faithful, calm, supportive, and optimistic. Most importantly, he is a man without ego issues. What a change from the ego-driven axe grinders of twenty years ago! Thank you, Chris....and may we all learn from you!