Dear Govans family,
Now that I am officially installed as your pastor, my heart is full of gratitude for Sunday’s joyous, celebratory, and deeply moving service. I am not usually one for pomp and circumstance, yet crossing this threshold with you meant the world to me. The afternoon was filled with warmth, laughter, radical welcome, and a shared commitment to justice. From the music and preaching to the worship leaders, Presbytery representatives, staff, and the volunteers who hosted a wonderful reception, the day felt like a true expression of Ubuntu: a reminder that we are only who we are through one another.
I am still unpacking the emotions of answering my installation vows. For the first time in my life, I could speak those promises, living my whole truth, free from the inner division that used to weigh me down and take so much energy. God had a much bigger imagination for my life, and held out so much hope for me all along. That hope has taken shape right here. Coming to Govans and making my home in Baltimore feels like a homecoming, and it is a privilege to put on the stole of service in a community where all are truly welcome. I am honored to be your pastor, doing the transformative work of listening and joining in the collaborative ministry we are called to do together.
Sunday also marked a milestone for our online worship. Since we began streaming on YouTube, we have ironed out many wrinkles, and our stream quality has improved tremendously thanks to our technical team. You can now watch worship any time during the week here.
This new chapter reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, right on the edge of something new. We are in the midst of our stewardship campaign, and now is the time to make a financial commitment for 2027, investing in the vital, justice-seeking congregation we already are and are still becoming.
This Sunday, Minister Lea Gilmore preaches “What’s Love Got to Do with It? When Silence Is Not an Option,” from Esther 4:13–16 and John 3:18. Through Esther’s courageous story, Lea reminds us that love sometimes means refusing to remain silent. Last Sunday I preached about silence and sitting in the slack water. Now Lea’s sermon turns us toward speaking out. This conversation between our two sermons fascinates me, and I hope we all join in that dialogue as our life together unfolds.
With gratitude,
Dries