March 22, 2024

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists & the American Baptist Churches

Dear Friends

St. Augustine of Hippo once proclaimed that "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our hymn of praise!"

So, what does it mean to live as Easter people? It means we live as a people, all parts of Christ's Body no matter who we are or where we are on life's journey working together toward a single purpose: love.
The power of Christ's resurrection calls us to become his hands, feet, voice, and love in this world. Jesus makes himself known outside of us as well in the people we meet along our own journey. Richard Rohr states "When we can see the image of God where we don't want to see the image of God we begin to see with eyes not our own."

Each year, compelled by our Easter faith, we share that same love with God's children both near and far. Our yearly, generous gifts to Peoples Church of Flint's Easter offering provide hope -and much needed help to people who are feeling hopeless about their future. This Easter Sunday, March 31st is no different.

Part of our Easter offering this year will go towards our 503 Building Fund which will allow us to make necessary repairs to continue our extravagant welcome to all who come through our door no matter who you are on life's journey. The second part of the offering will go to our discretionary fund which allows Pastor Matthew to meet the needs of the community outside of the four walls of our building.

To make your gift, you can write a check to "Peoples Church" with the memo line "Easter offering" or you can give online at the church's website (www.peopleschurchofflint.org) by clicking "Donate" and choosing the Easter Offering drop-down.

With the hope of new life and rebirth that Easter proclaims in our lives, we get to proclaim love lives in the lives of our neighbors both near and far! Let us always serve with love.

Christ is Risen! 

Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister

  Good Things Happening in and around us

Adult Forum ZOOM Link

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

March 01, 2024

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists & the American Baptist Churches

Empathy Is Not Always Easy

 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).

 Dear Beloveds,

As we already know, we live a world marked by division, discord, and polarization. Therefore, it is imperative for us, as a community of faith, to anchor ourselves in the tenants of love compassion, and most of all empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a virtue that lies at the heart of our faith. It calls us to see beyond our differences, to recognize the humanity in each             person we encounter which allows us to respond in the face of disagreement or conflict. In times of division, empathy serves as a powerful antidote to the forces that seek to tear us apart. It allows us to bridge the gaps that separate us, to build connections across divides, and to foster a sense of solidarity and belonging.

 Empathy is not always easy. It requires us to step outside of ourselves, to listen with open hearts and minds, and to be willing to engage with perspectives that may challenge our own. It demands patience, humility, and a willingness to  extend grace. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of discomfort and tension that empathy becomes most crucial. It is when we encounter those who hold views different from our own, or when we witness the pain and suffering of  others, that our capacity for empathy is put to the test.

Empathy also compels us to listen attentively to the voices of those who are often silenced or ignored. It fosters a commitment to equity and fairness, driving us to confront systemic injustices and work towards creating a more just and inclusive society for all. Without empathy, social justice efforts risk becoming detached or superficial, lacking the genuine understanding necessary to effect meaningful change.

As a community, let us commit ourselves to the practice of empathy in all aspects of our lives. Let us strive to cultivate empathy in our relationships, our conversations, and our actions, both within our faith community and in the broader world. Let us seek to understand before seeking to be understood, to listen before speaking, and to approach one another with gentleness, compassion, and respect.

Wild Blessings, 

     Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister

  Good Things Happening in and around us

Adult Forum ZOOM Link

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

February 09, 2024

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists & the American Baptist Churches

Give Me A Clean Heart

The Lenten season is a time of profound significance in the Christian calendar—a period of forty days set aside for prayer, fasting, and introspection as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.

The season of Lent challenges us with a commitment to deepen our understanding of God's transformative work in our lives and in the world. Lent is not simply a time of self-denial or ritual                      observance, but an opportunity for spiritual growth, renewal, and liberation. It is a journey of inner   transformation, inviting us to confront our brokenness, acknowledge our need for grace, and embrace the promise of new life in Christ.

As we reflect on the themes of Lent through a sermon series entitled “Sustenance in Solidarity” let us  recognize the interconnectedness of our faith with issues of justice, equity, and compassion. Lent calls us to embody the radical love of our Divine Creator in tangible ways, advocating for the marginalized,  standing in solidarity with the oppressed, and working towards the healing and restoration of our             communities.

Lent is a time of inclusivity and welcome, where all are invited to participate in the journey of faith       regardless of background or belief. There are those who have been hurt by church but look for a spiritual refuge to heal during this season. Let us create space for diverse voices and experiences within our            congregation, recognizing the richness and complexity of our shared humanity.

 As we enter into this sacred season together, may we be guided by the Spirit, who leads us into deeper truth, greater love, and abundant life. Let us support one another on the journey, offering grace,                  compassion, and solidarity to all who seek to draw closer to God.

 In the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). May this Lenten season be a time of renewal and restoration for each of us, as we journey together towards the hope and promise of Easter.

Wild Blessings, 

     Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister

Extended Thanks...

"We are so grateful and a bit overwhelmed by the generosity of the Peoples Church congregation in    supplying a "bonus" to Dave on the completion of his interim position there. It came to us in the form of gift cards to Home Depot and we are still trying to decide the best way to use them. As Dave has         mentioned often in sermons and newsletters, our house is old and rehabbing it is an ongoing project. We hope to add a patio in the backyard and the pavers are not as cheap as we expected, so that is high on our list! We thank you for that, and for being a just and caring employer, and for making it possible for                  life-giving ministry to issue from your community of faith. God bless you all.”

 Pastors Dave & Susan Sickelka

  Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 by Rashid Khalidi. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

January 26, 2024

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists

& the American Baptist Churches

“...One negative voice aimed at me has the incredible power to drown out a thousand positive ones. One of the greatest things I can achieve is to never let it.” Dan Pearce

 
Beloveds

As I have expressed many times, I am part of the vast majority of the population who identify as neurodivergent [people whose brain differences affect how their brain works]. Living with ADHD often means grappling with heightened sensitivity to external stimuli. Imagine trying to listen to one conversation while several others buzz in the background, each demanding attention. It's like trying to catch butterflies in a  hurricane—overwhelming and exhausting.

For those of us with ADHD, the effort to filter out  irrelevant information and concentrate on a single conversation can be a constant battle. It's not a lack of interest or disengagement; rather, it's an internal hurdle that requires immense mental gymnastics to navigate. In group settings, the struggle is exacerbated as conversations overlap, creating a symphony of words that can be both distracting and frustrating…contd.

 Good Things Happening in and around Us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

As I wander on my own spiritual journey, I am often confronted with a cacophony of voices, each proclaiming its understanding of God's calling to her creation. Some voices may resonate with truth and love, while others may distort the message through self-interest or dogma. Discerning the authentic call of God amidst this diversity requires a nuanced and open-hearted approach.

My coping mechanisms for ADHD and faith  encourage me to engage in dialogue actively and intentionally, to question, and to seek understanding in the pursuit of justice, love, and inclusion. It invites me to recognize the spirit of Christ in voices that challenge traditional norms and call for a more expansive understanding of God's grace.

In discerning God's call in your own lives and the collective life of Peoples Church, let us remain   humble and receptive, recognizing that divine revelation may come from unexpected sources. Let us be open to the transformative power of God's Word, even if it challenges our preconceptions. As we engage with the diverse voices around us, may we be guided by the principles of justice, mercy, and love, discerning the authentic call of God in our collective journey together.

 IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 by Rashid Khalidi. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

January 12, 2024

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists & the American Baptist Churches

“Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.”

Mark 1:16-18, (The Message Translation)

Becoming Fish People

Beloveds,

Several months ago, I had an amazing afternoon coffee date with a near and dear colleague. During our back-and-forth banter, we began discussing our sermon preparations. She told me a story about this scriptural passage. When she was a child, she thought that Jesus meant that he was going to turn Simon and Andrew into fish and not fishers of men. The conversations that flowed from this discussion still sits with my soul today.

What if her interpretation of this scripture was not just some childhood fantasy but a revelation of the Spirit?  Often, evangelical groups use this text as their scriptural foundation for their evangelizing and converting ministries. The motto I have heard in some spaces of “…saving souls hook, line, and sinker” gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Now, fish were the main staple of food for the early community in which Simon and Andrew lived. Therefore, I wonder: What if Jesus was calling Simon and Andrew to become fishermen of this new followers of Jesus movement not with flashy lures and nets, but by becoming healing sustenance in this beloved community being cultivated? This spiritual sustenance mediates unconditional love and declares that the least come first, the weary and marginalized find seats at the head of the table. I think my colleague’s lens on this scripture flips what we all know as the church upside down.

I ponder what church and faith communities would look like if we all became fish-people.

Every denomination is asking the same question: How do we get more people in the pews? I don’t think anyone really has the right answer, but I do think it begins by looking at this scripture through my colleague’s lens. Instead of becoming consumer fisher-people, deploying flashy lures to sell Jesus to the masses, we become fish and offer community as a healing space to provide sustenance for this deeply, beautifully broken world.

So, my question is, how is this spirit calling you to become a fish-person?

Wild Blessings, 

     Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister

thank you!

Pastor Dave & Pastor Susan, would like to thank the members and friends of Peoples Church for all the expressions of appreciation and gratitude that were made as his interim ministry came to an end. It is often assumed that clergy are "self-sustaining" as they go about their work, but the well can run dry without some positive strokes along the way. You have launched your Interim back into his various  projects and ministries with a full well!  Again ,thank you!!!

Pastors Dave & Susan Sickelka

  Sign the Petition

“Free Jamie Meade: Sentencing Judge Calls for His Release Calling His Sentence 'Unjust.”

Please click the link , to sign the petition for the release of Jamie Meade https://chng.it/MCGCZ6Grcm 

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 by Rashid Khalidi. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

December 29, 2023

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ,

the Alliance of Baptists & the American Baptist Churches

“I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom, but on the power of God.”

 (I Corinthians 2:3-5, The New Revised Standard Version)

These words from the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth are especially appropriate as the transition time for Peoples Church comes to its conclusion. Paul writes to the Corinthians because there is division and turmoil, part of which can be attributed to the reluctance of some to accept changes in leadership. They continue to hold on to the memory of “former pastors” who served there and who made a great impact on the church. Paul points out to them that he worked very hard to make sure that their faith was based not on “human wisdom” but on the power of God. 

In the same way, it has been my goal to help Peoples Church to see that the power of God is at work among the people here, not because of my presence, but because of your faith and trust. A number of you have been very gracious in expressing to me your appreciation for my gifts as a pastor. For that I thank you, and want to tell you that even those things that are particular to my personality and style as a pastor must be credited to God’s power, through with all of us are gifted for ministry. We are always being challenged to use what God provides in our lives for the ministry of Christ’s Church.

Even more importantly, it is a central premise of the search process that the power of God works through the Search Committee and candidates alike to bring about the match that will allow the ministry to grow and bear fruit. So I invite you to watch and wait for God to do amazing things through this new partnership between all of you and Pastor Matthew. I am confident that these great things will come about, not because I know Pastor Matthew has gifts for ministry, not because I know the potential of Peoples Church, but because I know that your faith rests on the power of God. It is an exciting thing to know that you are poised on the edge of what Paul calls “a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” It is what the Church has always proclaimed and tried to live out. But in order to see what God is doing, we have to discipline ourselves to look forward and release what has been. The ministry that is about to grow must be given the room to take its own shape and there are some things you can do to provide that room.

First, it is vitally important that Pastor Matthew be brought fully into the role that you are asking him to take. For that reason (and my own well-being) I will not consent to do any further pastoral functions at Peoples Church after Pastor Matthew begins his work here, including baptisms, weddings, funerals, or other functions in which people would perceive me as being their pastor. There will be appropriate occasions for our paths to cross again: church anniversaries, Conference and Association meetings, chance encounters at a Red Wings game. But I will not function as your pastor, so please save us the discomfort of declined invitations by not extending them!

Second, don’t expect your new pastor to fit any molds that are still in your minds as to what your  pastor should be or do. The gifts for ministry are unique in every pastor and need to be cultivated in their own ways. The problem with old molds is that they are… well… moldy! They were right for their time and people, but now your pastor is bringing new gifts and you would be wise to exploit them!

Finally, don’t neglect your own gifts. Your pastor can’t do this on his own. None of them ever actually did. Peoples Church is a community of believers, working hard to live and proclaim the faith. It’s up to every one of you to do your thing.

I will appreciate hearing through the Peoples Press of all of the exploits of Peoples Church and will run into Pastor Matthew at church meetings. We will hold one another in our prayers and be united in Christian love, no matter where we are or what God gives us to do. May God bless our respective ministries and allow us all to be a part of the power of God at work. Amen.

    Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor 

Beloveds…

One of my favorite things to do while in the process of moving is “re-discovering” items that I had completely forgotten about. This is also one of the reasons that Travis does not allow me to linger while packing as I tend to lovingly “get in the way.” As we go through the boxes, I can’t help but hold items and reminisce about where or how we had gotten an item. I think the longest Travis had ever let me go on was about twenty minutes before he shooed me out the door.

The process of packing for us usually involves Travis holding up an item and asking, “Do we Keep or Let it go.” There is something cathartic for me about this process of packing, unpacking, and making space. As we move from box to box, I am reminded of all the “stuff” that we had been holding on to for one reason or another and consciously deciding on each item with the voice of Marie Kando “Does this bring me Joy.”

It is my belief that the first duty of a newly called pastor is to deeply listen and learn the stories, traditions and beliefs of the congregation and its members. This formative time in our covenant together allows us time to accomplish the relational work of packing, unpacking, and making space for moving forward in the ministry of Peoples Church.

It is my vision for us to plan several house meetings throughout our first year together. A house meeting is a small gathering that deepens relationships by creating a space for individuals to share their personal stories, skillsets, and motivations for joining Peoples Church. Along with house meetings, I want to know each of your personally. Do not be surprised if you receive a text/phone call about grabbing a cup of coffee or tea. I will also be setting some time aside once a week for “Coffee Shop Office Hours” in the community for anyone to stop by and have a conversation.

Now for some general housekeeping information, I would like each of you to add this phone number to your device or take note. My ministerial phone number is (860) 249-3576. In the case of pastoral emergencies such as birth, death, and hospitalization those line is 24/7 and please don’t hesitate to reach out as I would like to be with you either in spirit or physical presence during this  moments.  Please leave a detailed voicemail/text and I will return it asap. My office hours starting January 10th will typically be   Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with Friday and Saturday as Sabbath. Pastors Schedules as you know are unpredictable at times as well, so it will be best to reach out to the office just in case.

 I look forward to seeing you again in the new year! Please keep Travis and I in your prayers as I will with each one of you.

 Wild Blessings,

Pastor Matthew Hogue-Smith, Senior Minister

 A Call to Prayerful Action

 United Church of Christ Letter Regarding the Israeli/Hamas War

The Adult Forum at Peoples Church has been reading the book The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi, which takes the position that the Balfour Agreement, which established modern Israel in 1917, amounts to a colonization of Palestine and justified the  subjugation of the Palestinian People. Following the incursion of Hamas into Israel in October of this year, many denominations, including the UCC and the ABC and the Alliance of Baptists, all of which are bodies to which Peoples Church is affiliated, signed on to a letter stating that a protracted military response would lead to wider bloodshed and create new animosities, putting peace farther and farther into the  future. Much of what the letter predicted has come to pass. We include the letter in this issue of Peoples Press so that you may give it your prayerful consideration and be better informed.

Pastor Dave

 The United Church of Christ joined 27 Christian churches and agencies to address a letter to the United States Congress this past October. The letter below was written in the context of the ongoing war in Israel/Palestine.

Dear Members of Congress,

We have watched in sadness the devastating loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories over the last several days. As Church-based denominations and organizations with deep ties to the Holy Land, we mourn with our Israeli and Palestinian siblings as they grieve the loss of loved ones and remain fearful of continued violence. Our commitment remains to a future in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and human rights protected for all.

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ attacks and violent treatment of civilians and call for the immediate release of all hostages in captivity. We also condemn the indiscriminate and violent Israeli response that has already claimed hundreds of civilian lives. The Israeli government’s decision to shut off power, water, and fuel will have a disastrous impact on millions of  civilians in Gaza, including over a million children, especially those who need immediate medical attention.

At this critical time, it is incumbent upon Congress to act in ways that will help de-escalate the violence and stop further loss of life. Specifically, we call on Congress to:

~ Publicly call for ceasefire, de-escalation and restraint by all sides.
~ Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva conventions and customary international law.
~ Prioritize steps to secure immediate release of hostages and ensure international protection for civilians.

During this time of heightened tension, we implore Congress to refrain from steps that only exacerbate the violence and increase the risk of expanding war into the broader region. Any Congressional effort that is one-sided, and rushes to send new weapons to Israel, will only intensify the conflict leading to further deaths and destruction. Congress must work to prevent the spread of more violence, including against Palestinian civilians in Israel and the West Bank.

Year after year, we have seen that increasing violence begets more violence. Our past responses have failed to end the bloodshed. As these horrific events unfold, we are reminded once again that only by addressing core systemic issues, including decades of institutionalized oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians through brutal military occupation and a 16-year Gaza blockade, will Israelis and Palestinians live in peace.

We are grateful for your service to this country. We pray for wisdom and discernment on your behalf in the days ahead.

 Sincerely,

Alliance of Baptists
American Baptist Churches USA
American Friends Service Committee
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Churches for Middle East Peace
Church of the Brethren
Community of Christ
Church World Service
Evangelicals4Justice
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Fellowship of Reconciliation USA
Franciscan Action Network

Global Ministries
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention
Maryknoll Office for Global
Mennonite Central Committee
National Council of Churches
Pax Christi USA
Presbyterian Church USA Office of Public Witness
Quixote Center
Reformed Church in America
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute Leadership Team
Sojourners
The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
United Church of Christ
United Women in Faith

  Sign the Petition

“Free Jamie Meade: Sentencing Judge Calls for His Release Calling His Sentence 'Unjust.”

Please click the link , to sign the petition for the release of Jamie Meade https://chng.it/MCGCZ6Grcm 

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 by Rashid Khalidi. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

December 15, 2023

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &

the American Baptist Churches

“Do to others what you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit does that do you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. If you do good only to those who do good to you, what credit does that do you? Even ‘sinners’ do as much. Love your enemies and do good to them.”

 (Luke 6:31-33, 35a, The Inclusive Bible)

We are now seeing the phase in the Israeli/Hamas conflict where the immorality of war is hard to ignore. The UN estimates that 90% of the Palestinian population is displaced. Israeli leaders are pointing to rape and other atrocities committed by Hamas combatants with outrage that the international community does nothing about it. Civilian casualties mushroom as the war drags on. Both sides see the need to spin the headlines so that they can claim the moral high ground. The horrors of war are justified by the moral depravity of the other side. Civilian suffering and death are regrettable, but the moral clarity of the cause allows the continuation of an “all means necessary” approach.

Except….the logic is flawed. The decision to resort to violence (whether “war” is declared or not)   ALWAYS produces abuse and escalating retribution. In Act 3, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony is ruminating on the death (by assassination) of Caesar. He plans to avenge the death of Caesar by inciting the crowd that will no doubt gather for the funeral to riot and turn on the assassins, who are well known. He imagines the Greek goddess Ate, the goddess of mischief, delusion, and blind folly who leads humans to ruin, to be on hand to “with a Monarch’s voice cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.” Blinded by his anger, and maybe also by the possibility of power for himself, he cannot be bothered with the consideration of the folly of war. “Let it come!” he seems to be saying. “I don’t care.”

It has been said that all of the world’s major religions have The Golden Rule in some form. Most of us know it as “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” (Since we are quoting Shakespeare, the Elizabethan English is appropriate!) It is a direct refutation of the war-enabling attitude of “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” It does not allow us to react with rage and fury, to inflict pain until our blood lust is satisfied, to let the victims exact revenge without restraint. Do to others what you would have them do to you. Once we “cry havoc” and embrace war, we lose any claim we might have had on the moral high ground. Because war is never a moral good. It is a moral failure. Destruction and death are not the means to a noble end, they are the signs that we have sold ourselves to ignoble falsehoods.

The last time war convinced us that we were on the side of good was World War II. There were     obvious examples of the enemy’s evil. Concentration Camps, genocide, the bombing of Britain, the attack on Pearl Harbor. But we had to also turn a blind eye to the fire-bombing of Dresden, Churchill’s refusal to negotiate a peace in Europe, and the dropping of atomic bombs on population centers. Some might say those were necessary evils, if they were evils at all. But I would argue that they were the predictable outcomes of “all-out war.” Since then, we have attempted to spin every conflict as a struggle between good and evil, a pitched battled of the forces of democracy against the existential threat of tyranny. (Communism is no longer enough of a threat to qualify as evil). But the bottom line is, once the dogs of war are “let slip,” good and evil have very little to do with it. People die. Lives are destroyed. Hate becomes entrenched and we breed another generation of Hatfields and McCoys.

All of our religious traditions see the folly of this. All of them speak to us of the wisdom of working for peace and justice. All of them provide us with examples of spiritual giants and ordinary folk who found a better way. And all of them give us strategies for making it work. The Golden Rule is just one of them. And yet, we continue to elect and follow leaders who stoke the fires of hate and sow the seeds of mistrust and fear. We put “the button” in front of them and then hope and pray that they won’t push it. How stupid are we?

I think what got me started on this rant was the seeming indifference of all our world leaders to the suffering of the poor and the disenfranchised. I marvel at their blatant disregard of the lessons of the past, and the demands of basic humanity. There is no moral high ground. There is only outrage. There is only military might. There is only “sovereignty.” And we, as citizens, have no stomach for challenging the Powers and those who profit from war.

Well, I can no longer stomach the professed moral outrage of those who choose the path of violence. I will continue to follow the One who brings peace. Amen.

   Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor 

 Pastor Dave’s Schedule

Pastor Dave will be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December except for Wednesday, December 20. He will be in the office on Friday, Dec. 22nd instead. Always call to make sure he’s around before coming to the office because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.

 If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515) 720-6389.

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading Tears Dry & Wounds Heal by Leon El-Alamin. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

December 01, 2023

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &

the American Baptist Churches

“O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are God’s judgments and how inscrutable God’s ways!....

For from God and through God and to God are all things.

To God be the glory forever. Amen.”

     (Romans 11:33, 36 Adapted from the New Revised Standard Version)

We could see it for miles as we drove to the amusement park. It was a great behemoth of a  roller coaster featured on all the ads. The biggest, fastest, scariest ride in the Midwest. No way was I going to ride on it. But we had kids. And our oldest was a thrill seeker. So I took comfort in the fact that he was too small (surely!) to ride something so obviously designed for adults (if for human beings at all!). We raced from attraction to attraction, with the kids getting more and more excited. I was content to do anything other than the roller coaster. Finally, we spotted the large sign that announced we had reached the environs of the monster. The rattle and roar of the cars on the tracks grew and then ebbed along with the screams of the riders. The line was long and the crowd of those waiting for friends and family to get off the ride (assuming they had survived) was milling about. My thrill-seeking offspring looked at me with joy. “Can we ride it?” So much hope! So much anticipation!

It was at this moment that the crowd parted a bit, and I could see a sign that said, “You must be this tall to ride this ride.” And a bright red line on the sign indicated the qualifying height. It was clearly above the height of my child. With barely concealed relief, I said, “Well, if you’re big enough, we’ll ride it.” So we stood in line patiently, my child and I, one of us hoping and praying to be allowed to ride, one of us confident it would not happen. Then we got to the sign that would separate the fortunate from the cursed (which was which depended on your perspective). A child ahead of us moved to step under the sign and suddenly popped up about ten inches! I leaned out to see what had happened. There was a large concrete block on the ground that would-be riders stepped up onto! My child and I were going to ride!

Anticipation and excitement are always a double-edged sword. We sometimes get our hopes up, only to be disappointed. We sometimes sign up for something that turns out to be more excitement than we think we can handle. And we sometimes have to wait until the line moves on a bit to see what is in store for us. That is where we are, both in the church calendar year (Advent is a season of waiting in anticipation) and in our transition process. We revisit the  promises that were made long ago and not so long ago. And now the things we waited for seem about to happen. The line is moving. We will soon take the measure of who we are and what we bring into the experience of God at work.

The Apostle Paul didn’t always think through the ramifications of his assertions about The Good News, but his excitement about what it means for believers is clear. And no wonder – he knew better than most what it means to live by God’s grace and to allow the Spirit to guide and sustain one’s life. And it was his great joy to live the Gospel and do the work to which he was called. He knew he didn’t measure up, but God put the block (“Cornerstone” in church-talk)  under his feet to make him more than adequate.

So for this Advent season, we anticipate the coming of Christ, as Believers have for centuries, with no expectation that this Christmas will be any different than any other, and at the same time knowing that there is no way to say that it will be the same! We have changed. The world has changed. The line has moved forward. We also anticipate a new phase of our ministry as a congregation. A new minister is coming and that means new possibilities and new gifts for you all to explore. Some expectations may not be met, others will be blown out of the water, exceeded beyond anything you might have imagined. So get ready to hop into the roller coaster. It is going to be a wild ride! But my bet is that you will measure up to whatever God has in store for you. And when the cars slow to a stop, you’ll jump out and say, “Let’s do that again!!!” Amen.

  Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor 

 Pastor Dave’s Schedule

Pastor Dave will be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December except for Wednesday, December 20. He will be in the office on Friday, Dec. 22nd instead. Always call to make sure he’s around before coming to the office because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.

 If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515) 720-6389.

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading Tears Dry & Wounds Heal by Leon El-Alamin. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

 Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

November 17, 2023

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &

the American Baptist Churches

“Sing to our God with Thanksgiving; sing praise with the harp of our God –

who covers the heavens with clouds, who provides rain for the earth,

who makes grass sprout on the mountains and herbs for the service of the people,

who gives food to the cattle, and to the young ravens when they cry.

God does not thrill to the strength of the horse, or revel in the fleetness of humans.

YHWH delights in those who worship with reverence and put their hope in divine love.” 

   Psalms 147:7-11 (The Inclusive Bible)

We have, for too long, entrusted the development of church doctrine to those who had a vested interest in codifying God’s Word. That is, to people who were very good and making rules and “constructing” theological systems. For several hundred years, seminaries required their students to take “Systematics” or “constructive” theology. It was all supposed to fit together neatly in a way that could guide the thoughts and actions of believers and keep them from   committing sin. And it was all very academic. Which is not to say it wasn’t important or relevant, but rather that it focused the rational and the logical.

What got neglected in this approach was the heart and the spirit. And what got undue emphasis was the idea that humans have “dominion” or “rule” over what God has created. When the environmental movement began to gain traction, through Earth Day and legislation establishing the EPA, churches were caught flat-footed. We couldn’t construct a Creation Theology that would negate the role of humans in following the rules, and we had no rules about taking care of creation. We thought that the land and the people on it were ours to dispose of as we wanted. Even now, we are often confronted with understandings of religion that give us carte blanche in the decisions about natural resources.

That’s why I like turning to the Psalms periodically. The Psalms make it clear that what we see around us does not belong to us, at least not unconditionally. In the passage above, the Psalmist makes it clear that it is God who provides for creation, it is God who sustains life, it is God that keeps it all in balance. And our role? To worship this God in reverence. To sing praise to God with thanksgiving. To put our hope in this God’s divine love. There is nothing logical about this. We cannot create a rule-based system that will induce our thanksgiving. It is something that must spring forth from our hearts. And our hearts will not generate this kind of praise by means of an academic exercise. In my experience, it is most likely to happen when we join a community of believers who tell their stories of what God has done for them.

When that happens, the heart swells! When that happens, the songs burst forth! When that happens, the only explaining we need to do is that we have put our hope in God’s divine love, and we have not been disappointed. We may go through tough times. It may be hard for us to keep faith.  But just look around at all that God is providing! Think about the possibilities that lay before us in this neighborhood among God’s most vulnerable Children! And what do we have to offer? Divine Love. And if God’s love is at the heart of all that we say and do, then how can we fail? So sing to our God with thanksgiving! Amen.

           Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor 

 Pastor Dave’s Schedule

Pastor Dave will be in the office on Saturday, Nov. 18, Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22. He will not be in Flint the week following Thanksgiving Due to an expected arrival of another grandchild. Please keep all involved in the delivery in your prayers. Always call to make sure he’s around before coming to the office because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.

 If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at                                           davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515)720-6389.

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading Tears Dry & Wounds Heal by Leon El-Alamin. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

 Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!

November 03, 2023

CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS

PEOPLES PRESS

Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World

A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &

the American Baptist Churches

Presbyters (elders) who do their work well are to be doubly honored, especially those who preach and teach. For scripture says, “Don’t muzzle the ox while it is threshing the grain,” and “Workers deserve their wages.”

  Timothy 5:17-18  (The Inclusive Bible)

So I set out to give you all a standard stewardship message. I have a whole file of them and let’s face it, the principals involved in making decisions about our tithes and offerings don’t change all that much over the years. It’s a matter of considering what resources we are entrusted with, what needs have to be met, and what God is calling us to do. Nothing really earth-shaking in any of that….well, God, I guess. God can be earth-shaking. And we, as a congregation, are facing something that makes this stewardship campaign a little different.

We are on the cusp of extending a call to the person who will be the next minister of Peoples Church. And a big part of that decision is hiring a full-time employee (That’s how clergy are   classified by the IRS). By doing so, a congregation takes on the responsibility of providing for the person’s livelihood (as Paul suggested to Timothy 2 millennia ago). But this is more than just a Human Resources issue. Yes there are wages and benefits to consider, but also the minister’s sense of call and their professional development. It involves the tacit understanding that when your leader leads, people will follow (or at least not throw up roadblocks!) It involves respecting the work and wisdom your minister offers, as well as the need for rest and Sabbath time.

You will be stewards of a new relationship, and it will entail learning what is essential for a new person’s life to flourish and bear fruit. There will be new rhythms to this ministry and new gifts to apply to the work.  Supporting this work may require that you adjust your assumptions about what a minister is. You may have to make some changes in order to provide a safe and healthy work environment and learn a new set of worship orders. Your new “elder” (to use Paul’s parlance) will serve this church best if they are able to thrive in this position, and if every member of their household thrives as well.

One of the maxims about stewardship is that “Money follows mission.” That is, if a cause or  endeavor captures the essence of what people care about and animates their lives, then they will be much more likely to put time and energy and resources into that effort. We are soon  going to be asked to make a commitment, but it won’t just be spoken words and written agreements. It will require an investment. It will include financial and material support, but also emotional and spiritual support. It will include the risk of being vulnerable and sharing the joys and losses of life. It will include a willingness to nurture healthy boundaries and interactions. And it will require faith…. Faith that God’s Spirit is at the heart of it all. For the covenant you are about to make is one that relies heavily on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and our ability to  recognize it.

So be in prayer. Be attentive to what God is saying. Be open to a future that will require much of you. Because that is how congregations thrive and how each of us finds meaning in our lives. Amen.

          Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor 

 Pastor Dave’s Schedule

Pastor Dave will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays through November 22. He will be out of town the week of Nov. 27. Do call to make sure he’s around before coming because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.

If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at:                                      davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515)720-6389.

Good Things Happening in and around us

 Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities

IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!

Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!

Adult Forum, meets at 9:30 am on Sundays. We’re currently reading Tears Dry & Wounds Heal by Leon El-Alamin. Join us either in person at church or just click HERE to join us virtually. 

 Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.

Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!