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
INTERIM’S INSIGHTS
Mary of Magdala went to the disciples. “I have seen the Teacher!” she announced. Then she reported what the savior had said to her.
(John 20:18 The Inclusive Bible)
Even though you may get and read this before Easter Sunday that is not too early to remind ourselves of what this is all leading up to. As we enter the season of Easter, we must decide what we are going to do with the things we say we believe. We can navigate Easter Sunday easily enough, but then comes the really challenging part. “What difference does it make in how we live?” “Is resurrection about a physical, bodily resuscitation, or is there more to it than that?” Oddly enough, the Gospel accounts don’t help us as much as we would like. Mark (depending on which ending we follow) leaves us with either an empty tomb or visions of the risen Christ, but no physical contact. Matthew has Mary of Magdala and “the other Mary” running from the empty tomb and meeting Jesus, whose feet they take hold of. Luke and John have Jesus being touched, eating meals, and speaking of his physical body, but also walking through walls, vanishing, and being hard to recognize (by Mary in the garden and by disciples on the road to Emmaus). There is no definitive answer to the nature of Jesus’ risen form.
But maybe we need to take a closer look at what the witness of the resurrection are actually saying. Mary’s testimony that she has seen Jesus is not an attempt to describe what she has seen, it is simply the affirmation that an encounter has occurred. Do you think it mattered to her whether it was a body or a spirit, a physical presence or energy, a vision or some type of ectoplasm a la Ghostbusters? I don’t think so. What mattered to her, I think, is that the one in whom she had placed all her hopes and expectations, who had brought her from death to life, who had given her back her God, was no longer dead, but alive. Perhaps what we can learn from her is that it is not an essential of our faith that we have all the details ironed out, but that we live with a Presence in our midst that is Christ. Is it a physical presence? Not in my experience (so far!). Is it a powerful force for transformation, justice and hope? Yes! In this world of greed and self-centeredness, it is important that we give our own witness, whatever that is. Once life was meaningless and cheap, now it is a wonderful gift from God. Once I was sinking and suffocating in my own sin, now I am alive to God. Once there was nothing to look forward to but death, now I know that my life will be forever in the presence of God. This is our Easter witness and our daily challenge – remembering that Christ is among us and that our lives are different because of it.
As we continue to struggle with the challenges of faithful living, may we remember to be charitable not only in our giving, but in our welcome of those who wrestle with the meaning of God in their lives. Together, our witness of what Christ has done for us will be a powerful force in the world. And the resurrection will bring new life to all who hear our testimony. Amen
Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor
Pastor Dave’s Schedule for March into April
Due to various meetings and family obligations, Pastor Dave will be in Flint on the following days:
Day of April 07: Out of Town
Week of April 16: Out of Town
Week of April 23: Tuesday and Wednesday
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, david.sickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515)720-6389.
REDUCING PURCHASING & CONSUMPTION - Mindful Climate Action
The University of Wisconsin – Madison has been on the front line in employing Mindfulness as a partner in Environmental work. http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/education/MCA/ The Below article is from the UW’s website.
"From the time we were children, we were taught to desire toys, clothes, and a host of consumer goods. And yet, while the initial purchase of a desired object can bring a burst of satisfaction, these pleasures are short-lived. Most of us end up with a mountain of stuff that we don’t need, and many of us fill closets, attics, basements, and even expensive storage facilities with things we don’t need, paying first for the stuff, and then for its storage. Done right, an Eco-friendly life should be cheaper than the alternative, primarily because considering the environment before you shop means you’ll invariably end up buying less.
“Before buying anything, ask yourself: Do I need this? Can I make it? Can I buy it secondhand? Is this the best quality I can afford? The last question refers to product durability and buying things that will last if you have to buy something new. Making a new product requires a lot of materials and energy - raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be built then transported to wherever it will be sold. These steps create carbon pollution. Mindful Climate Action suggests mindful consideration around all new purchases for personal and planetary health.
We’re all familiar with the 3 R’s: Reduce Reuse Recycle
They’re listed in order of priority for reducing waste. Reducing purchasing and consumption takes the lead. The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.
Here are some ideas on how to reduce and reuse from the EPA1
Buy used. You can find everything from clothes to building materials at specialized reuse centers and consignment shops. Often, used items are less expensive and just as good as new.
Look for products that use less packaging. When manufacturers make their products with less packaging, they use less raw material. This reduces waste and costs. These extra savings can be passed along to the consumer. Buying in bulk, for example, can reduce packaging and save money.
Buy reusable over disposable items. Look for items that can be reused; the little things can add up. For example, you can bring your own silverware and cup to work, rather than using disposable items. How is Peoples Church doing in this area??!!
Maintain and repair products, like clothing, tires and appliances, so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently.
Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture.
“Story of Solutions2 paints the bigger picture by pointing out that economic growth – as measured by GDP – is increasing while overall human and environmental wellbeing is decreasing. We’re told that a bigger GDP means we’re winning! But in-actuality, we’re losing because we’re polluting our atmosphere and oceans and exhausting our natural resources. By reducing purchasing and consumption we effectively sidestep the economy and lighten our carbon footprint, prioritizing sustainability and people over GDP.
Kendall Brown, for the Creation Justice Team
Good Things Happening in and around us
The Greeter’s Ministry…
Is asking for volunteers to greet before and during Sunday service and also online. Please add your name and contact information to the sign-up sheet located on the Greeter’s desk. If you have any questions, please see Karen Eaton. Thank you
The Search Committee is continuing its work...
We have received and read applications and discussed candidates and are making good progress. We are currently moving toward interviews probably in May. We are working on questions that we will ask the candidates, always keeping in mind what the congregation has told us is of importance to you. This search process as anticipated is long and we ask for your continued patience. Please keep the Search Committee in your prayers.
Linda Angus, Member of the Search Committee
Thursday night book group…new book
Join us by clicking the adjacent link: Book Group Zoom Link:
Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities
The Covenant Association of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ Spring Meeting
Saturday, April 22, 2023
9:30 -11:30 a.m. at St. John’s UCC, Jackson, MI
Or via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMud-ChrzMrHtJT2O6deV_0RF5xThzJg5yi
The Focus of the Meeting will be:
Environmental Action as Christian Service
The ABHMS 2023-2024 school year Scholarship Application Request form is available here. Applications must be submitted by April 25, 2023, at 5 p.m. EST to be considered.
Scholarship amounts vary and are paid directly to the school for credit toward the recipient’s tuition.
As an inaugural year, ABHMS will award scholarships in the range of $500-$1,000 for part-time students and students attending community college, as resources are available for the 2023-2024 academic year.
More information at ABHMS Scholarships for Students
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 Sunday’s. Starting Sunday, March 19th we will be reading The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Join us either in person at church or via Zoom .
Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.
New Text Alert System. We have shifted to a new text messaging service. If you're in our church directory, you're all set. If you're not, go here to sign up!