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!