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

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IN THE CONGREGATION
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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.

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