VBS for this year:
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SUNDAY MORNING from the pastor November 3, 2002 As I look outside this morning, my first sense is one of ‘chill.’ My tomato plants are now shriveled from the week’s frost. The mums have moved from their splendor phase to their survival phase. And the trees, still colorful, are losing it. My first impulses of the day are to secure warmth: to wrap a little tighter in my bathrobe, to turn on the gas fireplace, to pause an extra moment with my hands on the hot coffee mug. But make no mistake, I am grateful: for the adventure of the cold season and a thousand sacraments blessing us with warmth. When my clock radio woke me this morning, the first sounds I heard in the new day were those of a trashy election commercial. The newspaper yesterday said that over $600,000 has poured into our state legislative district for this election campaign. Nearly all of it is money coming from outside the area. And nearly all of it has been spent on verbal abuse--from both political parties--and it has poisoned not just the political system, but our lives. Is there a point when decent people have had enough? On Tuesday night (election night), I am having an open house at the parsonage--a redemption party. It will be an opportunity for decent people to gather, watch election returns, talk about our community and nation, enjoy some refreshments, and in the company of one another, cleanse our souls from the political dirt that’s been flying. You are welcome to come and go anytime between 7 and 10. The address is 2508 Cottage Grove in Urbana. Next Sunday is Consecration Sunday. Folks will have time in the worship services to estimate their financial giving for 2003. And then we will have Sunday dinner together at the Park Inn at noon. One of the things that makes Grace such a good church is that for more than a century now, our folks have been willing to stand up and say, "You can count on me." When we make our estimates of giving next week, we are doing two things. First, we are making it possible for Grace church to make ITS commitments. And second, we are obeying God, taking a PART of what God has given us, and making it available to our church to further God’s work. Giving to God’s work through the church doesn’t just happen spontaneously. Most of our funds in this church (over 80%) come through the estimates and pledges of our members. And at the very least, its the decent and respectful thing to do to let the church know what we are planning to give. For those who manage the church’s money, the estimates of giving are critical. It is impossible to make responsible financial decisions in the church without those estimates. But ultimately, our estimates of giving are not made on the basis of the church’s need. They are based on our obedience to what GOD wants us to do. This is a listening time. Before we announce to God what WE’RE going to do, it is good to listen and reflect on what God wants us to do. Thank you--each of you, for standing up and being counted at this time. --Mike |
