Sitting down to write a newsletter article and a midweek reflection on November 6 feels like a daunting task. The results of the election seem clear, and it is evident that Donald Trump will be the next President of our country. I write this article, knowing there are members of our church community who rejoice and celebrate this outcome, while others are feeling very different emotions. Our country went to the ballots yesterday, peacefully (thank God), and sent a clear message regarding the future of our nation. Many of us voted. Many of us participated in our civic duty to allow our voice to be heard and our vote to be counted. This is good stewardship: to actively participate in the governance of our country.
This coming Sunday, we will pause and reflect on the stewardship of the individual characters in Jesus’ “Parable of the Ten Talents” from Matthew’s Gospel. The master, in the parable, entrusted specific individuals with certain responsibilities and there are varying outcomes depending on how they responded. In what ways do I respond to all that God has given/entrusted to me? What are my options? What are my successes? What are my shortcomings?
Last Sunday in worship, we invited our church community to offer “pledges” of financial support for the 2025 year. Many people have done this, and I am grateful. I know others who were gone or who haven’t sent their pledges in yet, and that’s fine. I want you to know that we are hoping to gather this information throughout the month, and we are working to put plans in place for our 2025 budget year. Additionally, I want you to know that we are serious at First Pres about our mission: “Seeking Christ and serving others.”
In what ways has God called you to seek Christ or to serve others? How can we more effectively, actively, or imaginatively live out our calling to be an example of God’s Kingdom for all the world to see? Share your thoughts and ideas. Share your talents and resources. Let’s share our passions and our convictions together. Let me know what you’re thinking.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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