Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Oct. 19

Our worship at Friedens Church is sometimes described as “traditional”. I prefer to think of it as ancient and tried and true. Our order of worship finds its origin several hundred years before the time of Jesus. In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, the prophet recalls a vision while worshiping in the Temple in Jerusalem. Isaiah suggests the greatness and majesty of the Divine by imagining that just the hem of God’s robe fills the Temple. Angelic creatures called seraphs serve God in heaven, ever singing Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of God’s glory. And so, we too begin our worship with humble praise for a majestic and awesome God.

The Divine presence is further revealed in the shaking of the foundation of the Temple and the mingling of light and smoke. The prophet cries out in fear before God, saying: Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a mortal of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips. This confession is met with purification, symbolized by a seraph touching the mouth of the prophet with a live coal and the announcement that your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out. So too our worship includes confession, an assurance of pardon, a song and prayer of thanksgiving, an announcement of the peace that emanates from the gift of forgiveness, and a grateful and generous offering to God and for God’s work in the world.

Isaiah’s vision concludes with a message from God and an invitation to go and live the message. Isaiah responds, saying, Here I am, send me! Our order of worship follows this same pattern. We conclude our time together in the sanctuary by receiving a reading from Scripture and a sermonic reflection on the passage, before a final song of praise and a commissioning and benediction that moves us into the world as Christ’s disciples.

Yes, our way of worship is an ancient as well as tried and true means of encountering the Divine presence. Make it part of your sabbath rest and renewal and invite others to join you.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Oct 12

Dear Beloved,

I write to you with joy in my heart because tomorrow is World Communion Sunday, and I find hope and healing in knowing that people all around the globe share together in remembering Jesus’ love as we break bread together in worship and each and every day for sustenance.  Today my heart and soul also continue to think about and pray about how we respond to the crisis of daily hunger or food insecurity for many.  I am grateful that we are able to work together with others near and far to advocate for food for everyone through Bread for the World.  I’m grateful we can offer peanut butter to Hunger Inc (a local food pantry), weekenders to two local schools, and some shelf stable for those who may need something from the little blue community food box outside of Hayden Hall at the northwest end/side of the building.  Thank you for your generosity and commitment to following the ways of Jesus who feeds and nourishes, welcomes and encourages.      

As I prepare for World Communion Sunday, which will have passed by the time you read this, I think about other upcoming autumn celebrations and special seasons  - All Saints Day and Advent are coming to my mind today.  As the Treasure Seeker team prepares for Advent, we would love to hear about crafts and games you might remember from earlier times in your life or favorite activities related to the season of preparation before we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas.  The activities that were positive in your formative years would be fun to pass along and share with the kids and teens now.  Thank you for sending any memories or ideas our way.  

Through all the days and seasons may you know that you are a loved child of God.

With gratitude for you and  the opportunity to journey together in the ways of Jesus,

Sarah

 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, October 5

In worship at Friedens Church we join disciples all around the world in reciting the Lord’s Prayer. One thing that is special about the way we practice this ritual is the bell that tolls while we pray.

Friedens was founded by German immigrants from the villages of Wehdem and Westrup. Most of the people in these villages made their living by farming. They also gathered for worship in their village church. Sometimes urgent chores demanded the farmers miss worship. However, in the village church the bells were rung during the Lord’s Prayer. This allowed folks wherever they were and whatever they were doing to stop, and to join the gathered community in the unity of prayer.

When you hear the bells in worship you can remember this lovely tradition and feel united in the faith and love of Christ. If you are not able to be present in worship on a Sunday morning, even if you cannot hear the church bells, you can still stop and pray the Lord’s Prayer and experience oneness in Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Sep 28, 2025

Dear Beloved,

The note I wrote to you for this week is going to be saved for another week because I am super excited to share some wonderful news with you!

We received a grant from the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ to make a sensory garden and outside mindfulness stations. We hope this new addition outside will be a blessing to everyone who would enjoy experiencing space and time to connect with creation, our sensory systems, the Creator, and anyone who may also be spending time there individually or with a group.

If you are interested in helping with the building of the garden or stations or the maintenance of them, please let me know. Huge thank yous to the team who helped write the grant and the community partners who helped inspire the ideas. Thank you to all of you who have been and continue to pray for ways to connect with the community. Thank you for praying for God to continue to guide us and for everyone who comes to feel the unbounded and eternal love of Jesus. 

With gratitude, hope, and joy,

Sarah 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

(Psalm 34:8)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, September 21, 2025

Maybe you have wondered why we have so many candles in the sanctuary at Friedens. We have a table of candles as you enter the sanctuary. These are lit to remember someone in your life who needs God’s grace. There are candles on the pillars that support the ceiling. There are candles under the cross and candles on the communion table. And, on Christmas Eve the congregants are all holding lit candles while singing “Silent Night, Holy Night”.

Candles are a symbol of Jesus who is the light of the world. Jesus reveals the graceful love of God. Jesus illumines the path of life worth living—the way of justice, kindness, humility, generosity and goodness. Jesus warms our hearts with his abiding and helpful presence.

 When you see the candlelight in the sanctuary remember Jesus, the light of the world, and then reflect that light in every interaction and relationship of your lives. The light we receive is the light we share.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, August 24, 2025

Have you looked up at the ceiling of the Friedens’  sanctuary lately? Does it look a little like the structure of a wooden ship turned upside down? That is what it is supposed to look like. One of the early symbols of the church was a ship sailing off on the mission of love and good news to new lands and peoples. In fact, the area where the congregation worships is called the “nave”, a Latin root word used for the English word “navy”.

There are clues in our sanctuary that point us to our mission. Like the ship-like ceiling, plus the windows along the east and west walls. Those windows allow us to see our surrounding neighborhood and God’s creation. They remind us that the gospel is for the world. We receive the good news each Sunday in worship and have the responsibility to take it with us in word and deed into the world God loves.

Let’s pay attention to the signs and clues God gives us to know and embrace our purpose.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Aug 17, 2025

Dear Beloved,

When you hear the word breath, or you take a breath in a conscious way, what comes to your mind, heart, soul, body? The last few weeks I shared a breath prayer with you.

 Another way that I pray is through simple songs. At the mini retreat on the theme of hope, I was blessed by Heather and David who led us in singing “Give Thanks” (page 528 in the hymnal) or here’s a version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N96xxwudfg 

or

“Give thanks with a grateful, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ our Son.”

Those words have been staying with me and carrying me in this new school year. Thank you, David and Heather. - Thank you, God, for giving us songs, music, composers, musicians, birds, and a reason to sing. Thank you for helping us lift our hearts, bodies, mind, and spirits to you as we pray through music. We are grateful for you, God. Amen. 

And I’m grateful for you, my friends and beloved community of Jesus followers called Friedens (peace). May you find peace this week in a song or prayer that carries you and reminds you that the Creator of the heavens and earth cares for you and everyone more than any of us can ever imagine.  

Blessings of hope and shalom~ 

With gratitude,

Sarah 

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, August 10, 2025

What might Jesus think about homelessness and poverty?

The truth is Jesus did not have his own home, he relied on the hospitality of others. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus confirms this reality: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head”. Jesus knew what it was like to be poor. The Roman occupiers of his land were draining the resources, leaving the people of Israel to do without.

Jesus filled the gap in his time by feeding his people and teaching about the way trust in God empowers a spirit of generosity to meet the needs. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructed the people “to consider the lilies of the field that the Creator dresses more beautifully than King Solomon, and to look at the birds of the air who neither reap, sow, nor gather into barns and yet the Creator feeds them”. Jesus brings the teaching to a close by reminding disciples to get their priorities straight: “strive first for the kingdom of God and all the things you need will be given to you”.

Greed entices us to take everything we want. Like a bottomless pit, our wants are never satisfied and many suffer in the process of trying to fill them. But God created a world where all the needs can be filled when we trust the Provider and share what we receive. This wisdom was powerfully demonstrated when a child shared his lunch with Jesus. Jesus gratefully and prayerfully received the gift and shared it with others. Thousands ate their fill, and twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered to feed even more. (John 6:1-13)

There is no doubt, Jesus would have us as his disciples to get our priorities straight, to trust God, and to be generous so that everyone has a place to call home and there is room for all at the table of blessing. Jesus viewed basic necessities as God’s gifts gratefully received, that then empower us to roll up our sleeves and get to work in order to share with others Divine abundance.

Let’s get in the flow of trust and generosity.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, Aug 3, 2025

Dear Beloved,

You are in my thoughts and prayers as we begin a new month - one with big changes for those of us who have returned to school. Thank you for your prayers for us. I know many are going through other changes related to health, home life, work, relationships…I am grateful we are not alone. I’m grateful God is ever-present. Do you have any spiritual practices, verses, or prayers that help you find your grounding in times of change? 

 When I am feeling overwhelmed by changes, I try to remember that God’s love is eternal - sometimes I call or text a prayer partner - sometimes I look outside - sometimes I try to stretch - sometimes I try to say the Lord’s Prayer or a breath prayer. Pastor Marc and I are always glad to offer suggestions or support you in trying a practice if that would be helpful to you. 

 Here is a breath prayer from Psalm 46:1 that you could try this week if you’d like.

                         Inhale - “God is”

                         Exhale - “Our refuge and strength.”

                         Inhale - “God is”

                         Exhale - “Our refuge and strength."

You are in my prayers as I write this. May you feel the forever compassionate care of God holding you.  

 With hope and gratitude,

    Sarah 

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 13, 2025

What might Jesus think about Christian nationalism? 

Let’s begin by acknowledging that Jesus was Jewish. He was devoted to his tradition. Jesus was committed to a life of prayer. He taught in synagogues. Jesus worshiped in the Temple. Jesus was knowledgeable about and debated with other religious teachers the various interpretations of the Hebrew Bible (what we call the Old Testament). Even Rome understood his religious identity, placing a sign on the cross that read: “The King of the Jews”.

A careful reading of the gospels makes it clear that Jesus did not intend to start a new religion. The break from Judaism came after Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection.

Jesus did want his way of Divine grace and peace to spread regardless of borders and boundaries. At the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is recorded commissioning his followers “to make disciples of all nations/peoples” (the Greek word can be translated either way). This effort did not start at the top and work its way down. The followers of Jesus were common people who connected with other common people. The Way of Jesus, as it is described in the Acts of the Apostles, was a grassroots movement.

Over time, a Roman general named Constantine became a convert to the Way of Jesus. When he ascended to Caesar, he brought his faith with him. Eventually, Christianity became the state religion of the empire. The trouble with this new power and authority given to the church was the way it corrupted the humble and servant attitude of Jesus’ followers. Sadly, state sponsored Christianity was prone to excess and violence, as well as systematic persecution and discrimination of others who believed differently. History is replete with similar corruption when governments give preference and official standing to a particular religion. Thank goodness, our founders knew this history and insisted on a wall of separation between church and state.

As a disciple of Jesus, I do not need or want governmental preference or standing. Christ is the sole head of the church.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, July 6, 2025

Dear Beloved,

Thank you for the prayers you offer to God. Thank you for the ways you lift each other, people near and far, and the world up to God. Thank you for the ways you praise God. Thank you for the ways you listen to God. Thank you for the ways you thank God. Thank you for the ways you confess to God. Thank you for the prayers you have said for years and for the ones that aren’t spoken aloud at all. Thank you for praying with me at meetings and on the phone and in worship together. I love praying and deeply appreciate that we can support each other through prayer.

On Sunday mornings when I offer the start of the prayer that we end together in the Lord’s Prayer, I have never found a way to give credit to all who help me find words to pray - ancestors, teachers, preachers, children, animals, plants, authors, devotional writers, friends, people unknown to me, my family, musicians, artists, advocates, Jesus our dearest friend and Leader, storytellers, and scribes…. It is a gift to pray with you. Thank you for the opportunity to pray with you. I am forever grateful. May you know the joy, peace, hope, and love of Christ’s living Spirit in this season and always.

With gratitude,

Sarah

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 29, 2025

What might Jesus think about diversity? 

Jesus was not limited by boundaries and borders. He called two people to be his disciples who were diametrically opposed politically, a tax collector and a revolutionary. Jesus touched lepers. Jesus allowed sinful people to touch him. He crossed borders to heal a woman’s daughter in Syro-Phoenicia and to bring wholeness to a troubled soul in the country of the Gerasenes. He was criticized for his compassion with people like Zacchaeus, Bartimaeus, a person caught in adultery, and a Centurion. Jesus was crucified for political dissent. Jesus made room in his ministry for diverse people. Jesus did not discriminate because of difference.

Jesus worked for unity in diversity, not by requiring uniformity of culture, belief, practice, or even religion. Jesus worked for unity in diversity by exemplifying respect, and teaching forgiveness, fairness, and understanding rooted in allegiance to the love of God, neighbor, and self.

Jesus would not have us fear diversity or fight against it. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 22, 2025

Dear Beloved,

What are your favorite parts of the summer? Summer is my favorite season, so there are many things that I appreciate and enjoy. As far back as I can remember, VBS has been a favorite part of my summer – I was a VBS participant as a child, and then a teen helper and then an adult helper. The summer of shelter-in-place was so strange - I missed Vacation Bible School. After going without, I have an even deeper appreciation for Vacation Bible School, and it has become my favorite week.  

During the school year, Medicaid says that I have fifteen minutes with a child and then must move on. During VBS, I have the opportunity to sing and praise God with David’s wonderful music ministry and leadership. It is a joy that I cannot put into words. I see the children enjoying the delicious and nutritious snacks that you donate - thank you! We enjoy stories from the Bible and chat and pray together. I hear the kids building relationships with each other and their teen helpers and adult leaders. I give thanks as they love game time with Jennifer and learn cooking with Leonardo, make crafts with Becky, participate in a service project with Jessica, learn gardening with Roberta and Brandon, and enjoy Kristen and Dave’s fabulous decorations. I’m grateful for the ways Linda, Judy, and Sue show up and support kids, teens, and all of us however we need. Each of the adults does a beautiful job of playing with the kids and listening to them. We had a great big bunch of middle school and high school helpers. The kids look up to them and adore them. I’m grateful that kids, teens, and adults all invited friends to come along with them and they did. Praises be to God!

 Thank you for your prayers for Vacation Bible School! Thank you for your prayers for kids near and far each day. Thank you for loving and caring for the kids you know and for reflecting Jesus’ kindness to them. It is a blessing to serve our children, teens, and families with you. Thank you for this very, very special opportunity.

With appreciation, joy, love, and hope,

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 15, 2025

What might Jesus think about telling the truth?

Jesus put it clearly: “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’, and your ‘no’ be ‘no’ anything else comes from the evil one”. (Matthew 5:37)

 Jesus was a person of integrity, his words and actions were in sync, even if it was unpopular. For example, Jesus called his followers “to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Few live up to this demand of discipleship, but Jesus did. On the cross, Jesus prayed for his executioners, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

 Jesus has a good reason for telling and living by the truth. “You will know them by their fruits…every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit”, he taught in Matthew 7:16-17. Over time a practice of dishonesty will corrupt our character and pollute our words and relationships with distrust. Respect is earned by those who are trustworthy.

 Let us be wary of those who make dishonesty a practice. Let us strive to be trustworthy as we speak the truth in love.

 Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 8, 2025

Dear Beloved,

What is your favorite summer holiday?  How would you describe it to others?  Why is it your favorite?

My favorite summer holiday is coming!  For years, I have been captivated and inspired by the holiday of Pentecost.  For me, Pentecost is a celebration of God’s Spirit and all the amazing work the Holy Spirit does in and through the world!  I love the ways God’s Spirit connects us all.  I love the creative energy of Spirit that we celebrate on Pentecost.  As a very practical and pragmatic person, Pentecost invites me to pause and appreciate the wonder, mystery, joy and hope of God’s Spirit.  I appreciate the waiting and preparation before Pentecost and the sending that happens through Pentecost.  The diversity of languages and cultures makes my heart and soul smile.  The interaction of people from different places speaking different languages encourages me.  The unity in diversity brings me hope.  Recently I appreciated the way one author and scholar wrote about it.  In The New Testament in Color, Jordan J. Cruz Ryan writes, “The very first thing the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to do is ‘to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability’ (Acts 2:4).”  She continues on to say, “This ensured the multiculturalism and multilingualism of the church from its outset.”  How beautiful it is that the Spirit did not give everyone the ability to hear the message in the same language but instead to hear the same message in their native languages!  How incredible it is that Perry Township Schools have over 70 different languages present and that Center Grove Schools have over 50 different languages present!  Friends, my spirit and mind are bubbling over with so many thoughts that this note to you could become very long, so I am going to pause for now and simply invite us to ponder the story of Pentecost found in Acts 2.  I’m excited that Pastor Marc’s sermons will take us on a journey through the book of Acts in the weeks to come.  May we be open to all the Spirit is doing in the stories of Acts, in our lives and nearby communities, and in the world God so dearly loves and calls good.  May you know you are a loved child of God.

With gratitude and wonder for the journey of God’s inclusive and expansive love where no matter who you are or where you are, you are welcome,

 Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, June 1, 2025

What might Jesus think about the exercise of power?

Jesus lived under an authoritarian empire. Rome invaded and occupied their neighbors and used the resources in those places to advance an imperial agenda. The peace of Rome was enforced by the intimidating presence of the Roman legions. As in all authoritarian regimes, dissent was not tolerated. As a result, Jesus and his people lacked the freedoms, resources, and basic needs to flourish.

Jesus addressed the misuse of power very directly. In response to an argument among his disciples about who would be the greatest when Christ’s kingdom would be established on earth, Jesus said: “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

Jesus’ teaching is very relevant for our homes, communities, and nation today. Let us make a fresh commitment to Jesus’ way of servant-leadership. Let us be wary of any leader, especially in our government established “for and by the people”, who rules by lording their power over us, denying dissent, and taking the lion’s share for themselves.

That is not for us. We are followers of Jesus. We are here to serve, not to be served.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 25, 2025

Dear Beloved,

What is growing in you in this spring season? How are you feeling or experiencing the resurrection hope and energy of Eastertide? Or maybe you aren’t or don’t know, and that is okay, too. I ask questions because I care about you and appreciate you and truly wonder. Often, on Sunday mornings, we don’t get to talk, but I wonder and always like to know ways we can be supportive and of encouragement to you on this journey of life and love no matter where we are in the twists and turns and ups and downs each day (or sometimes each moment) can bring.  

In this Eastertide/spring season, Pastor James’ message from Good Friday and Pastor Marc’s message from Easter morning keep filling my heart, mind, body, and soul. Pastor James spoke about Jesus’ last words from the cross. Pastor Marc spoke of Jesus’ words to Mary. What do I say with my words? What do I mean with my words - both spoken and written? How do I convey love and care with my tone and mannerisms? What do I hear when people speak? How do I listen to all my friends who do not use words to speak? How do I interact with people who speak many languages or languages different than the one I know? What words do I use when speaking to, with, and about God? These are some of the things that I have been pondering this season. How about you? 

As I have been meditating, one of the first passages I remember learning as a kid keeps bubbling up - Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Also 1 Thessalonians 5:11, James, Romans 15:2, 1 Corinthians 14:12.) Almost 50 years, and I still have so much to learn! Praises be to God for God’s grace, patience, and forgiveness and the grace, patience and forgiveness of caring communities. I’m grateful for all the individuals, groups, authors, artists, teachers, friends, students, colleagues, peers, friends, and mentors who help me continue to learn to listen and do/be better. Thanks be to Jesus for his words of love, mercy, and guidance even from the cross and for his words of love, mercy, and guidance as he showed up to his followers newly resurrected and still now for you and me.  

With love, grace, gratitude, and Easter hope and joy,

     Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 18, 2025

“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)

From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.

This concluding article on stewardship focuses on the important gift of respect and unity in the rich diversity that expresses God’s creativity. In the prayer Jesus spoke on the eve of his death we find this petition: “The glory that you have given me I have given to my disciples, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)

The disciples of Jesus reflect a very broad and beautiful diversity. Disciples represent every continent, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, interest, language, belief, and practice. Unity is possible among such different disciples because of the unifying power of God’s love. It really is just as St. Paul said: “Faith, hope, and love abide, and the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13) Love brings us together in a liberating unity not in an oppressive conformity.

Practicing stewardship holds great hope for renewing and restoring the earth and its inhabitants. That hope can be fulfilled when in love and unity the disciples of Jesus around the world embrace God’s call to be care takers of what God has made and shared with us. The love and respect we emulate are the building blocks of bridges that can bring divided and distrustful groups together for the common good of a sustainable home where everyone’s needs are met and where we live in well-being and harmony.

I know the fulfillment of the Creator’s intentions for stewardship seems unlikely if not downright impossible. But remember, “with God all things are possible”. (Luke 1:37)

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – Sunday, May 11, 2025

Dear Beloved,

How are you in this season that is often full of celebrations and transitions - graduations, moves, gardens beginning to grow?  It is also a season that can be full of loss and memories - the month of Memorial Day, a month where classmates and colleagues may be saying goodbye, an end to certain routines and rhythms.  Wherever you find yourself, you are never alone.  God is with you.  Friedens is a community of the faith and love of Jesus who seeks to journey with you no matter where you are on life’s journey.  We seek to trust God’s Spirit and give thanks for God’s grace and forgiveness.  We seek to partner with people near and far to be part of God’s work of shalom in every season.  

Please let us know if there are certain ways we can be praying with you in this season.  I would appreciate your prayers for children and teens who find summer to be a challenging time due to a lack of the structure, supports, or meals that schools provide.  I would appreciate prayers for Vacation Bible School and the other special programs Friedens offers throughout the summer.  Your prayers are a tremendous gift and blessing.  I give thanks to God for the power of prayer and the presence of God’s Spirit - connections that span all time and space - connections that remain through all the seasons.

May you feel God’s compassion and mercy offering you rest, hope, peace, and inspiration in this season.  May you always know you are a treasured child of God.  May you feel the steadfast hope and eternal love of our Living, Crucified, and Resurrected Leader!  

Sarah

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.  (Isaiah 26:4) 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.  (Psalm 136:1)

Pastor’s Corner – May 1, 2025

“The Lord God put Adam in the garden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:18)

From the beginning God intended that humans would be caretakers of God’s creation. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider and we are blessed to be God’s grateful stewards. This faith perspective that focuses us on using God’s gifts to care for our earthly home, ourselves, and others is beautifully revealed in the life of our Leader, Jesus.

One of the God-given gifts we are to cherish and care for is the earth. Jesus told the following parable about the wonder of the earth: “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

It is a wonder the way God created the earth to produce such a rich and diverse abundance that is able to meet the needs of all creatures who call earth home. As Jesus said, we “do not know how” such abundance is possible. We are to be grateful stewards of the abundance, who are blessed to share with others, so all the needs are met. What a joy!

In the 21st century we have become acutely aware of the way our choices and actions either bring harm or nurture to our home, God’s earth. Stewards are nurturing partners with the earth itself and with all who depend upon her bounty. Let’s increase our efforts of care for earth to ensure future generations can flourish.

Yours in Christ,

Marc