Pastor’s Corner – November 18, 2021

One of the questions to ponder as we posture toward the future at Friedens by turning to the community with a focus of serving younger people, is: How do we connect meaningfully with younger members and friends while honoring the long-term commitment of our older and most active members and friends?

Serving younger and older people is not an either/or but a both/and. We do both at Friedens. Of course, the long-term older members and friends have gotten us where we are today. Thank you! There is no future without younger members and friends getting more involved. Welcome! We need each other. We serve each other. We bless each other.

How shall we serve older and younger alike? One way to answer this question is to honor and bring forward the best from our rich tradition, while shaping these traditions in ways that meet new opportunities. For example, worship with inspiring music has always been a hallmark of Friedens UCC. The Tom Williams Memorial Music Fund has welcomed young musicians from area music schools to gain experience and learn in our excellent music ministry at Friedens. These students bring musical gifts and lively spirits that reinvigorate our congregation and enrich worship. Everyone is benefitted!

How can we replicate this experience in other areas of ministry at Friedens? Here are some ideas:

• We have a unique and beautiful pipe organ. How might we become a training ground for church organists that provides live music for the community beyond Sunday mornings and also helps to raise funds to preserve and maintain our pipe organ?

• Our sanctuary has received honors for its architectural design. It has been praised for its acoustics. The space has also been used in the past for concerts and recitals. What if we renewed this tradition and became a prominent venue for live music on the south side? Local music schools and excellent local high school music programs might be a great source for ensembles and choirs. Revenue could be directed toward maintenance of the sanctuary. All ages would benefit from this experience.

• Younger generations look to older generations to be mentored. What if we partnered with local colleges to connect our members and friends with business, education, health care and other skill sets to serve as mentors and life coaches to students?

What are your ideas to bring young and old together for mutual sharing and benefit? Please share those ideas with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com and with our council president for 2022, Lisa Soard at lmsoard@gmail.com.

We have a hopeful future at Friedens. I am thankful to join you on this journey of renewal.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – November 11, 2021

Dear Beloved Siblings,

In this season where we often take time to focus on gratitude, my heart is full. While my heart often feels heavy with the loss and grief near and far, it remains overflowing with thanksgiving for you and the opportunity to serve and follow Jesus with you. Each Sunday, it is a blessing to worship with you in-person and virtually and to connect with the Treasure Seekers children in-person and virtually.

I also give thanks for Friedens’ mission of sharing the love of Christ and our focus on moving outward. This is what disciples of Jesus are called to do. I am grateful we can follow Jesus’ calling in community with one another – together led by God’s Spirit. We bring different gifts, strengths, personalities, wounds, experiences, knowledge, and perspectives which allow us to reach out to others with the compassion, grace, and faith of Jesus in more beautifully diverse ways. We are all needed to give and receive in the ministries of Jesus.

One of the ways we are moving outward is through the grant provided by the Center for Congregations to support engagement with young adults. Connecting with young adults (20-35) through the Conscious Caring Community, has created space for the building of relationships with young adults who are making a positive difference in the community – in schools, social work, health and wellness, environmental efforts, and in the corporate world. Connections with young adults enabled us to host a special maternal health event and the Little Timmy mobile clinic this summer. Connections with young adults have been made with the Treasure Seekers, with worship, with book and Bible study groups, with the Christian Education Ministry Team (to become the Lifelong Spiritual Formation and Conscious Caring Community Ministry Team), with the Outreach Ministry Team and Just Peace Exploratory Team (to become the Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team), and with an opportunity for a weekly winter Farmers’ Market each Saturday from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Hayden Hall from Nov. 20th until the spring.

Thank you for your continued prayers for these ministries. We hope to see you at the winter Farmers’ Market and hope you’ll join us for social justice, wellness, and creativity opportunities with the Conscious Caring Community. Please reach out anytime for more information.

With gratitude and hope,

Sarah

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Pastor’s Corner – November 4, 2021

A recent survey of in-person church attendance in the United States confirmed what we have noticed at Friedens UCC—numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic figures. In fact, currently average church attendance in America is approximately 40% of pre-pandemic attendance. The good news is the way online worship is helping to fill the gap in a new age.

The survey also asked church attenders whether they preferred in-person or online worship. As you might have guessed the answers represented a clear generational distinction. About 70% of older church attenders prefer in-person worship, while about 60% of younger church attenders prefer online worship. This generational shift suggests that in-person worship attendance may never return to pre-pandemic numbers and that online worship options will continue to be essential.

This is not cause for alarm. It is cause to prayerfully consider the changes needed to remain relevant and vital in the years ahead. In the coming weeks I will use my Pastor’s Paragraphs to share some thoughts about next steps. I hope they will stimulate your thoughtful reflection as we posture more and more as a congregation toward serving in the community with a special focus on younger people, the essence of the council and congregationally approved strategy called Friedens Moving Outward.

First, I want to let you know some steps have already been taken. Yay! They include:

• Discussion, study, and congregational input that led to the Friedens Moving Outward strategy.

• The already approved Open and Affirming Covenant and the recently presented Just Peace Covenant which support the move toward younger people in the community.

• The young adults brought into worship and music ministry through the Tom Williams Memorial Music Fund.

• An investment in A/V technology in the sanctuary that makes live streaming possible.

• Being selected for and implementing the Engaging Young Adults grant.

• Deepening our commitment to the Cooperative Play Academy, the preschool that meets at Friedens.

• Restructuring the council to provide a more nimble decision making process and empowering the council to focus more time and energy on Friedens Moving Outward.

• An effort underway right now to put more of our younger and committed members and friends into leadership.

One of the reasons I am filled with hope and optimism for our future is the Spirit of Christ alive at Friedens. Many disciples in our community are willing to look forward and to embrace the change faithfulness to Christ requires. I am thankful to be on this journey with you.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 28, 2021

Dear Friends,

As a teenager, All Saints Day became an important holy day for me. In order to tell children about the day, I remember looking up the definition of saints. The definition that I found said that a saint was a person who shared the good news of God’s love. The children and I talked about how that means that anyone who shares God’s love is a saint, and then we took time to give thanks for the saints who had brought the messages of God’s love to each of us.

This year it feels like it resonates even more deeply. With a heart of gratitude, I praise God for the people of faith who have gone before us and set examples for us. Their leadership, courage, prayers, energy, gifts, and generosity are blessings. This year, I've also been thinking about all our ancestors who lived or continue to live in ways of peacemaking, justice-doing, and shalom (comprehensive wellness and wholeness for all). I'm grateful for author Layla Saad who helps me give thanks for my ancestors and raises the question for me, "What kind of ancestor do I want to be?" How will we remember and give thanks for the saints in our individual and collective lives this All Saints Day? Are there ways we can continue to share the love of Jesus they reflected each day? May you know you are a loved and loving child of God. You are a blessing. By the power of the Creator, the compassion of Jesus, and the direction of the Holy Spirit, may we live in Jesus' ways of blessing. Thanks be to God!

With gratitude, care, and prayers for you,

Sarah

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger
who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Isaiah 52:7

Pastor’s Corner – October 21, 2021

Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices. In recent months I have been sharing a few of these practices. Some are traditional, like prayer and worship. Some you might not have considered as a way to grow in your relationship with God…like today’s idea.

Many believe our Hoosier state is most beautiful in Autumn. Clear skies and cooler temperatures are the ideal setting for displaying the vibrant colors of the season. The harvest of our agricultural region draws our attention to the abundance built into God’s creation. Festivals every weekend invite us into the communities and cultures that reflect the rich diversity of the world God loves, expanding our appreciation and our knowledge.

Engaging the natural beauty and cultural opportunities at our doorstep, can be a meaningful spiritual practice. After all, God is the source of all that is good. When we contribute to this greater good we are partners with God and grow in our faith. In whatever ways you are able and enjoy, engage the world, and share the love!

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – October 14, 2021

Hi Friends,

You continue to be in my thoughts whether we connect in person or virtually. I am grateful for you. You are in my prayers. You are family!

At the beginning of the month, I was reminded of the blessing and diversity of families. I'm thankful that Friedens United Church of Christ recognizes, honors, respects, and welcomes families in all their different shapes, sizes, and structures.

I grew up being taught that I had a biological family, a church family, and a human family. As I grow, my understanding and experience of family has broadened - I am blessed by my Sisters as we pray for/with one another, listen to one another and support one another. I am blessed by my school family where I serve as an occupational therapist. I am blessed by the living family that includes other creatures beyond our human family - if I listen and watch, I learn much from my animal and plant siblings and definitely depend on them for life - we are connected. You are not alone you are part of families. You are loved. You are an important individual in the Friedens family. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your church family. I offer this prayer of thanks and intercession for families.

Dear Merciful and Mighty Maker,

Thank you for the gifts of family! Thank you for families made up in all different ways - through mutual interests and hopes, through birth, through adoption or fostering, through common paths and locations, through shared work, through shared mission and hopes, through shared connection as beloved children of the Creator… We know being part of family has its challenges. Please help us listen and forgive. Thank you for the healing and protection you offer. Please grant us patience and wisdom. Please guide us to live together in wholeness, equity, and deep peace for all. Thank you for designing us for family. Thank you for inviting us into community, for calling us, and seeking us out. Amen.

12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:12-13

Pastor’s Corner – October 7, 2021

Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.

Lately I have been writing about spiritual practices, like prayer and creative expression. These practices help us to cultivate a mindfulness of God’s graceful presence undergirding each moment in life.

Worship is an ancient spiritual practice. Worship is a reminder that the spiritual life is intended to be practiced in community. Everything about worship is directed toward God. The design of the sanctuary lifts our eyes and our spirits toward heaven. The symbols of faith from candles to flowers to altar coverings engage our senses. The rich sound of a congregation lifting a common voice in prayer and song thrills and inspires. Leaning in to listen and reflect on our sacred texts and their connection to our place and time engages the intellect. Sitting quietly at times and speaking warmly with others at other times connects vertically and horizontally. Confessing our sins and being commissioned to serve brings meaning and purpose to our days.

Whether in person or online, worship can transform your life. Put worship into practice and before long you will find that your week is not the same without it.

If you need my assistance in this practice or if you want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 30, 2021

Dear Friends,

Each week, I’m blessed to spend time with you in worship, with the children in Treasure Seekers, and with the young adults in formal and informal gatherings. I am grateful to connect with the confirmation students and with the members of some of the ministry teams each month. I learn so much with and from you.

A few weeks, ago I was feeling lots of feelings and thinking lots of thoughts and heard Jesus’ clear call to let the little children lead me (Mark 10:13-14, Matthew 19:13-14, Luke 18:15-16), so I want to offer up a prayer that some of the children say with their families at mealtimes.

Thank you God for the world so sweet.

Thank you God for the birds who sing.

Thank you God for the food we eat.

Thank you God for everything.

Amen.

May this be a blessing to you as it was to me! I thank God for you! Grace and peace to you, dear ones. You are loved children of God.

With hope, joy, and gratitude,

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner – September 23, 2021

Practice makes perfect. Well not quite, but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.

A fun way to cultivate your relationship with the Creator is with creativity. Keeping a journal of blessings, drawing or coloring something that gives you joy, caring for and making beautiful your little corner of creation, telling a favorite story from the Bible to a child, making a card to cheer a neighbor, singing your praise, taking photos of the beauty right where you are, preparing a meal for a loved one…you get the idea. Whatever way you enjoy expressing yourself can be offered as a gift for God that blesses those around you.

Be creative! Have fun! Grow in faith!

If you need my assistance with spiritual practices or if you want to share the positive difference spiritual practices are making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner – September 16, 2021

Dear Friends,

You are in my prayers, and I am grateful that we can hold each other in prayer during the times in life that feel chaotic, the times that feel calm, the times that feel confusing, and in all time and places. My heart has been heavy for the last month in hearing and seeing how the Delta variant is impacting kids and pregnant women. When I feel deep sadness, I find hope in knowing that God holds us all through all the feelings. I am grateful for Friedens' prayer team. If you’d like to join the prayer team or share a prayer concern or praise, they meet over zoom at 4 p.m. each Monday. The team would love to welcome you. You can come once or few times or regularly. You can come for several minutes or the full thirty minutes. If you have any questions, would like the zoom link, or would like to share a prayer concern or praise, please email me at pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com.

With gratitude,

Sarah

15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets,[e] 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound[f] and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Thessalonians 5:15-24

Pastor’s Corner – September 9, 2021

Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.

In August articles I reminded you about the practices of Lectio Divina and prayer. I hope you have experimented with these practices and are finding some ways that work for you and your schedule. Just as the best kind of physical exercise is the kind you will do, so the best kind of spiritual practice is the kind that fits you and brings you closer to the living Spirit of Christ.

Our goal with spiritual practice is to cultivate a mindfulness of Christ’s abiding and graceful presence. Start small and be consistent in your practice. Focusing on breathing is a simple spiritual practice. Choose a daily time when you are usually quiet and alone, like on your commute or during the lunch hour. Take a couple of minutes to notice the way your life-giving breath moves easily in and out of your body. Breath is a moment-by-moment gift of our Creator and Sustainer. Allow tension to subside as your breath brings calm and renewal in the midst of a busy schedule. This peace you discover in a brief focus on breathing will go with you as you return to your activities.

If you need my assistance in this practice or want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner - September 2, 2021

Dear Friends,

How are you? I ask this often, and I really mean it. How are you?

These times leave me feeling like I have all kinds of answers for this question. Some days I feel really confused by these times. In these times, I feel ever more grateful that I can trust a Creator whose love is steadfast, who always accepts us, and whose faithfulness never fails. I find hope and strength in this good news. Where do you find hope and strength?

I also find hope and strength in God’s gifts of community and in encouragement of scripture. In these times, I’m thankful for go-to verses. Do you have go-to verses? For me, these are passages from the Bible that I was given as a teen. Maybe you have words of encouragement from stories, poems, the Bible, family members, or friends. I will share one of mine in case it might offer you encouragement. “Remember God in everything you do, and God will show you the right way.” Proverbs 3:6

This verse was given to me on a handout that a track team captain gave us when I was a freshman at Southport High School. I rarely get a direct word from God about the right way to go, but when I remember God, I know that I am not alone. I know that I am okay or will be okay. I know that God loves the world and every person and creature more than I can ever fully imagine or understand, which gives me the presence to be patient and wait and to take the next best step.

You are loved. You are appreciated. You are not alone.

With gratitude, joy, and hope~

Sarah

Pastor’s Corner - August 26, 2021

Practice makes perfect, well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.

Prayer is the most common and widely used spiritual practice. This suggests its importance in connecting us to the Divine.

We have gotten the idea that prayer happens in a sanctuary with a particular formula that uses religious language. The truth is prayer is simply and profoundly communication with God. This communication requires no special location or language for it to be of value to spiritual growth.

Prayer is not how we get God to do what we want. God already knows what is in our hearts and minds. Prayer is a way to change us in line with what God wants for us. Prayer is sharing with God what is in our hearts and on our minds. Prayer is also listening for the still, small voice of God that is often drowned out in our noisy and busy lives.

Prayer can be a deep breath. Prayer can be a reminder that we are never alone. Prayer can happen when you are by yourself or in a crowd. Prayer can be reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the Shepherd’s Psalm. Prayer can be a cry of pain or lament. Prayer can be a shout of joy. Prayer can be laughter or tears. Prayer can be sitting quietly. Prayer can be paying attention to what is going on around you on a walk. Prayer can happen anywhere and anytime. Prayer is connecting with a God who is gracefully present in each moment. The more you enlarge your view of prayer the more it becomes real and helpful each day. So experiment with prayer, be at peace in your connection with God, and grow in faith.

If you need my assistance in this practice or want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Yours in Christ,

Marc

Pastor’s Corner - August 19, 2021

Dear Friends,

The summer before last, author Layla Saad led me to think about my ancestors in new ways and invited me to consider what it means to be a good ancestor. Her work has impacted me in many ways, and I am grateful that she has led me to remember my ancestors more often. One of the core values my ancestors have offered me are practices of gratitude – practices which are also passed on to us by our ancestors in faith whom we hear about in the stories of scripture. I am enjoying the journey that Pastor Marc is leading us on through the Bible and a new look at ancient stories from the book of Genesis and the ancestors in faith in the Old Testament. What core values have your ancestors passed on to you?

In honor of my ancestors, I wanted to take time to express my appreciation for new beginnings and opportunities that this late summer time has brought and the blessings they are. I am thankful for each of you, for the opportunities to serve with you, and for your continued prayers. I give thanks for:

The new confirmation students, families, and their mentors – please keep them in your prayers as we grow together in Jesus’ faith and love.

The new intergenerational zoom opportunities to learn with and from young adults. We have several sessions with Fatimaeliza from the Conscious Caring Community left on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. We hope you can join us.

The continued gifts of technology that allows us to meet with people whom we would previously not have been able to meet with and to continue to connect in ways that feel safe to everyone.

“Praise God, How good it is to sing praise to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise God.”

Psalm 147:1

Pastor’s Corner - August 12, 2021

In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.

In a word the goal of our discipleship is Shalom. This Hebrew idea is a way to express God’s intentions for creation—wholeness, well-being, peace with justice, harmony, reconciliation and unity with the Creator and creation. The church exists to partner with Christ for the fulfillment of this Divine vision. Church membership and discipleship keep us focused on this partnership so that we might know the joy and purpose of living our lives in a way that really matters.

The practices of faith (for example: worship, prayer, study, compassion) in a community of faith transform us into the people we were created to be—the loved and loving children of God who are working for Shalom. If you feel the need for greater purpose and joy in life, you might want to consider church membership.

Of course, the church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner - August 5, 2021

Dear Friends,

As school begins, some of us may be adjusting to new routines. Some of us may find ourselves taking a look at plans for the fall. If you are looking for opportunities for connecting, learning, and serving, please know we always have ways you can become involved. If you’d like to learn more about trying out a ministry team, your church staff and members of the Council of Ministries are glad to explore your interests and questions. If you’d like to try a Christian Education opportunity, an Outreach opportunity, or one of the programs/classes offered by the Conscious Caring Community here are a few upcoming opportunities for August:

• Beginning on the first Sunday after Labor Day (September 12th), the Revive and Thrive sermon discussions and the class “How the Bible was put Together” by Greg Wilkinson will begin between worship services.

• Latinx heritage learning - 4 week course, 30 mins per session co- led by Fatimaeliza Gonzalez and Sarah Haas on Thursdays @ 5:30P beginning August 12th. Resource: Yes! We are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Pease contact Sarah at pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com for the zoom link.

• Cooking with Leo – August 15th

• Cooking with Aron – August 29th

There are lots of opportunities to serve with the children’s and youth ministry and in our community with the Little Timmy Mobile Clinic that will be parked in Friedens parking lot.

Please be in touch anytime with questions. Thank you!

With gratitude,

Sarah

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.[a] 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Pastor’s Corner - July 29, 2021

This summer I have offered reminders of the blessings of church membership; they include: supporting discipleship, nurturing community, being part of something bigger than ourselves, sharing our God-given gifts, practicing being a servant leader, and working toward God’s vision of Shalom. Best of all, church membership and discipleship bring us closer to God and to one another.

Relationships of love bring us deep meaning and significance. When I preside at memorial services, tributes are not primarily about years worked or awards earned, of course they are mentioned, but in those moments of summarizing and celebrating life it is clear that receiving and sharing love make the earthly journey worthwhile. No wonder Jesus insisted the greatest commandments are to love God, neighbor, and self. The community of faith founded on the life and ministry of Jesus is an ideal place to grow in our love. We feel closer to God when the worshiping community gathers to sing and pray. We feel more like our true selves when we join our youngest members in raising our hands to the question, are you a loved child of God? Our hearts are warmed and our love expands as we reach out to one another to help and be helped.

If you are looking to grow closer to God and others, church membership can help. The church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Pastor’s Corner - July 22, 2021

Dear Friends,

It is always a blessing to be learning and growing with you and to be serving with all of you. I am grateful for Pastor Marc’s recent sermon series on the book of Romans. I tend towards books that are story-based, yet there is much to explore and learned from the book of Romans and all the books of the Bible. What caught/is catching your attention in Romans or other books or passages you are exploring?

I enjoyed and appreciated Pastor Marc’s invitation for us to pray with and meditate on Romans 12:9-18. The practical nature of these verses fills my soul….so much packed into a few verses. Beautiful words for how we can live out the faith of Jesus – challenging words, humbling words – a reminder that we cannot follow Jesus on our own. We need the transforming grace of our Creator, the indwelling of Jesus our Liberator, and the encouragement and guidance of the Spirit, and we need one another. We can encourage and pray for and with one another. With our lives fixed on God, we can discern together how to apply the teachings and instructions in complex situations. Know you are not alone. You are loved. We are on this journey together. It is a blessing to worship, learn, serve, and be with you whether together physically or connected through God’s Spirit.

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.[a] 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:9-18

Pastor’ Corner - July 15, 2021

In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.

In a word the goal of our discipleship is Shalom. This Hebrew idea is a way to express God’s intentions for creation—wholeness, well-being, peace with justice, harmony, reconciliation and unity with the Creator and creation. The church exists to partner with Christ for the fulfillment of this Divine vision. Church membership and discipleship keep us focused on this partnership so that we might know the joy and purpose of living our lives in a way that really matters.

The practices of faith (for example: worship, prayer, study, compassion) in a community of faith transform us into the people we were created to be—the loved and loving children of God who are working for Shalom. If you feel the need for greater purpose and joy in life, you might want to consider church membership.

Of course, the church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

~Marc

Pastor’s Corner - July 8, 2021

Dear Friends,

What are you learning this summer? I feel like covid has required me to increase what I’m learning in lots of ways. I thank God for all the people I’m learning from. I thank God for all the people who are teaching me. I also thank God for all the creatures and plants who are teaching me, too! Plants and animals have been teaching me much about listening and community this summer!

I’d like to give special thanks to the young adults who have been teaching me much – much about communication and technology – much about reflecting and transitions – thank you!

I’m also giving thanks for the young adults who have helped me learn more about concerns that have been on my heart for a while, but I had not been sure how to approach them. I’m thankful that being in community allows us to grow in new ways and in deeper ways. This spring and summer the some of the young adults have been working to learn more about maternal health to help address the amount of maternal and infant mortality in Indiana.

We would like to invite you to join us to learn by coming to an event called 4 Maternal Health. The young adults have planned an art show and movement classes (yoga, mobility, meditation) as a way of bringing people together to learn about a community organization called The Little Timmy Project (www.littletimmy.org) and a national/international wellness organization called Rising Hearts (www.risinghearts.org). The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Several food vendors and community health partners will be at the event as well.

We hope you will come and invite friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers to come along with you! If you are available to help with set up or clean up or greeting, please let me know.

Thank you,

Sarah

It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Psalm 119:71-73