THE PASTOR’S DESK

“The world of the generous gets larger and larger.”
Proverbs 11:24 (The Message)

This line from Proverbs is our 2008 Stewardship theme.  You might be thinking, Who can afford to be generous right now?  Why, the world is crashing down around us, not getting larger.  The Dow is a roller coaster.  Foreclosure signs in yards are as prolific as the red-white-and-blue campaign signs.  Some of us have lost jobs.  Others have had their hours cut back.  We’ve all seen savings and pensions plummet.  People are afraid.  Negative campaign ads seek to make us even more afraid.  And yet… The night is darkest before the dawn.  So you’ll see me wearing sunglasses – trusting God’s promise that the future ahead is bright and that it is already shining into the present. 

After all, the Rays have climbed out of last year’s cellar and fans in World Series t-shirts are ringing cowbells from the rooftops!  Today people complaining about a recession are paying hundreds of dollars for a ticket.  We choose to find a way when there is something we really care about.  And history is asking us today: What do you really care about?

What do you really care about when you go into the voting booth?  Voting right down the party line?  Voting your pocket book?  Or considering the candidates and amendments that will further peace and justice for all people?  Cast your vote on the side of God’s shalom.

Do you care enough about the future of Good Sam to invest two hours in a focus group and let your voice be heard?  Will you hold our congregation in prayer during this process?

Will you make pledging a financial issue – or a prayerful response to a call to spiritual growth?  Will you commit time, talent, and treasure?  I have never regretted my decision to tithe – only that I did not do it sooner.

Truly, how can we not trust God’s promises when we have been given so much?  This month, count your blessings.  In fact, sit down in the Peace Garden and look around.  Good Sam has been gifted by so many.  Often these gifts have come right out of the blue, from the heart of God, from unexpected places and from people who surprised themselves with their gift.  Maybe you were one of them.  Remember how good it felt to give.  Throughout October we have all experienced the joy of giving back to the community in new ways to bring people together for Peace.  The world of the generous gets larger and larger as we pour ourselves out that the Living Christ might fill us, that Spirit might make us one with God and one another.  This is Holy Communion, the Eucharist, or “The Great Thanksgiving,” celebrated in our daily lives. 

“O God of abundance, you feed us every day.  Rise in us now, make us into your bread that we may share your gifts with a hungry world and join in love with all people.”

Have a Great Thanksgiving!  With gratitude for God’s gift of you,

                                                                             Sue