Pastoral Ponderings – May 2025

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  ”  ~  Psalm 100

I can hardly believe we are moving into the 5th month of 2025 already! The weather is warming up (a little) and the flowers are beginning to pop out of the ground (at least a few), and some of you (us?) are preparing to get things planted for gardens, landscaping, and even in the fields. These should all make us happy, but if I am being completely honest, I am feeling a little apprehensive about approaching the month of May this year.

Usually, May isn’t a month to get apprehensive over for me. May 1 is my dad’s birthday, and the day David proposed to me. But this year, this month, specifically the seventh day of this month, brings with it the first anniversary of my diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Colon Cancer. One year ago, my whole world (and subsequently, my family, and even yours—to a point), changed.

I know (because I have told some of you this before) it is just a date. But May 7 is a date that, like my wedding day, and the births of my children, this specific date is now seared into my brain.

My guess is, all of you have a date that affects you for one reason or another. So, how do we deal with these types of anniversaries?

First, we all deal with them differently. I know the day is going to be a highly charged day for me, so I plan to take the day slowly. It is a Wednesday, so I will begin with giving thanks to God for all of the healing I have done since then, and ask for God to continue to heal me. I will allow myself to “feel all the feels”, even if I don’t want to feel them. I will go to swim class in the morning, work like normal, and have a nice supper with my family. We may even settle in for a movie that evening. And who knows, plans always change.

Anniversaries of life changing events can be difficult. Disease diagnosis, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, and so on, all have big emotions attached to them. No matter what the emotion is, God is waiting for us to unload them onto Them. God is bigger than any emotion we could ever feel or experience. Anger, grief, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, we can give all of them to God.

I am so grateful for a husband and sons who have walked this last year with me. Encouraging me when I didn’t feel like I could move forward. Helping me, even when I didn’t want the help.

I am also so grateful for all of you—for doing the very same things for me, and taking care of David and the boys as well. I—no, we—are so thankful and blessed to have this be our church home. I always believe that God places us where we need to be, when we need to be there. Because of your generosity—allowing me to take the time I needed to take care of myself, I have been able to heal. (This will never go completely away until they find a cure.)

For now, please know that I am doing well. I am still getting my monthly injections, and I have learned some of the side effects that happen every month. I am tired for about 2 days following the injection. I get horrible leg cramps, which are worst at night, but happen all day. For the first few months, the leg cramps didn’t show up until about half way through the month, but now, I have them all of the time. The other side effect is my blood sugar. It is still high, but not as high as it was. Now that I exercise a minimum of three days a week, and am eating MUCH better, I am losing weight, and it is slowly coming down. Because I will be on these injections my whole life, these will be things I will fight with for the rest of my life. But they could be way worse—so I will take this!

Thank you, again, for all your support and prayers along this journey. I love you all!

And please remember, anniversaries can be wonderful, but they can also be difficult. When you find yourself upon a difficult anniversary, turn to God. Ask God for strength and comfort. And know that you can always call me!

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi

Pastoral Ponderings – April 2025

“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) .”  ~  Matthew 27:46

Later this month, we follow Jesus’ loved ones and band of followers to the base of the cross where Jesus cries out to God, then breathes his last breath.

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? I was in third grade when I was ice skating at our local outdoor ice rink. I did a “toe pick” (where the front teeth of my ice skates dragged across the ice when I wasn’t prepared for it) and down on my stomach I went. When I went to get up, I couldn’t. I couldn’t get a breath. Nothing in. Nothing out. I freaked out. The young girl who was keeping the warming house warm, saw me, and skated over. She told me to close my eyes, imagine my lungs bringing the cold air, and blow out my mouth. After the second or third try, the muscles around my lungs relaxed, and the air rushed out of my mouth. I was embarrassed, and thankful, all at the same time!

I imagine that was how Jesus felt as he yelled to God—”why have you forsaken me? Why won’t you take me down from this cross and save me?” Then the air rushed out of his lungs, and he died. Embarrassed, maybe more for everyone else than for himself, and thankful that the pain of suffering of all the sins of the world—past, present, AND future! – was almost past….. Just a few more moments……

If we were to over think life right now, in this current time and space of history, it just might feel like a gut punch, and getting the wind knocked out of us. All of the pain and suffering, all of the death and decay, all of the loneliness and despair. It is simply overwhelming to feel and experience the immense unsure-ness of what each moment of each day will bring.

But at the end, after Jesus’ lifeless body is taken down from the cross by his friends, and buried deep within the earth; after the setting and rising and setting of the sun, the rising and setting of the sun, and on the third morning, the rising of the sun, we find a stone that has been rolled away, and grave clothes lying with no body because the unimaginable has happened! Our Savior beat death! While those who witnessed this first hand, may have had the feeling like the wind had been knocked out of them, 2000+ years later, we know the beauty and excitement of what that empty tomb means!

It means that, while we will all experience death, we will be given new life after death. It means that this new life will be better than anything we could ever imagine. It means that God—who created everything and everyone, to be in relationship with one another and with God—wins! LOVE WINS! It means that hope will always prevail.

This season of Lent has been a journey of looking at life through the lens of beauty, wonder, meaning, curiosity, delight, connection and self-giving. We are being invited to see that we can find new life in the ordinary things around us. By opening our eyes, ears, mind, and heart to seeing the awe that we are surrounded by, we are healthier, more filled with joy, but best of all, we are not alone.

God has so much planned for each one of us. Things may not go the way we thought they would—nothing does. But the promises of our Creator remind us that God is always working in and through us, for the greater world. our only job is to trust. Trust that God is working for good, and trust that the good is going to be more amazing that we could ever imagine!

So, when you get the wind knocked out of you—regardless of why—close your eyes, imagine the air in your lungs flowing freely in and out. Allow your body to relax. Breathe. Deep, cleansing breaths. In, and out. In, and out. Feel the cool air being drawn into your nose, and the warm air leaving your nose.

God is with you. God is as close to you as your very next breath.

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi

Pastoral Ponderings – March 2025

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  ~  Philippians 4:6-7

 I wanted to start out by saying, “we are living in uncertain times,” but as I think back on what I have learned, and more importantly, what I have experienced over my life, I understand we have always lived in “uncertain times.”

The simple reason is that we cannot predict the future with any more accuracy than we can predict the weather.

So, more accurately, we are living in a time of change. But wait….. We have always lived in a state of change. Nothing around us, not even we as humans, were created to stay the same. Seasons change, weather changes, the sun and moon are always changing, our human bodies change—think of everything inside that never stops changing!

If this is true, that everything changes, then why can’t we find comfort in change?

I believe it is because we are not spending enough time seeking the presence of God, and when we don’t seek the presence of God, we begin to look away, we begin trusting less in God and more in ourselves. And when we trust more in ourselves than in God, the change we experience leans into fear—fear of not having or being enough. Fear of having our power or privilege (real or perceived) taken away. Fear of the “other” and what they are doing. And when each of us as individual humans begin to fear like that—well, we can clearly see what happens—just look around you for 30 seconds. It is not pretty!

March 5 begins our 40 day journey of reflection on Jesus and the cross. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a time of sacrifice—giving something up, or more recently, adding a spiritual discipline.

This year, I want to challenge you to just open yourself to what is happening around you. Open your eyes and purposefully and intentionally seek God in creation as well as those humans you encounter—family, friend, stranger, or enemy—where God is shining through them. And if you say you can’t see God shining through, I want you to remember that they, too, are a child of God, just like you, and God works through ALL of us, not just a few. Then Pray for God to reveal themselves through that/those people.

And if you can’t see, then close your eyes and listen. Listen to their story—do not interject your thoughts, expectations, or bias. Instead, let their story reveal God. And if you can’t hear, then pray for God to drown out the noise and reveal the truth about that person.

And if you can’t see or hear—then breathe deeply, clear your mind, and pray that God grant you the wisdom to understand and learn the truth that surrounds you.

God has promised to always be with us. God fulfilled that promise through Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. And when Jesus left this earth, he gifted us with the Holy Spirit our Advocate and Guide, who now dwells within us, never leaving us.

During this Lent season, I invite you to calm your fears and anxiety by returning your focus to God. When you feel anxious, pray. When you are confused, pray. When you don’t know who to trust, pray to the one who has promised never to forsake you. Spend time talking to God, and intentionally seeking God within creation and others. Who knows, change may come more easily.

May the change that is happening manifest through you, through us, to bring about God’s year of Jubilee, offering peace and justice throughout the world. May God’s Kin-dom reign here on earth, now and forevermore, so that we no longer have to say, “we are living in uncertain times,” but rather ”our time is certain.” May it be so.

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – February 2025

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your God in heaven.”    ~    Matthew 5:16

Do you know that you carry with you the presence of Jesus? Do you know what it means to have the presence of Jesus?

Looking at the life of Jesus,

No matter what Jesus did, no matter where he was,

This past week, David and I were running errands and stopped to pick up supper at Jersey Mike’s. He and I entered and as we were talking, a woman pushing a walker tried to get in the door. I noticed she was struggling, so went to help her. I turned back to finish my conversation with David, but I heard her crying.

I walked over and asked what I could do to help her. As she rubbed her hands together, she told me about having to wait for her cab, but the Credit Union lobby closed so she had to wait outside. It was cold, so she decided to walk to Jersey Mike’s to wait inside and stay warm. But the walk was brutal.

She shared that she has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, and being in the cold makes her extremities hurt. (I assume there are a few of you who understand that.) I shared with her that I had cancer as well. I gave her a hug, and as we continued our conversation, I reached into my coat pockets and helped her put on my fuzzy gloves. After a moment, it registered what happened, and she looked at me with eyes of confusion. In between sentences, I told her they were for her, and her face melted, and once again, we were in an embrace.

She noticed David had our bag, and abruptly ended our conversation, thanking me for like the tenth time for the gloves. David looked over and said, “You can keep talking. We realized they forgot one of the sandwiches so it will be a few minutes.”

Just like that, we were hugging again, and I was able to pray over her like I wanted to in the beginning.

As David and I headed home, he told me I need to wipe of the words “Tell me what is going on in your life.” from my forehead. Of course, he was joking, but here’s the thing. Even if it were actually posted on my forehead, I couldn’t stop asking the questions or helping those I see who need help. Even if it is one at a time.

Many of you have come into my office during my office hours, and you always apologize for interrupting me. How many times have you heard me say, “Ministry is interruption.”? It is the truth.

I would challenge you to go through and read several (or all!) of Jesus’ miracles. Most of them are done because Jesus was interrupted. Most of the time, Jesus had other plans.

He and his friends were enjoying themselves at a wedding where his mother instructed him to do something about the couple running out of wine.

He was teaching and preaching to a crowd of people when Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached him about curing his sick daughter.

Then, he was on his way to Jairus’ house when a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched his tunic, believing he could heal her. And he did.

He was sleeping soundly in the boat when the disciples woke him because of the storm, and he calmed it.

Carrying the presence of Jesus means that we intentionally choose to meet people where they are, no matter what we are doing at the time. It means that we are intentionally paying attention to what is going on around us, and noticing when people need help, or a hug, or a smile, or a kind word. It means we intentionally show compassion, grace, mercy, and love even when we don’t think we have time; even if the person is a stranger; even if it makes us feel uncomfortable.

But Pastor Heidi, walking up to someone who is crying, or even just approaching someone is really hard. Of course it’s hard! If it weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it, and we’d be living in a whole different kind of world!

But that different kind of world—the Realm of the Kin-dom of God, is our goal. And those of us who believe we carry the presence of Jesus within us, must be the ones to begin the conversations. “Is there anything I can pray about for you today?” “What can I help you with today?” “Hi. My name is ……… “

Kindness, gentleness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is LOVE.

Always Peace, Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – January 2025

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not over come it.”        ~    John 1:5

When I was young, I didn’t like the dark. I was afraid. It’s natural for humans to be wary in the dark. It’s because we weren’t created to be nocturnal. We were meant to rest between the time the sun sets and when it rises. We can’t see what surrounds us. In a dark room, we have to be careful when we walk so we don’t trip over things, or stub our toes—which I seem to do an awful lot!

But, what happens when you are in a dark room and one small candle is lit? Or one tiny light is turned on? All of a sudden, you can see, and the things you once thought of as monsters, are just things like your coat hanging over your chair; or your lamp shade standing tall in the corner.

Most of you know, but three years ago our oldest son found himself in this situation. He was hunting in the wilderness of Montana, and shot his first mule deer. In the excitement, he realized he forgot one of the tools necessary for him to carry the deer back to his truck—which was 2 miles away. He had to walk back to it, then return to the deer. In the meantime, his cell phone died, and it was getting colder. As he reached the deer with the tools he needed, he looked up to see the sun setting over the mountain. And if you know anything about Montana, or Colorado, or Wyoming, or any place that doesn’t have cities scatters across the land, you know that when it gets dark, it gets DARK. And that night, the moon was new, so there wasn’t even light from the heavens.

As he prepared to head back to the truck, after walking longer than he thought he should have been, he realized he was lost. Once he was able to calm himself down, he prayed for a light. When he opened his eyes, he looked across the valley to the mountain side, and saw the tiniest of lights. He spent the next 16 hours walking toward that light, which brought him to safety and warmth.

Jesus was born to be the light in our darkness. Jesus said, “Come to me, you who are weary and tired, and I will bring you rest.”

After Jesus was born, men (Magi) from far away noticed a new light in the sky. (Side note—although there are many differing views about who the Magi were, how many, and from where, the consensus is that generally they would have been wise men who probably “dabbled” in astrology and magical arts, and were revered for their knowledge, and often consulted by the ancient kings.)

They were curious so they followed this new light, and what they found was new life—both in the literal and spiritual sense. They found a baby (actually, a toddler) who would change the world. A child who would grow up and light the way for all people to return to right relationship with God.

This is what we are called to do. As the shadows grow and surround us, we must shine our light so that others can find their way. Sometimes our lights are so bright, they tend to blind people. And other times, they seem so dim we think nobody will see them.

But remember that dark room void of light? All it takes is a tiny light to make a difference. In a world that feels like the shadows are pushing in we must open our eyes and seek the Light.

No matter how bright you feel—shine with all your might. When we all shine together—even just a little—we will light up the world! The Light will shine in the darkness, and the darkness has not, [and will not] overcome it! May it be so!

Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi

Pastoral Ponderings – December 2024

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register.”                   ~    Luke 2:1-3

As I am preparing for the beginning of the Advent/Christmas season, it has occurred to me that over time, we have chosen to make this birth story all fuzzy and warm because we don’t want to admit that things may not have been all that different then, as they are now—some 2,000 plus years later.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, there was political unrest. People were afraid of what was to come. I wonder what it would have been like if there had been social media back then. Would the Romans have run a campaign based on fear? Might they tell everyone that they would kill all those under the age of two, because those children were evil and, upon birth, immediately try to become dictators, so they must be stopped?

Would the other side have fought back saying that once the census was done, everyone who didn’t have citizenship rights to Bethlehem would be kicked out so everyone would be safe?

I know those are funny comparisons to make to our time, but when we intentionally read all of the scripture, not just the warm and fuzzy parts, this is what we find. We find fear mongering and violence, just because a few people are afraid of losing their power.

That isn’t all that different than today. But because we are 2,000 plus years in the future from this story, we know what is going to happen. And we know that it ends horribly for Jesus, this baby whom we are making a big deal about celebrating.

Just like all stories, it is important for us to know and understand both the good and the bad sides of this story. Jesus – God Immanuel, God come to us in human form – was born in a humble manner, raised by a carpenter and his wife, and eventually killed on a cross because the powers that be were afraid of losing said power.

In this time, I would invite you to look around, open your eyes, ears and heart to what is happening right now. We are just over 2 weeks past the Presidential election, and people are still fighting and arguing because they are afraid. We continue to stay in our reaction mode—our fight, flight, or freeze mode, instead of moving to our logic mode.

We are approaching Advent, the season of waiting. What if, instead of reacting to each and every comment made that we don’t agree with, we intentionally chose to take a moment to pause and take a couple of deep breaths, allowing for space in which the calm of the Holy Spirit could enter, and bring the peace that passes all understanding into our bodies into our communities, and into our nation? What if, during this season of waiting, instead of making stories up in our mind of what we think might happen in the future, we pause, breathe, and wait to see what God is doing.

I know that breathing and waiting isn’t easy, especially in this highly reactive time. But if we truly understand what scripture tells us about the nature of God, then we would remember that God is the Creator. Out of chaos, God can, and has, created…… everything. Our moment in history is no different. Even when it feels like God isn’t present among us, all we have to do is turn back to scripture and read. Read about when God created space to save baby Moses. Read about how God told Moses to approach Pharoah to let his people go. Read about when God gave them water, and manna, and the 10 Commandments.

Read about when God chose a young shepherd to be King instead of his brothers. Read about how God chose to become one of us, and live among us. Everything we read, involves God creating new ways for humanity, for us, to return to right relationship after we have turned our backs on Them. Our time now will be no different.

But, as the saying goes, the ball is in our court. We have to decide to trust God. To trust that God can, and will, take our chaotic world, and create something new.

Do you trust that? Try it for a moment. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say, “I trust you, God,” and as you breathe out, say, “to make all things new.” Do this several times. Pay attention to how you feel. When you find yourself anxious about the future, take a few moments to center yourself in God’s presence.

This time of Advent, of waiting and watching, is an excellent time to practice. Because, just like the arrival of the baby we are waiting to celebrate, God will reveal Themselves to us through hope, peace, joy, and love, in surprising and unexpected ways.

May you find these things this season.

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – November 2024

”Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7

In my clergy group, we talked about spiritual disciplines. A spiritual discipline is a practice that helps us grow in our faith, like prayer, Bible study, worship, journaling, and evangelism.

We decided that most of us who were there, think of spiritual discipline as chore, instead of something that grows our faith. Our facilitator suggested a shift in our thinking. Instead of “discipline,” we were invited to think about it as  a “pattern.” A pattern is a form or model that is imitated.

XOXOXOXO is a pattern. How you drive to school, or work, or church could be a pattern.

I thought about it in terms of my recovery. I am a person who has a “pattern” when I get up and get ready for the day, as well as a “pattern” for getting ready for bed. After surgery, for several weeks, I couldn’t follow those patterns. Now that I am doing them again, I have found that they bring me comfort—a sense of being “normal” again.

Stewardship is another form of spiritual pattern. When we give back to God of our first fruits, instead of what is left over, and we do it in a pattern, or on a regular basis, we can create a sense of trust that God will lead us to those places which will take care of our needs, while helping others.

Giving to God first—before our bills are paid, before we put into our savings or 401K or pensions, or whatever we do—can be scary, especially when we don’t have much to begin with.

But this is the funny thing—by creating a pattern of giving, we create a way for God to bless us with more, so that we can share more, so we can be blessed with more, so we can share more, and so one. Do you see the pattern?

During the month of November, our theme is Stewardship. I know it is hard to talk about money in church, but to be good stewards of all God has given us, includes being good stewards of our money.

We currently have a deficit of more that $17,000 in our budget, and will likely end the year with a deficit between $25,000 and $30,000. Last Sunday, we unanimously approved a budget with a 3% increase, which means we will most likely face the same reality next year.

Yes, because of the merger, we have the funds to cover this deficit. But the money will run out if we do that too many years in a row. There are other ways to deal with this without dipping into that money. (Stay tuned in November for some of these ideas!)

In the end, God calls us to give with a joyful heart. When we decide to make giving a pattern in our lives, we can  begin to find hope and comfort, and each time we give, we begin to feel thankful, which brings us joy and makes us feel good, which moves us to give, which brings us joy and makes us feel good…..

Well, you get the picture!

Always Peace,  Pastor Heidi

P.S. I almost forgot my Health Update!  I am doing well. I have received 2 monthly injections. These are given once every 28 days, and will be for the rest of my life, at least at this point. My pain comes mostly from the inside—which makes sense, and occurs fairly infrequently. I do get tired more quickly than I like, but that, too, is getting better. There are some things I need to work out yet—like which foods my body likes and which ones are….well…….disposed of more quickly. But that will come in time, when I am ready to be more strict.

Otherwise, life seems to be returning to somewhat of a “new normal.” I’m so grateful to all of you for continuing to pray for me, as well as my family, and for all of the cards and gifts of food. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by this church family. Thank you!

 

Pastoral Ponderings – October 2024

 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”      ~ Isaiah 41:10

The above scripture is my mantra right now. Since before my August 30 surgery, when I find myself feeling most

anxious, I repeat those words. And when I can’t, my head says, “DO NOT FEAR. I’VE GOT YOU.”

There were many times throughout my week in Iowa City where I needed to say them. In the morning on the way to the hospital; when David and Kirsten had to leave so I could get my epidural and prepare for surgery (which did NOT go well!); when I was in pain; when I was frustrated with my roommate situation; when I just wanted to go home.

Fear shows up like a thief in the night—totally surprising you. It brings with It its dearest friends—Anxiety, Anxiousness, and Anger. And when they all get together, creating the perfect storm of worst case scenarios within your head, it is hard to fight them off. Especially when you are facing unknown things.

But, not really to my surprise at all, I am learning a lot during this journey. First, that the unknown, while scary at times, is usually way less intimidating than Fear wants us to believe. Second, time continues to move, and suddenly, you find yourself just about 4 weeks post op, receiving your treatment already, and healing well—despite the fact that you didn’t ever think you would get to this place.

But maybe the biggest lesson that has been reiterated to me, is that God has me. God carries me when I can’t walk. God places exactly the right people at my bedside, or in front of me—my angels—at exactly the perfect time. (Remember, I said perfect. And perfect isn’t always MY time! In fact, there were many times I would have preferred they show up sooner than they did, but God is in charge, not me!)

I am not alone. I am surrounded by love. Not just from all of you, but from churches who have added me to their prayer list across the state and nation; from people I love, to people I have never, and probably will never, meet. They, you, continue to be my prayer warriors. I cannot express how humbling that is, and how grateful I am. (I mean, seriously, I am the one who is supposed to be at the bedside praying over someone, right? I am the pastor!)

But God has a different plan for me, one that includes good. One that will prosper how I live my life, and how I share the love and light of God with others. I am receiving new understanding and insight on so many things. I am growing my compassion for others like wildfire, and I feel my heart grow each day with new love and new life that God continues to gift to me.

I don’t wish this journey upon anyone—it isn’t easy. But then, I am a warrior for Christ, and I am being prepared for something new—something big. Something that has yet to be revealed to me. We—both you and I—will know it when it comes. So keep watch.

In the meantime, words will never be enough for all the love and gratitude I have for each one of you! THANK YOU!

Always Peace,  Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – September 2024

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” ~ Matthew 10:5-8

“I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America…..”  How do those words make you feel? Do you stand behind them? Or do they make your hair standing on end? I can imagine there are a few who are a little wary about what words you are about to read. That makes me sad. Because where we are in this society right now, even those words are enough to set some people off.

For some, it is the words “one nation under God…” which upset them most – that whole separation of church and state, you know. For others, it is the beginning: “I pledge allegiance to the flag…”. We are given the Commandment “You shall have no other Gods before me,” so some feel that when we “pledge our allegiance to the flag” we are placing the flag, and the country, before God. But I don’t believe that is what it was meant to say.

Simply put, a pledge is a promise. In terms of the flag, we are promising to stay true to our country, and its ideals, to the best of our ability.

Within the church, we have “stewardship pledges.” Much like hearing those words in the Pledge of Allegiance, many people’s hair stands on end when this conversation comes up. But a “stewardship pledge” is simply a promise you make that you will give a certain amount of money to the church each year – this is the “offering” we take every Sunday. This pledge helps the church fulfill its mission of serving in the world by paying bills, mending the church/parsonage/property, paying salaries, and the many missions we give to within our community, the wider Church, and the world. (As of July 31, our general fund is short ($9,439.86). If you have pledged, and have been gone for the summer, I encourage you to catch up. Contact Martha if you have a question about your pledge.)

God gives to us in abundance, and we are called to share that with those who need it. While many churches teach the practice of tithing (giving 10% of your gross income) there is no “right” way to give. We are, however, called to give of our first fruits, meaning offering to the church first, instead of last.

When you make a pledge, please understand that it is a promise – to do your best, with the help of God. But life happens. Sometimes things come up which makes it impossible to fulfill that promise. These pledges are made in good faith, they are not contracts, and therefore we will not come after you if you don’t fulfill them.

While as pastor I am not privy to the amount you pledge, I am told if someone isn’t giving, so that I can follow up to make sure things are okay, because most of the time, when an active giver stops giving, they are either upset with something in the church, or have an issue in life, either of which the pastor may be able to help with.

As we worship together, during the month of August, we talked about the awesome generosity of God, and move into the Season of Creation in September, and our Season of Stewardship in October and November. You will hear more about pledging, and hear testimonies from people in the church. I challenge you to think about how you pledge your allegiance to this country, and how you will choose to pledge to the church in November. 

Always Peace,  Pastor Heidi

Go to https://www.caringbridge.org, login and search for Heidi’s Caring Bridge to read her updates.

 

Pastoral Ponderings – August 2024

A surgery date has been set — August 30.  I plan to enjoy this month of not having to run to Iowa City every week—multiple times a week—but I feel like it is time to get this over with, so I can move on to the next phase.

I am very much not looking forward to this surgery, but know it is a necessary step in my healing process. And I know that I am in the right hands. Hands that are being guided by God.  I know what it is like being the one who has to trust that the medical team will do what they are supposed to do, and take care of you.

But, I wonder how the staff must feel. Being trusted to remove the bad parts within a person’s body, while the person is sleeping and helpless. What an immense amount of responsibility! My vision is that the surgeon allows himself to be handed over to the Holy Spirit who then guides his every move: intentional and deliberate, so that healing is allowed, and the person can be whole—in a new way—once again.

I have said before that this type of cancer has no cure, at this point in time. After I heal from surgery, I will go once every 28 days to get a hormone shot, and back every 6 months to monitor the growth. The shots will not dissolve the rest of the tumors left behind following surgery. The shot is meant to help slow the growth, and to help any side effects from the disease to be tolerated. Once the shots no longer slow the growth, we will move to another treatment. The good news is the potential for needing the next step quite honestly could be years away.

I am very blessed to be where I am right now. This cancer was caught by a doctor who cares very much for her patients, and passed along to some of the most knowledgeable people in the world. I am leader of a church who loves my family and I, and one another, so much, that I know their prayers make a difference. But what amazes me more than anything, is that God loves me so much, that God would put me exactly where I need to be.

Once again, God’s hand holds me tight. And once again, God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good!

Always Peace, Pastor Heidi

Don’t forget to follow my Caring Bridge for updates on my health status. I will still keep you updated through my weekly letter, for anyone who doesn’t like to be on the computer!