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!

 

Pastoral Ponderings – July 2024

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 

Every once in a while, as I write these, what I plan on writing about (prayer) is trumped by what Spirit wants me to write about (gratitude).

These last 2 months have been quite the ride, for all of us. Getting sick and being diagnosed with Neuroendocrine tumors was certainly not on my summer (or any other seasons) bucket list. And this on top of honoring the first anniversary of David’s mom’s death on June 22. I have walked this walk with many of you over the last 11 years, and I anticipate walking this walk with some of you in the future. But as your pastor who is your spiritual guide, not as the one who is being cared for.

For as many times as I have gone through it with you, though, it is very different going through it yourself. And dare I say, even more difficult when you are a pastor. Pastors aren’t supposed to get sick. They are the caregivers. The rocks that hold steady in the storms. But I am ever so gently reminded that, as I write that, God is laughing at me. (I know I have much to learn on this journey, and I plan on learning everything I need.)

It most certainly would be easy enough to sit back and let the sadness of the situation, the frustration, the cries of “This sucks! And “This isn’t fair!” to take over. But if you know me at all, that isn’t me, and it isn’t my nature. Like so many before me, and so, so many after me, I am sick, and life moves forward. I have no intention on sitting around and letting life go on without me.

Thus, where I find myself today. I haven’t been able to take our somewhat unruly dog out by myself until the last few days, and it has been so hot, I don’t like doing it any more than David or the boys. But today was different. It was warm, but not unbearably hot, and the breeze was enough to keep the gnats at bay. The kind of day that Nala, and I, love. So she laid on the ground in the shade, while I sat on the front step, for 45 minutes. I found myself noticing every detail of the day—the beautiful light blue of the sky, the puffy clouds floating overhead shape-shifting as they moved, hearing the rustle of the leaves of the trees, feeling the sun and wind on my face, smelling the air which was unusually unscented, and smiling and waving at everyone who passed by. With everything I noticed, I let the feeling of deep peace about the chaos in my life permeate my body, all the way to my soul. The deeper the peace felt, the more overwhelming the feeling of gratitude for all of it became. I am blessed, and I am so thankful for all that I am blessed with.

Every day brings new information, and more opportunities to express my gratitude to God for what I am given. Conversations with people I don’t expect to hear from, just to check on me. Surprise visits from friends I haven’t seen in 20 years. The amazing Care Team I have stumbled upon. Being surrounded by family. Not having horrible symptoms that I really could be experiencing.

And then there is you. My faith family. The loving, caring, supportive folks who pray for me and my family every day. Who bring food, and ask the questions, and express their fears, as well as their hopes. A church body who is allowing their pastor to work as she can, take the time to heal when she needs, and intentionally chooses to walk this journey with me. Words just do not express how grateful to you I am. The tears of gratitude continue to be shed each day.

And here’s the big thing: every time I offer God thanks and praise, the more peace I feel. I have zero clue what the future will be like, but I had zero clue about that before these NETs decided to rear their ugly heads. The truth is, none of us knows what the future will bring. And that is why I am not letting life move forward without me. It is why I choose to be grateful for each and every thing I am given, for each and every moment I am allowed to be here on this earth, to be wife and mother, daughter and sister, friend and pastor.

Thank you for who you are, and for how you shine God’s light and love into this crazy, chaotic, and very beautiful world!

God is good—all the time! All the time—God is good!

Always Peace,  Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – June 2024

My Dearest Friends,

It has been a long week. One I know many of you have walked, because I have walked it with you. If there is anything that I have learned, it is that I am a wonderful cheerleader, and an awful patient!

I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, for the food and flowers and plants, and words of love and encouragement. A huge thank you to Pastor Linda and Marcy for being in the ED with David and I, and for filling in the first Sunday. Thank you, Martha for keeping everything together, and for the God Squad, and everyone else for jumping in to help lead worship, and anything else that needs being done. I can be honest in saying that this is not a road I anticipated going down, ever. But I guess none of us does.

A week ago today, at this moment, I was being wheeled into the OR with more question marks on my chart than answers. But God placed me in the hands of the most wonderful physician, and her loving and compassionate team. I went in with stomach pains, thinking appendicitis, but found more. Once in surgery, Dr. Winter quickly assessed that it was not the appendix, but rather, my small intestine had been sucked into the colon, which resulted in them taking out 1/3 of my colon, along with what she called several “poop stones.” She did a colon resection  and took a biopsy of the tumors on my liver.

The poop stones, along with the spots on the liver, and some on my stomach lining, are called NETs, or Neuroendocrine Tumors. Mine is called Neuroendocrine Colon Cancer. My pathology report came back with the lowest grade, and what they call well-defined cells. That means it is the best of what you could hope for. The “good news” is that NETs have been found to be very treatable, and there are so many options in how to treat them.

I have to heal from this surgery before I can think about oncology and coming up with a treatment plan. David and I have decided to go to the University of Iowa, and Dr. Winter has referred me to Dr. Chitneni, who is here in the Quad Cities. She has a great rapport with her, and trusts her, so I am happy.

We have no idea what will happen, and that is what weighs heavy on my heart. I so want to be back among you, and look forward to being there soon, but I need to ask for your patience. Like I said, I am not a good patient, but I am practicing. I want to heal right, so that I don’t end up in a back slide. I love your texts and calls, and emails, and all the communication.

Please don’t be upset if you don’t hear back from me right away. It may be naptime, or that I have been on the phone all day already, and just need a break. I promise, I will get back to you. And please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I cannot begin to  share how loved I feel by all of you.

Thank you for being you. Thank you for caring for me and my family and thank you for caring for one another. I love you all so much and cannot wait to be back with you.

Always Peace,

Pastor Heidi

 

Pastoral Ponderings – May 2024

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” — Proverbs 3:9-10

Supporting a church, any church, is a community effort. Few people like to talk about giving, or tithing, to a church. More people leave over giving to a church than leave for political reasons. In fact, many people believe that a church should never ask for money.

As a community who has intentionally chosen to gather to worship God, to support one another, and to shine God’s light and love on a shadowed world, we are called to share our gifts with the community, and there are as many ways to share our gifts as there are people in the world.

Traditionally, when we discuss stewardship, people jump to giving money. That is wonderful, and we certainly need to offer money—because like it or not—there are bills and expenses that the church incurs every day. But offering our money is not the only way to give.

We can offer our talent of time. Believe it or not, not everyone has time, or at least a decent amount of time, to offer the church, for a variety of reasons. Many of our ministries require the time people can offer. Cleaning the kitchen, planning Anniversary parties, working with youth and children, teaching Faith Formation, decorating the Fellowship Hall, planning, cooking, serving, etc. for Share-A-Meal and Hope at the Brick House, serving on the Board, to name just a few.

These things would not happen without the support of all of your gifts. But again, there is another way to thank God by being a good steward, and that is through your physical donations. These include the meat and cheese for sandwiches, for diapers and backpacks, cookies and desserts, oil and gas for the mowers and snow blowers.

It is amazing how much is donated to Faith First Community Church in terms of non-monetary gifts!

Many years ago, we decided that we wanted a more accurate picture of how much was being donated to the various ministries of the church. We wanted to figure out what it actually cost for us to support our missions financially, in the event that, one day, we would have to add them to the budget because we couldn’t get donations.

So we asked people to turn in receipts for what they donated. If someone bought paper plates for the kitchen, they turned a receipt into Martha with their name and the words “In kind”.

The purpose for this is twofold. First, it gives us a more accurate picture on what is being given back to God. Second, when Martha gets these receipts, she records them so they show up on your giving statements, and you can claim them on your taxes, if you so choose.

This is what we are asking each of you to do. If you give something physical—that is an item or items rather than money—then please bring the receipt to Martha for her to record. It doesn’t matter how much or how little, we want to know what you have lovingly donated to this church community.

Just to let you know, for the first quarter of the year, In Kind giving totaled $687.74.

Always Peace,  Pastor Heidi