I have often thought that I have the most interesting job in the world. It’s different literally every day. Of course there are ongoing, regular, weekly tasks – the Sunday worship bulletin comes to mind. Preparing the sermon, or other elements of our weekly worship. April and I meet with people at home or in hospital, when health concerns are pressing. But we also get to visit over lunch or coffee, at the church or wherever is helpful, listening and learning about the lives of our church family on an ongoing, everyday basis. We count that a privilege and a blessing.
But we also deal with lots of necessary, but not obviously spiritual or theological concerns. Preparing the annual budget comes to mind. Directing traffic in the parking lot is another. Still, those more mundane matters reflect who we are as a community of faith. One of John Wesley’s key insights was the connection between our faith and every day, ordinary life. We can’t be a Christian on Sundays only, and live out a completely different set of values through the week. Our budget really IS a theological statement. It expresses what we believe in financial terms. It makes possible so much of what we do.
The month of October is a time when we focus on generosity and giving, especially as we look ahead to the coming year. We will hold this year’s Celebration Sunday on October 28, with a delicious brunch after each morning service and a special Taco Night after 3rd service. We hope that everyone who can will join us that day as we celebrate the mission we share as God’s people. We want to thank you for the generosity which makes it all possible.
A few pages along you will find a copy of our Mission Budget. It describes what we are able to accomplish as a result of your giving. Together we share a mission that reaches more people than most of us would ever imagine. So take a look at what we are up to, and give thanks for the many opportunities we have to make a difference.
With all the construction going on around our campus, there is lots of noise and chaos. I’m learning more about building permits and property easements than I ever hoped. But some of the noise is made by our preschool children. And some of the chaos is caused by having an excellent after school program. As I said, I think I have the most interesting job in the world. Thanks for the privilege of living and working together with all of you!
Grace and peace,
