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The Church at Its Best
 I think it's safe
to say that when I write to you, I'm usually writing about something in the
church that rubs me the wrong way, something that I see could use a little
improvement. Then I challenge you to think and do something about it.
Today I'm going to depart from that routine a bit in order to tell you what you
do well. As many of you know, my father passed away a few weeks ago after a
severe stroke. It was his second stroke in the span of only a year. Almost
immediately after I learned about his most recent illness, I sent out emails
and Facebook status updates about my father's condition. I was showered with
messages of concerns and promises of prayer.
During the two weeks that followed, I was almost overwhelmed by the all the
phone calls, emails and Facebook messages I received. After my father's
passing, friends and colleagues called, emailed, sent flowers and some even
attended his funeral and wake. I felt wrapped in "... the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding," (NRSV, Philippians 4:7) Thank you all
for that love and support. I will be eternally grateful.
This is truly when "church" is at its best -- when we use our diverse
members and their gifts to offer love and support to those who are hurting. All
I can say is: Do more of this! Extend that same heartfelt support to friends,
neighbors and even strangers. In doing this, you are answering God's call to
spread the peace that surpasses understanding.
Nicole Havelka, Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Read more of
Nicole's thoughts on her blog.
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Health updates
The Rev. Laird Keever, who suffered a stroke on May 30, has been moved to the rehab unit at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. This is wonderful news!
Virginia Stiles, one of our authorized ministers, is hospitalized in Ames with blood clots in her leg.
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Conference Annual Meeting this weekend
We're meeting Friday and Saturday in Grinnell. The Conference office will be closed on Monday. Looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend!
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Position openings at national offices
In
an effort to broaden recruitment, the national offices of the UCC offers this list of job openings at the United Church of Christ, National Offices.
If you or someone you know is
interested in applying for an open position, please send a cover
letter and resume/profile to: Alisa Lewis, United Church of Christ, Human Resources, 700 Prospect Avenue,
Cleveland, OH 44115 Applications for the Associate General Minister
position should be directed to: AGMSearchCommittee@gmail.com. The national offices extend their employment opportunities to multicultural, multiracial communities, LGBT communities, and persons
with disabilities. The UCC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. |
Cell Tower Leases
If your congregation is considering leasing space for a cell antenna, you should read this. |
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June 10, 2010
