News from Faith United Presbyterian Church

Are You Seeking the Mind of Christ in All You Say and Do?

In the weeks and months ahead, we will see what we are made of as a community and a church. In our community, both local school districts are facing significant shortfalls in funding, in part, because of the high cost of educating children; in part, because the state of Illinois is facing a significant financial crisis; and, in part, at least in the case of Monmouth Roseville, because there were decisions made that enabled us to live beyond our means for a time. How we address the economic challenges facing our districts, in the decisions made, as well as, the things said and done along the way, will speak volumes about the character of our community.

The challenges facing our congregation are not so formidable, but will speak no less about our character as people of faith. As most of you know, the session has formed a committee to explore the possibility of creating a "Wash Day Ministry."

The question was raised: "Might the church create a ministry with people who may not have access or means to wash their clothes on a regular basis?" Our community has a large number of people living in poverty. We have single parent families. We have homeless teenagers. We have seniors living on limited fixed incomes. For many, the cost of doing laundry at the local Laundromat is cost prohibitive. Is this a place where our congregation might help?

The reality is we would never be able to develop a program to meet the entire need our community presents. Given our resources, we are speaking about a relatively small number of people. But if we could provide assistance to a handful of families, not only in getting their clothes washed but in creating friendships with them, in the name of Christ, would this be pleasing to Jesus?

While our initial response would be: "Certainly! Any act of Christian hospitality is pleasing to Jesus." There are some significant logistical questions to be answered before we could even begin to proceed. This is why the exploratory committee has been formed. They are in the process of gathering information (e.g., cost, funding, use, programming).

If you have questions or concerns, thoughts or ideas, share them with Erika Solberg. The exploratory committee will be developing a proposal for the session to consider. Based on their findings, their proposal will be "Yes, we should do this and here is how..." or "No, logistically we are not able to do this at this time and here is why..."

"Pastor Myers, what will this have to say about the character of our congregation?" The short answer is this: What we say and do in the process of making this decision will speak volumes about who we are as people of faith.

If we seek to gather as much information as possible; if we speak the truth in love, whether we are for or against the idea; if we prayerfully discern the mind of Christ; if we trust our session's leadership and strive for the peace and unity of the church regardless of their decision; then, we may be assured that regardless of our session's decision, we have sought to do God's will.

If we speak thoughtlessly or provide false information; if we allow the grapevine to strangle this idea before we have the opportunity to seek out information; if we try to coerce our session one way or the other with mean-spirited threats or accusations; if we say hurtful things, anonymously or fearfully; then, we may be assured that regardless of our session's decision, we have shamefully succumbed to the corruption of our Sin.

Whether we create a "Wash Day Ministry" or not, how may you help our session make a decision that is pleasing to God? Read your Bible. To whom did Jesus reach out? What does the Bible say about serving the poor? How did the early church address the poverty in their communities? Pray for our congregation and community - with an open mind and heart. Who are we called to be as people of faith? What are the needs people face in our community? What resources do we have to respond to those needs? Speak the truth in love. Speak to those involved in making this decision - the exploratory committee, our session, your pastor. If you choose to write a letter, put your name on your comments that we might have a conversation to clarify your concerns and personally answer any questions you might have. If you are unwilling to speak with the spiritual leaders of our congregation, then think twice before you say anything at all.

Whatever decision our session makes, I have full confidence that they will seek the mind of Christ. They have been called and ordained to do so. They are not called to do the pastor's bidding. They are not ordained to vote the will of the people. Our current session, as every session I have been privileged to serve, will prayerfully look to God's Word for guidance as they consider whatever the exploratory committee proposes in their effort to discern the mind of Christ for our congregation. I trust you will support them in this endeavor in all you say and do.

Pastor Myers

revhaggis1@hotmail.com