Faith United Presbyterian Church News

Focus on Faith September 22, 2011

What Do You Think?

I am Glad I Don't Have to Judge

As I listen to the ongoing conversation about our nation's economy, and how to fix it, I am glad I don't have to judge everyone's fair share, or who is taking advantage of the system, rich or poor, and who is not. While there seem to be enough folks on the far left and far right who apparently have the ability to search people's hearts, I don't. I have a hard enough time trying to discern who we should help financially and who we shouldn't, as a church.

From time to time, someone will call or stop by the church in need of assistance. Even if it is pretty clear they are trying to pull one over on me, I try to treat everyone with respect. Margie and I were once in need of assistance, and the Presbyterian church we called upon was very gracious, so, whenever I am approached for assistance, I always try to be gracious and respectful. Nevertheless, even though, on most occasions, the amount is relatively small and comes from my pocket or my professional expenses, I try to be discerning. While the risk is relatively low to me, if I know someone is simply going to use the money for meth or alcohol, I would prefer not to contribute to their sin. But who am I to judge? How do I know their story isn't true? Why should I doubt they will use the money for good?

I cannot judge the human heart, but, over the years, I have become a pretty good judge of human behavior. I listen to their story and ask a few questions. If the story holds up, I will usually help them out. If it doesn't, I don't.

What are some of the things I look for in trying to be compassionate and faithful in my stewardship? When are they calling? A little after five on a Friday night asking for gas money is not a good sign. Why? Because they know, I can't check their story with other agencies. Likewise, outlandish heating bills usually won't garner any support. Why? Because, if it is a legitimate crisis, the utility company will work with them. If they have a habit of running up high heating costs, hoping someone will bail them out, they won't. My belief is people have a choice, set the thermostat at 80 if you want, but you will probably go without until you can pay the bill. Or, suffer at 65-68, as our family does, and enjoy some warmth every month. Do they have a church home? If they do, and their pastor is willing to speak on their behalf, I am much more likely to help. If they don't have a church home, but the folks at Jamieson Center or the Armoury are willing to vouch for them, I will usually honor their request.

Theologically, what I am trying to do is find the way between cheap grace and works righteousness. I cannot search their hearts, but, if my response is to be faithful, I cannot simply squander the resources I have at my disposal, nor require people to earn my compassion. I must offer as good as I have received - free, but costly, grace. Is my system fool proof? No. I am sure I have not helped some, who I should have and I know I have helped some I should not have. However, by striving to be discerning, and erring on the side of showing grace to those who are truly poor, I have been able to sleep comfortably most nights.

How does this apply to our nation's economy? We must change the discussion. This is not a rich vs. poor issue. Rich and poor receive entitlements. Rich and poor take advantage of the system. This is a question of human goodness and human greed. Our leaders on both sides of the aisle must look, with integrity, at the state of our country and ask some fundamental questions. Who are the most vulnerable and how do we care for them first? What does a good life look like in America and what must we do to instill in our children the values necessary to live this good life? In the meantime, how may we structure "the system" to limit the impact of sloth and greed, while seeking the common good?

People of faith, I hope in this you see the challenges facing our nation are not simply economic challenges. They are spiritual or, better, theological challenges. Who are we, as a nation and as citizens, being called by God to be? It is not for me to judge, but when I look at what we are becoming, I have to believe Jesus offers us a better way.

See you in church!

Pastor Myers

This Sunday...
September 25, 2011

"Pharisee or Prostitute? How Do We Hear God's Word?"
Exodus 17:1-7 Philippians 2:1-13

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 Matthew 21:23-32

Lay Assistant:

Tom Sargent

Beedle/Crucifer:

Jessica Wilson & Marie Inman

Ushers:

Julie Armstrong, Bob Wells, Josh Clark, Nancy Dowell, Lolla Ballard

Greeters:

Charles & Joyce Peirce

Sheila & Jessica Wilson

Nursery:

Amy Gound & Natalie Baber

Children's Church:

Alison Clark

Coffee Hour:

Kathy Rickey, Raj & Saro Ambrose

Monmouth College Chapel

You are invited to worship with The Rev. Dr. Teri Ott on Monday's in Dahl Chapel from 12:10-12:40 p.m.

Time for Refreshment

Join Pastor Myers from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoons for tea and shortbread in the Church Office. Drop in for a time of refreshment after school or on your way home for work. Featuring: Teas from McNab's Tea Room, Boothbay, Maine & Music from Bach to Bix!

Isabel Circle

Isabel Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. tonight, September 22, 2011, at the home of Jane Kellogg at 1012 East Euclid Avenue in Monmouth. Lolla Ballard will facilitate the first lesson from the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible Study: Confessing the Beatitudes by Margaret Aymer. This year's study is unique and exciting because the participants will have the opportunity to explore the teachings of Christ and engage in the process of confession. The author has provided important insights about the orginal context of the scripture (mainly from Mark and Luke).

All women are welcome to attend and participate in the meetings and activities of Isabel Circle.

Icebreakers

(Please note date change.)

The September meeting of Icebreakers will be held on the 25th at Jon & Sharon Graham's farm for a Hayride and Weiner Roast. We will meet in the church parking lot at 3:30 p.m. to carpool. Cost of the meal will be $5.00 each. Reservations can be made by calling Jo Ellen Dollinger, 734-8627; Donna Larson, 734-6103; or Darlene Moffet, 734-5537.

More News from Icebreakers...

The Icebreakers will be producing and directing an all-church evening of skits and entertainment. We have some scripts ready to go and a couple more to find. There are spots for junior highs and senior highs and lots of spots for adults. If you're itching to get back on the stage or onstage for the first time, let the Larsons or the Distins know. If you and a friend do a wonderful duet of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better," let us know. Do you have prepared a brilliant monologue you know we'll love? Let us know. And if the role that is right up your alley is Audience Member, we're totally okay with that too.

Adult Bible Study

Class will begin meeting on October 2 at 9:15 a.m. in the Bride's Room, across from the Chapel. All adults are welcome to join this informal study which includes reading and discussion from October 2 until Christmas. We will focus on the wisdom teachings found in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. How do these apply to our lives as Christians today? How does Jesus expand upon them in the Sermon on the Mount? Come and share your ideas.

Faith & Life Class

Rev. Dr. Teri M. Ott, Monmouth College Chaplain, will be teaching a special course at our church on October 2nd, 9th, and 16th during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 a.m. in the social hall. The series is entitled, "Is Your God too Safe? Fueling our Faith with Courage and Imagination." On Sunday, October 9th Rev. Ott will also be leading us in worship and will preach a sermon related to the course topic.

Festival Sundays - Invite a Friend!

Festival Sundays are Sundays are Sundays that are extra special in our life together. While the worship of God each and every the Lord's Day is worthy of our time and devotion, efforts will be made to set apart Festival Sundays as extraordinary opportunities for worship. Plan ahead to bring family and friends on these festive occasions, you will be glad you did!

October 2 - World Communion and Peacemaking Sunday

October 30 - Reformation Sunday

An Invitation to Read the Bible

Your weekly Scripture readings are:

Sunday (9/25) - Mark 10:37-12:43

Monday - Mark 12:44-14:40

Tuesday - Mark 14:41-15:47

Wednesday - Mark 16:1-Luke1:79

Thursday - Luke 1:80-3:25

Friday - Luke 3:26-5:38

Saturday - Luke 5:39-7:25

Sunday (10/2) - Luke 7:26-8:56