Pastor’s Corner – October 21, 2021
Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices. In recent months I have been sharing a few of these practices. Some are traditional, like prayer and worship. Some you might not have considered as a way to grow in your relationship with God…like today’s idea.
Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices. In recent months I have been sharing a few of these practices. Some are traditional, like prayer and worship. Some you might not have considered as a way to grow in your relationship with God…like today’s idea.
Many believe our Hoosier state is most beautiful in Autumn. Clear skies and cooler temperatures are the ideal setting for displaying the vibrant colors of the season. The harvest of our agricultural region draws our attention to the abundance built into God’s creation. Festivals every weekend invite us into the communities and cultures that reflect the rich diversity of the world God loves, expanding our appreciation and our knowledge.
Engaging the natural beauty and cultural opportunities at our doorstep, can be a meaningful spiritual practice. After all, God is the source of all that is good. When we contribute to this greater good we are partners with God and grow in our faith. In whatever ways you are able and enjoy, engage the world, and share the love!
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – October 14, 2021
Hi Friends,
You continue to be in my thoughts whether we connect in person or virtually. I am grateful for you. You are in my prayers. You are family!
At the beginning of the month, I was reminded of the blessing and diversity of families. I'm thankful that Friedens United Church of Christ recognizes, honors, respects, and welcomes families in all their different shapes, sizes, and structures.
I grew up being taught that I had a biological family, a church family, and a human family.
Hi Friends,
You continue to be in my thoughts whether we connect in person or virtually. I am grateful for you. You are in my prayers. You are family!
At the beginning of the month, I was reminded of the blessing and diversity of families. I'm thankful that Friedens United Church of Christ recognizes, honors, respects, and welcomes families in all their different shapes, sizes, and structures.
I grew up being taught that I had a biological family, a church family, and a human family. As I grow, my understanding and experience of family has broadened - I am blessed by my Sisters as we pray for/with one another, listen to one another and support one another. I am blessed by my school family where I serve as an occupational therapist. I am blessed by the living family that includes other creatures beyond our human family - if I listen and watch, I learn much from my animal and plant siblings and definitely depend on them for life - we are connected. You are not alone you are part of families. You are loved. You are an important individual in the Friedens family. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your church family. I offer this prayer of thanks and intercession for families.
Dear Merciful and Mighty Maker,
Thank you for the gifts of family! Thank you for families made up in all different ways - through mutual interests and hopes, through birth, through adoption or fostering, through common paths and locations, through shared work, through shared mission and hopes, through shared connection as beloved children of the Creator… We know being part of family has its challenges. Please help us listen and forgive. Thank you for the healing and protection you offer. Please grant us patience and wisdom. Please guide us to live together in wholeness, equity, and deep peace for all. Thank you for designing us for family. Thank you for inviting us into community, for calling us, and seeking us out. Amen.
12 God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:12-13
Pastor’s Corner – October 7, 2021
Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
Lately I have been writing about spiritual practices, like prayer and creative expression. These practices help us to cultivate a mindfulness of God’s graceful presence undergirding each moment in life.
Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
Lately I have been writing about spiritual practices, like prayer and creative expression. These practices help us to cultivate a mindfulness of God’s graceful presence undergirding each moment in life.
Worship is an ancient spiritual practice. Worship is a reminder that the spiritual life is intended to be practiced in community. Everything about worship is directed toward God. The design of the sanctuary lifts our eyes and our spirits toward heaven. The symbols of faith from candles to flowers to altar coverings engage our senses. The rich sound of a congregation lifting a common voice in prayer and song thrills and inspires. Leaning in to listen and reflect on our sacred texts and their connection to our place and time engages the intellect. Sitting quietly at times and speaking warmly with others at other times connects vertically and horizontally. Confessing our sins and being commissioned to serve brings meaning and purpose to our days.
Whether in person or online, worship can transform your life. Put worship into practice and before long you will find that your week is not the same without it.
If you need my assistance in this practice or if you want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – September 30, 2021
Dear Friends,
Each week, I’m blessed to spend time with you in worship, with the children in Treasure Seekers, and with the young adults in formal and informal gatherings. I am grateful to connect with the confirmation students and with the members of some of the ministry teams each month. I learn so much with and from you.
Dear Friends,
Each week, I’m blessed to spend time with you in worship, with the children in Treasure Seekers, and with the young adults in formal and informal gatherings. I am grateful to connect with the confirmation students and with the members of some of the ministry teams each month. I learn so much with and from you.
A few weeks, ago I was feeling lots of feelings and thinking lots of thoughts and heard Jesus’ clear call to let the little children lead me (Mark 10:13-14, Matthew 19:13-14, Luke 18:15-16), so I want to offer up a prayer that some of the children say with their families at mealtimes.
Thank you God for the world so sweet.
Thank you God for the birds who sing.
Thank you God for the food we eat.
Thank you God for everything.
Amen.
May this be a blessing to you as it was to me! I thank God for you! Grace and peace to you, dear ones. You are loved children of God.
With hope, joy, and gratitude,
Sarah
Pastor’s Corner – September 23, 2021
Practice makes perfect. Well not quite, but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
Practice makes perfect. Well not quite, but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
A fun way to cultivate your relationship with the Creator is with creativity. Keeping a journal of blessings, drawing or coloring something that gives you joy, caring for and making beautiful your little corner of creation, telling a favorite story from the Bible to a child, making a card to cheer a neighbor, singing your praise, taking photos of the beauty right where you are, preparing a meal for a loved one…you get the idea. Whatever way you enjoy expressing yourself can be offered as a gift for God that blesses those around you.
Be creative! Have fun! Grow in faith!
If you need my assistance with spiritual practices or if you want to share the positive difference spiritual practices are making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner – September 16, 2021
Dear Friends,
You are in my prayers, and I am grateful that we can hold each other in prayer during the times in life that feel chaotic, the times that feel calm, the times that feel confusing, and in all time and places. My heart has been heavy for the last month in hearing and seeing how the Delta variant is impacting kids and pregnant women.
Dear Friends,
You are in my prayers, and I am grateful that we can hold each other in prayer during the times in life that feel chaotic, the times that feel calm, the times that feel confusing, and in all time and places. My heart has been heavy for the last month in hearing and seeing how the Delta variant is impacting kids and pregnant women. When I feel deep sadness, I find hope in knowing that God holds us all through all the feelings. I am grateful for Friedens' prayer team. If you’d like to join the prayer team or share a prayer concern or praise, they meet over zoom at 4 p.m. each Monday. The team would love to welcome you. You can come once or few times or regularly. You can come for several minutes or the full thirty minutes. If you have any questions, would like the zoom link, or would like to share a prayer concern or praise, please email me at pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com.
With gratitude,
Sarah
15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets,[e] 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound[f] and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Thessalonians 5:15-24
Pastor’s Corner – September 9, 2021
Practice makes perfect; well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
In August articles I reminded you about the practices of Lectio Divina and prayer. I hope you have experimented with these practices and are finding some ways that work for you and your schedule. Just as the best kind of physical exercise is the kind you will do, so the best kind of spiritual practice is the kind that fits you and brings you closer to the living Spirit of Christ.
In August articles I reminded you about the practices of Lectio Divina and prayer. I hope you have experimented with these practices and are finding some ways that work for you and your schedule. Just as the best kind of physical exercise is the kind you will do, so the best kind of spiritual practice is the kind that fits you and brings you closer to the living Spirit of Christ.
Our goal with spiritual practice is to cultivate a mindfulness of Christ’s abiding and graceful presence. Start small and be consistent in your practice. Focusing on breathing is a simple spiritual practice. Choose a daily time when you are usually quiet and alone, like on your commute or during the lunch hour. Take a couple of minutes to notice the way your life-giving breath moves easily in and out of your body. Breath is a moment-by-moment gift of our Creator and Sustainer. Allow tension to subside as your breath brings calm and renewal in the midst of a busy schedule. This peace you discover in a brief focus on breathing will go with you as you return to your activities.
If you need my assistance in this practice or want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner - September 2, 2021
Dear Friends,
How are you? I ask this often, and I really mean it. How are you?
These times leave me feeling like I have all kinds of answers for this question. Some days I feel really confused by these times. In these times, I feel ever more grateful that I can trust a Creator whose love is steadfast, who always accepts us, and whose faithfulness never fails. I find hope and strength in this good news. Where do you find hope and strength?
Dear Friends,
How are you? I ask this often, and I really mean it. How are you?
These times leave me feeling like I have all kinds of answers for this question. Some days I feel really confused by these times. In these times, I feel ever more grateful that I can trust a Creator whose love is steadfast, who always accepts us, and whose faithfulness never fails. I find hope and strength in this good news. Where do you find hope and strength?
I also find hope and strength in God’s gifts of community and in encouragement of scripture. In these times, I’m thankful for go-to verses. Do you have go-to verses? For me, these are passages from the Bible that I was given as a teen. Maybe you have words of encouragement from stories, poems, the Bible, family members, or friends. I will share one of mine in case it might offer you encouragement. “Remember God in everything you do, and God will show you the right way.” Proverbs 3:6
This verse was given to me on a handout that a track team captain gave us when I was a freshman at Southport High School. I rarely get a direct word from God about the right way to go, but when I remember God, I know that I am not alone. I know that I am okay or will be okay. I know that God loves the world and every person and creature more than I can ever fully imagine or understand, which gives me the presence to be patient and wait and to take the next best step.
You are loved. You are appreciated. You are not alone.
With gratitude, joy, and hope~
Sarah
Pastor’s Corner - August 26, 2021
Practice makes perfect, well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
Prayer is the most common and widely used spiritual practice. This suggests its importance in connecting us to the Divine.
We have gotten the idea that prayer happens in a sanctuary with a particular formula that uses religious language. The truth is prayer is simply and profoundly communication with God. This communication requires no special location or language for it to be of value to spiritual growth.
Practice makes perfect, well not quite but it sure helps! We are all works in progress when it comes to faith and discipleship. One of the ways we grow is through spiritual practices.
Prayer is the most common and widely used spiritual practice. This suggests its importance in connecting us to the Divine.
We have gotten the idea that prayer happens in a sanctuary with a particular formula that uses religious language. The truth is prayer is simply and profoundly communication with God. This communication requires no special location or language for it to be of value to spiritual growth.
Prayer is not how we get God to do what we want. God already knows what is in our hearts and minds. Prayer is a way to change us in line with what God wants for us. Prayer is sharing with God what is in our hearts and on our minds. Prayer is also listening for the still, small voice of God that is often drowned out in our noisy and busy lives.
Prayer can be a deep breath. Prayer can be a reminder that we are never alone. Prayer can happen when you are by yourself or in a crowd. Prayer can be reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the Shepherd’s Psalm. Prayer can be a cry of pain or lament. Prayer can be a shout of joy. Prayer can be laughter or tears. Prayer can be sitting quietly. Prayer can be paying attention to what is going on around you on a walk. Prayer can happen anywhere and anytime. Prayer is connecting with a God who is gracefully present in each moment. The more you enlarge your view of prayer the more it becomes real and helpful each day. So experiment with prayer, be at peace in your connection with God, and grow in faith.
If you need my assistance in this practice or want to share the positive difference it is making in your discipleship you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner - August 19, 2021
Dear Friends,
The summer before last, author Layla Saad led me to think about my ancestors in new ways and invited me to consider what it means to be a good ancestor. Her work has impacted me in many ways, and I am grateful that she has led me to remember my ancestors more often. One of the core values my ancestors have offered me are practices of gratitude – practices which are also passed on to us by our ancestors in faith whom we hear about in the stories of scripture. I am enjoying the journey that Pastor Marc is leading us on through the Bible and a new look at ancient stories from the book of Genesis and the ancestors in faith in the Old Testament. What core values have your ancestors passed on to you?
Dear Friends,
The summer before last, author Layla Saad led me to think about my ancestors in new ways and invited me to consider what it means to be a good ancestor. Her work has impacted me in many ways, and I am grateful that she has led me to remember my ancestors more often. One of the core values my ancestors have offered me are practices of gratitude – practices which are also passed on to us by our ancestors in faith whom we hear about in the stories of scripture. I am enjoying the journey that Pastor Marc is leading us on through the Bible and a new look at ancient stories from the book of Genesis and the ancestors in faith in the Old Testament. What core values have your ancestors passed on to you?
In honor of my ancestors, I wanted to take time to express my appreciation for new beginnings and opportunities that this late summer time has brought and the blessings they are. I am thankful for each of you, for the opportunities to serve with you, and for your continued prayers. I give thanks for:
The new confirmation students, families, and their mentors – please keep them in your prayers as we grow together in Jesus’ faith and love.
The new intergenerational zoom opportunities to learn with and from young adults. We have several sessions with Fatimaeliza from the Conscious Caring Community left on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. We hope you can join us.
The continued gifts of technology that allows us to meet with people whom we would previously not have been able to meet with and to continue to connect in ways that feel safe to everyone.
“Praise God, How good it is to sing praise to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise God.”
Psalm 147:1
Pastor’s Corner - August 12, 2021
In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.
In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.
In a word the goal of our discipleship is Shalom. This Hebrew idea is a way to express God’s intentions for creation—wholeness, well-being, peace with justice, harmony, reconciliation and unity with the Creator and creation. The church exists to partner with Christ for the fulfillment of this Divine vision. Church membership and discipleship keep us focused on this partnership so that we might know the joy and purpose of living our lives in a way that really matters.
The practices of faith (for example: worship, prayer, study, compassion) in a community of faith transform us into the people we were created to be—the loved and loving children of God who are working for Shalom. If you feel the need for greater purpose and joy in life, you might want to consider church membership.
Of course, the church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
~Marc
Pastor’s Corner - August 5, 2021
Dear Friends,
As school begins, some of us may be adjusting to new routines. Some of us may find ourselves taking a look at plans for the fall. If you are looking for opportunities for connecting, learning, and serving, please know we always have ways you can become involved. If you’d like to learn more about trying out a ministry team, your church staff and members of the Council of Ministries are glad to explore your interests and questions. If you’d like to try a Christian Education opportunity, an Outreach opportunity, or one of the programs/classes offered by the Conscious Caring Community here are a few upcoming opportunities for August:
Dear Friends,
As school begins, some of us may be adjusting to new routines. Some of us may find ourselves taking a look at plans for the fall. If you are looking for opportunities for connecting, learning, and serving, please know we always have ways you can become involved. If you’d like to learn more about trying out a ministry team, your church staff and members of the Council of Ministries are glad to explore your interests and questions. If you’d like to try a Christian Education opportunity, an Outreach opportunity, or one of the programs/classes offered by the Conscious Caring Community here are a few upcoming opportunities for August:
Beginning on the first Sunday after Labor Day (September 12th), the Revive and Thrive sermon discussions and the class “How the Bible was put Together” by Greg Wilkinson will begin between worship services.
Latinx heritage learning - 4 week course, 30 mins per session co- led by Fatimaeliza Gonzalez and Sarah Haas on Thursdays @ 5:30P beginning August 12th. Resource: Yes! We are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Pease contact Sarah at pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com for the zoom link.
Cooking with Leo – August 15th
Cooking with Aron – August 29th
There are lots of opportunities to serve with the children’s and youth ministry and in our community with the Little Timmy Mobile Clinic that will be parked in Friedens parking lot.
Please be in touch anytime with questions. Thank you!
With gratitude,
Sarah
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.[a] 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Pastor’s Corner - July 29, 2021
This summer I have offered reminders of the blessings of church membership; they include: supporting discipleship, nurturing community, being part of something bigger than ourselves, sharing our God-given gifts, practicing being a servant leader, and working toward God’s vision of Shalom. Best of all, church membership and discipleship bring us closer to God and to one another.
Relationships of love bring us deep meaning and significance.
This summer I have offered reminders of the blessings of church membership; they include: supporting discipleship, nurturing community, being part of something bigger than ourselves, sharing our God-given gifts, practicing being a servant leader, and working toward God’s vision of Shalom. Best of all, church membership and discipleship bring us closer to God and to one another.
Relationships of love bring us deep meaning and significance. When I preside at memorial services, tributes are not primarily about years worked or awards earned, of course they are mentioned, but in those moments of summarizing and celebrating life it is clear that receiving and sharing love make the earthly journey worthwhile. No wonder Jesus insisted the greatest commandments are to love God, neighbor, and self. The community of faith founded on the life and ministry of Jesus is an ideal place to grow in our love. We feel closer to God when the worshiping community gathers to sing and pray. We feel more like our true selves when we join our youngest members in raising our hands to the question, are you a loved child of God? Our hearts are warmed and our love expands as we reach out to one another to help and be helped.
If you are looking to grow closer to God and others, church membership can help. The church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Pastor’s Corner - July 22, 2021
Dear Friends,
It is always a blessing to be learning and growing with you and to be serving with all of you. I am grateful for Pastor Marc’s recent sermon series on the book of Romans. I tend towards books that are story-based, yet there is much to explore and learned from the book of Romans and all the books of the Bible. What caught/is catching your attention in Romans or other books or passages you are exploring?
Dear Friends,
It is always a blessing to be learning and growing with you and to be serving with all of you. I am grateful for Pastor Marc’s recent sermon series on the book of Romans. I tend towards books that are story-based, yet there is much to explore and learned from the book of Romans and all the books of the Bible. What caught/is catching your attention in Romans or other books or passages you are exploring?
I enjoyed and appreciated Pastor Marc’s invitation for us to pray with and meditate on Romans 12:9-18. The practical nature of these verses fills my soul….so much packed into a few verses. Beautiful words for how we can live out the faith of Jesus – challenging words, humbling words – a reminder that we cannot follow Jesus on our own. We need the transforming grace of our Creator, the indwelling of Jesus our Liberator, and the encouragement and guidance of the Spirit, and we need one another. We can encourage and pray for and with one another. With our lives fixed on God, we can discern together how to apply the teachings and instructions in complex situations. Know you are not alone. You are loved. We are on this journey together. It is a blessing to worship, learn, serve, and be with you whether together physically or connected through God’s Spirit.
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.[a] 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[b] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:9-18
Pastor’ Corner - July 15, 2021
In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.
In my last article on the value of church membership I mentioned that a community of faith is a great place to practice servant leadership. Following Jesus’ example, we use our God-given gift to raise everyone in our community through service in Christ’s Spirit of grace. The goal of servant leadership in Christ is another of the blessings of church membership.
In a word the goal of our discipleship is Shalom. This Hebrew idea is a way to express God’s intentions for creation—wholeness, well-being, peace with justice, harmony, reconciliation and unity with the Creator and creation. The church exists to partner with Christ for the fulfillment of this Divine vision. Church membership and discipleship keep us focused on this partnership so that we might know the joy and purpose of living our lives in a way that really matters.
The practices of faith (for example: worship, prayer, study, compassion) in a community of faith transform us into the people we were created to be—the loved and loving children of God who are working for Shalom. If you feel the need for greater purpose and joy in life, you might want to consider church membership.
Of course, the church is a work in process that is strengthened when folks like you get involved. To have a conversation about discipleship and church membership, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
~Marc
Pastor’s Corner - July 8, 2021
Dear Friends,
What are you learning this summer? I feel like covid has required me to increase what I’m learning in lots of ways. I thank God for all the people I’m learning from. I thank God for all the people who are teaching me. I also thank God for all the creatures and plants who are teaching me, too! Plants and animals have been teaching me much about listening and community this summer!
Dear Friends,
What are you learning this summer? I feel like covid has required me to increase what I’m learning in lots of ways. I thank God for all the people I’m learning from. I thank God for all the people who are teaching me. I also thank God for all the creatures and plants who are teaching me, too! Plants and animals have been teaching me much about listening and community this summer!
I’d like to give special thanks to the young adults who have been teaching me much – much about communication and technology – much about reflecting and transitions – thank you!
I’m also giving thanks for the young adults who have helped me learn more about concerns that have been on my heart for a while, but I had not been sure how to approach them. I’m thankful that being in community allows us to grow in new ways and in deeper ways. This spring and summer the some of the young adults have been working to learn more about maternal health to help address the amount of maternal and infant mortality in Indiana.
We would like to invite you to join us to learn by coming to an event called 4 Maternal Health. The young adults have planned an art show and movement classes (yoga, mobility, meditation) as a way of bringing people together to learn about a community organization called The Little Timmy Project (www.littletimmy.org) and a national/international wellness organization called Rising Hearts (www.risinghearts.org). The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Several food vendors and community health partners will be at the event as well.
We hope you will come and invite friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers to come along with you! If you are available to help with set up or clean up or greeting, please let me know.
Thank you,
Sarah
It is good for me that I was humbled,
so that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Psalm 119:71-73
Pastor’s Corner - July 1, 2021
Throughout my life church participation and church membership have been a blessing to me. Among other benefits, the church is a great place to practice being a leader. From childhood I was affirmed and encouraged to get involved and lead the way. I want you to experience that at Friedens Church.
Throughout my life church participation and church membership have been a blessing to me. Among other benefits, the church is a great place to practice being a leader. From childhood I was affirmed and encouraged to get involved and lead the way. I want you to experience that at Friedens Church.
We follow the leadership model of Jesus, often referred to as servant leadership. Rather than seeing leadership as a summit to climb with tremendous gains for the few who can claw their way to the top, servant leadership seeks to reach out and empower others so we can all rise. Jesus put it this way, I have come to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45).
Leadership can be hard to break into in human society but not in the church. Friedens welcomes everyone to use their God-given gift to share the love of Christ. When you are using your gift, you are exercising a positive influence, and leading by serving. You can join a Ministry Team or serve on the Church Council as a way to more formally live out your gift and leadership as a church member.
For more information about church membership and serving on a Ministry Team or the Church Council reach out to me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com. Everyone is welcome at Friedens!
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner - June 24, 2021
Dear Friends,
How is it with your soul? I’ve been experiencing lots of shifts around me which has left me feeling unsettled and at the same time overwhelmingly grateful for God’s constant love for all and God’s everlasting faithfulness. I share this hoping that perhaps it will offer you both comfort and encouragement to keep leaning into God’s grace and call on our lives.
Dear Friends,
How is it with your soul? I’ve been experiencing lots of shifts around me which has left me feeling unsettled and at the same time overwhelmingly grateful for God’s constant love for all and God’s everlasting faithfulness. I share this hoping that perhaps it will offer you both comfort and encouragement to keep leaning into God’s grace and call on our lives.
What or who helps you during transitions and shifting times? Perhaps it is more quiet time to be still and listen to God, or maybe not still – maybe you are moving – driving to and from work, caring for toddlers or aging parents and listening and experiencing God’s presence as you share the love of Jesus by serving others. Maybe it is reaching out in the community with acts of kindness. Maybe it is talking with someone about a story, parable, or psalm from the Bible. Perhaps it is something entirely different or some combination.
Whatever your spirit is needing these days to stay connected to God’s merciful and mighty compassion and transforming care, I pray you are able to find space for it. It is so good to be back together in worship for those who are able, and it is a blessing to continue to connect through technology for those who are not. This morning, I was blessed by the words of another UCC pastor, Kenneth L. Samuel, Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia, as he reflected on this passage. I hope it might offer you inspiration and renewal for the living of this day and each and every day God makes and invites us into.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness
of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.Psalm 27:13-14
You can read his reflection and/or sign up for the Still Speaking Devotions at www.ucc.org.
Pastor’s Corner - June 17, 2021
I have been sharing why church membership matters to me. So far I’ve mentioned the way church membership supports discipleship and community, and the way it helps us be part of something that is bigger than ourselves and makes a positive difference.
I have been sharing why church membership matters to me. So far I’ve mentioned the way church membership supports discipleship and community, and the way it helps us be part of something that is bigger than ourselves and makes a positive difference.
Today I want to remind you another benefit of church membership - the way it helps us identify, develop, and deploy our God-given gifts. God gives each of us a gift so that we can have a share in bringing God’s Shalom, the vision of comprehensive well-being for all, into reality.
When we use our gift we find a deep sense of contentment in making a positive contribution to changing our community into a place of grace and peace. At Friedens Church you can participate in a small group discussion called Strengths for Discipleship. This experience includes a survey to help identify your gift and a process for better understanding your gift and putting it into practice.
For more information about Strengths for Discipleship and to discuss church membership please reach out to me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com. Everyone is welcome at Friedens!
Yours in Christ,
Marc
Pastor’s Corner - June 10, 2021
This week, I invite you to give thanks for hands. As an occupational therapist in a special education preschool, much of my day involves hands – little hands – beautiful hands….. I’ve always found hands and fingerprints fascinating. I grew up being told that our hands are to be the hands of Jesus in the world today. Some of the little children whom I serve do not have much use of their hands for various reasons, yet their hands teach me very much.
This week, I invite you to give thanks for hands. As an occupational therapist in a special education preschool, much of my day involves hands – little hands – beautiful hands….. I’ve always found hands and fingerprints fascinating. I grew up being told that our hands are to be the hands of Jesus in the world today. Some of the little children whom I serve do not have much use of their hands for various reasons, yet their hands teach me very much.
In the last few weeks of the school year, I read some articles that encouraged me to listen to hands in new ways. It was very humbling and convicting…. I have so much more to learn about listening. There are so many opportunities for us to listen to one another. Do we listen to the movements of the spirit that are not spoke through words? Do we hear the small motions and movements of little fingers? Are we attentive to the language spoken through the eyes? When are we still enough to listen to the way those around us are breathing or tapping a toe or fidgeting with something in their hands?
May we invite God’s Spirit to help us listen to one another creatively – to listen for understanding that we may grow in empathy and compassion - to listen with a desire to be faithful neighbors, partners, and relatives with all God’s people, creatures, and creation. May we rest in God’s gracious and generous hands – hands that hold us all – hands that nurture and welcome all of us.
14 But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors
16 Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
Psalm 31:14-16