A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR

Yesterday was quite a day… The Dow Jones Average fell over 500 points on the news that two of the nation’s (and the world’s) largest financial institutions were taking drastic actions (bankruptcy and a rapid sale/takeover) to forestall further economic calamity.  This is but the most recent in a parade of failures putting a massive strain on the country’s economy, and undermining the financial security of millions of our citizens. 
     Last week was quite a week… It began at the lakeshore for many of us as we celebrated Rally Day.  And it included the marking of the anniversary of the horrendous events we will always associate with 9/11.  On that morning some of us came to the sanctuary to feel the Lord’s presence as we remembered the pain and sorrow unleashed seven years ago. 
     Last night was quite a night… Our Board of Trustees met in the midst of a world shaken by loss to look to the future of our congregation.  How do we proceed with so many uncertainties?  The answer that I heard from the Board was: “With faith!”  We have a faith that Jesus is Lord, and that God is leading us forth.
     Specifically, the Board voted to implement a model for ministry developed by the Transition Team to provide support and leadership for the immediate future of the Protestant Community Church.  The model seeks to continue building upon the foundation constructed over the past year with Andrew, while the whole congregation reflects on God’s will for the long-range.  The action of the Board provides for increased pastoral support using the considerable gifts of Virginia Leopold, expanding the program we have come to know as Rite 13 with Andria Gross’ coordination, and the revitalization of our youth fellowship programs with Rusty Williams providing leadership.  We count ourselves blessed to have such capable and dedicated disciples in our midst.

When I sat in the sanctuary on September 11th I turned to the book of Isaiah.  Words from the 65th chapter shaped much of what I have experienced over the past few days:
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.  I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.  No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.   They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.   They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD-- and their descendants as well.  Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent--its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.

 

                                                                                    God bless,
                                                                         Steve Winkler