This weekend an old friend came to town. The Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelly is a friend of mine from my years in Lake Erie Presbytery, and she is a college classmate of Lisa Flanagan. Ellie is now the Ministry Liaison of the Northeast for the Presbyterian Foundation. She came to our area to meet with church and presbytery leaders in NYC, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. When I knew she was going to be in town I invited her to preach. I knew her to be a good preacher and her message is timeless.
She shared insights into stewardship. No, not just that Sunday in the fall when we turn in our pledge cards. But stewardship that responds to God's gracious gift with an attitude of abundance. The widow who gave her one coin out of her poverty, actually gave out of an abundance of hope.
Her thoughts were timely because it is my goal that we continue to develop a "culture of generosity" here at PCMK. What that means is that we are willing to share of all we have with one another and with the community. It means we will take risks for God, having faith that God will provide all we need. It means having a vision of growth and inclusivity. We are well on our way with these goals. We are a generous church. Tonight homeless men and women from our community will spend the night under our roof. But it's not our roof--it's God's roof and these are God's children.
It was a another wonderful Sunday at PCMK. I got to spend time with a good friend and introduce her to our great church.
See you in church,
Pastor Dale
No comments:
Post a Comment