New Leadership

Sunday was a gold-medal day in the life of PCMK.  We had a lot of fun on the Olympics and the fact that my Canadian Teams came home with the gold.  The US teams had set a high bar for themselves and came up short.  Even a silver medal for the women was a disappointment.

The choir had some fun with the Olympic theme and held up score cards at the end of my sermon. I did not expect laughter after I said "Amen."  But when I turned around I was tickled to see their scores.  Some judges were more generous than others.  My response was "I guess it was good enough for bronze."  It was a memorable moment.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus sets a high bar for us.  We are to love our enemies and turn the other cheek.  But the good news is that we don't have to be perfect.  We are forgiven for the times we fall short.  Silver and bronze medals are not failure.

On Sunday there was a group of team PCMK who stepped up to the podium.  They have already earned a medal in my book.  They have said yes to serving as elders, deacons and trustees.  These boards have their respective responsibilities and these leaders have been gifted by God to serve in the many ministries of PCMK.  When you see them, congratulate them and thank them for their service.

Good Friend, Great Message

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

Jazzy Sunday

Sunday was another wonderful day at PCMK.  The morning worship was inspiring with the "Best Sermon Ever."  Actually, we had a lot of fun with that sermon title.  It was not my sermon that was the best ever, but Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which was the text for the sermon.  We were reminded that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  During this snowy dark winter we need lots of salt and light!
There was a little snow Sunday evening, but that did not slow down our Jazz Vespers.  The beat went on--and wow, did it go on!  "Blow Man Blow" was one of the tunes Gerard Carelli wrote and performed for us, along with his band.  His son Marcello even took a turn at the drums.  It was a fantastic evening with a glamorous reception afterwards.
That was a great Sunday.  Now I think I can get through the rest of this winter.
See you in church,
Pastor Dale

The Pastor's Study

My home study

Pastors are supposed to study.  No, we don't usually have to study for an exam.  But we do have to get out the books to prepare for sermons and for ideas on church leadership.  Traditionally the pastor's office in the church was referred to as the "pastor's study."  I like the custom, but for me it doesn't work.  I can't do any serious study or reading at the church office.  I go the church for meetings, to meet with staff and to answer emails.  I prepare sermons and do all my reading at home.

 Fortunately, I have a great 'study' in the manse.  I have a beautiful view of the woods behind the house where I can watch the changing of the seasons.  But then every once in a while a pastor needs to get out of town to study in a different setting.

Since last fall I have been enrolled in a program at McCormick Seminary in Chicago.  I have completed three of the four classes, with one more in April.  The focus has been on church leadership, and it has been stimulating and helpful.  I plan on using some of the material with the session at our retreat in March.

So, if you don't see me at the church, it doesn't mean I am goofing off.  I am probably in my study reading, writing and thinking.

See you in church,
Pastor Dale