CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS
PEOPLES PRESS
Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World
A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &
the American Baptist Churches
INTERIM’S INSIGHTS
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, to be like us. Let them be stewards of the fish in the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, the wild animals, and everything that crawls on the ground.” God looked at all of this creation, and proclaimed that this was good – very good.
(Genesis 1:26, 31 The Inclusive Bible)
The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive during the month of October, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Through our national Justice and Local Church Ministries office, https://tinyurl.com/2bfytatb, you can find resources, news updates, and action alerts on a broad spectrum of justice issues.
Working with members of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network (a network of thousands of UCC justice and peace advocates), Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice. Neighbors in Need also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. One-third of the offering supports the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM).
Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM. CAIM is also an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other UCC congregations in the U.S
As we pool our resources and contribute to this annual offering, we affirm the blessing of God on Creation. The grants from this fund go a long way toward making that blessing a reality for many who suffer from the results of our carelessness with creation. And as with most things these days, you can make your contribution online at ucc.org/nin.
Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor
Pastor Dave’s Schedule
Pastor Dave will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October, with the exception of Oct. 18. Do call to make sure he’s around before coming because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.
If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515)720-6389.
Froggy Faith by Phiwa Langeni
( from the “Daily Devotional “ shared by Leslie Cummings)
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35 (CEB)
The backyard pond I inherited is the best thought detangler and distractor. The dozen or so goldfish playfully weave themselves between each other and the aquatic flora decorating and oxygenating their home. Amongst the fish and plants, I’ve discovered three frogs that also hang out in and around the pond. Sometimes they’re sunbathing on the ledge of a rock or, my favorite, floating with relaxed limbs in the water with just their bubble-like eyes above the surface.
The internet quenched my additional curiosities about frogs. For example, did you know that frogs don’t drink water? Instead, they hydrate by absorbing the water they need through their skin. Because of this, their environment is crucial for their health. It’s important for them to be near clean water. If the water is dirty or has too much salt, that could be dangerous or even fatal for the frog.
My latest ponderments have me wondering about the various ways we humanfolk satisfy our thirsts. Beyond regularly drinking an appropriate amount of water, how are we intentionally cocreating environments that support and sustain health for ourselves and the world around us? How are we bettering the many forms of life in our care? What unexpected discoveries invite us into frivolous curiosity and restorative rest?
Indeed, may these enigmatic amphibians and the world around them plunge us more deeply into faithful engagements with and in ours.
Prayer
Oh, that we might be purposefully quenched by your living waters! Whether tending or being tended to, embolden us to satiate your desire for a just world for all.
Good Things Happening in and around us
Neighborhood Welcome...
OSA has decided to end our Tuesday and Thursday coffee and donuts Neighbors Welcome at the end of October. Some people have mentioned an interest in continuing with a different activity for the winter season. Please contact me if you have an idea for or interest in continuing to engage with our neighbors during the winter.
Karen Eaton 810-288-9036
Hat, Mitten & Sock Tree…
From now until Sunday, December 17th. The church will be accepting donations of winter hats, mittens/gloves and socks to be placed on a Christmas tree until the time they are to be given away. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Jay Cummings or the church office.
Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities
IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!
Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!
NEW Adult Forum Book… Starting this Sunday, August 13th, at 9:30 am we will be reading White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, by Anthea D. Butler. . Join us either in person at church or via Zoom.
Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.
Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!