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
I, Wisdom, am the habitat of sound judgment; the source of clear thinking.
To revere YHWH is to abhor evil.
I despise pride and arrogance, corrupt behavior and deceptive words.
I have good counsel and sound judgment; I have understanding and power as well. Rulers reign because of me, and administrators issue just judgments.
Because of me governors govern well, and the noble apply justice.
I love those who love me; and those who seek me out zealously find me.
(Proverbs 8:12-17,The Inclusive Bible)
Over the years, I have written many “Back to School” articles for newsletters. The process of educating our children (and many of our adults) is so complicated and life-changing, that a whole lot of time, energy and resources is devoted to it. Every household with school-aged children has to buy supplies, clothes, lunch tickets and candy bars (to fund band trips and athletic teams). It is clear that we still value educating our kids, no matter what the political pundits say.
But this year, I am more inclined to point to something more useful to all of us than a formal education – wisdom. In the Hebrew scriptures, Wisdom is personified, always as a woman calling to those who are “simple” or “foolish.” There is a whole category of literature in our scripture that has the label of “Wisdom.” Proverbs is in that category. It reminds us that while it is important to develop our intellect, we must also pay attention to how we use it. Human history is checkered with the horrors of experimentation on humans, the enslavement of humans, the exploitation of living things and the earth itself. We continue to launch into space the machines created by some very smart people but give no thought to the dangers all of that space junk poses for future launches.
The exercise of the intellect without wisdom is a recipe for disaster. And yet, we do not seem to value wisdom. We rush to develop technologies for self-driving vehicles and artificial intelligence with little reflection on how such technology may impact our culture.
Wisdom, says the Proverb, loves those who love her, and can be found by those who zealously seek her. I hope and pray that all of those who are engaged in formal education develop a love of learning and, more importantly, a love of wisdom. Amen.
Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor
Pastor Dave’s Schedule
Pastor Dave will be out of town September 8-15. He plans to be in the office Sept. 19, 20, 26 and 27 but 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.
Good Things Happening in and around us
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!