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
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought of what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:17-19 (The New Revised Standard Version)
Since my last article, the world has changed. A fragile truce (we can’t really call it peace) was broken by hordes of HAMAS militants breaking through the barrier between Palestine and Israel, and conducting a terror campaign of murder, kidnapping and violation. In response, Israel launched rockets and bombarded Gaza into mostly rubble. Hundreds (perhaps by the time you read this it will be thousands) are dead on both sides. My heart aches…..again. I have dear friends who are Jewish, and I feel their pain, their frustration, their rage. I also know people who are connected to the Palestinians. And I know many who have been working for a solution to the “Palestinian Question,” committing time and energy and passion to that effort. And now it seems that the future is bleak. There are, at this writing (October 13) ultimatums and defiance being exchanged. Israeli leaders have promised vengeance. And leaders of other countries, the U.S. included, want to assert their friendship with Israel.
But we in the U.S. have been down this road ourselves. In the agonizing days after 9-11, we turned our grief into retribution. We struck back hard, even in places that had nothing to do with the terrorist attacks, entangling our military in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our efforts to plant a new government there were futile and our exit from Afghanistan was a humiliation. If we would be a friend to Israel, perhaps, as we cry and lament the calamity that has befallen them, we should put our cultural arms around them, look them in the eye through tears and say, “This is not the way.”
And no, I cannot put myself in their shoes. I have no frame of reference that gives me any insight as to what it is like to be the victim of genocide. I do not have parts of my family tree that were erased by Hitler’s “Final Solution.” But I do have some branches that were cut off by WWI. And I firmly believe that war is not what God wants. And I am deeply committed to making peace in this world…a peace that is more than the absence of violence. It must include justice and security, the right to exist and the right to move about freely, access to an economy that allows for prosperity. In short, Shalom.
Make no mistake, HAMAS, and now Hezbollah should be made to answer for their crimes, and the Arab nations ought to be at the forefront of that effort. But for now, it is time to stop the shedding of innocent blood….no matter who is inflicting the wounds.
Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor
Pastor Dave’s Schedule
Pastor Dave will be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October. 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
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!