From the Bridge Pastor
Fundraiser at Lamb Theatre for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. I’m sad to report that this event scheduled for this Friday, November 18 has been cancelled due to illness to one of the two members of the cast. Sleep in Heavenly Peace will set up a bed in the foyer and contributions can be made throughout the rest of the performances.
Stewardship. In 1 Corinthians 14-22 we read Paul’s words to the believers in Corinth, Greece: My dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? What do I imply then? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Paul had established that congregation in either 49 or 50. He wrote this first letter to that church in late 56 or 57. He wrote the letter because reports that reached him regarding problems within the worshiping community, including claims of spiritual superiority over one another, suing one another in public courts, abusing the communal meal, and sexual misbehavior. His exhortation was a demand for higher ethical and moral standards.
As believers in our Triune God, we are called upon to have high ethical and moral standards as well. This congregation supports many agencies that provide care for those less fortunate than others. Members also give their time and money to various charities.
When we are fed at the Lord’s Table, “the broken bread and poured wine represent the crucified and risen Christ. The wheat gathered to bake one load and the grapes pressed to make one cup remind participants that they are one body in Christ, while the breaking and pouring announce the costliness of Christ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.” (From United Church of Christ “About Communion.)
As fed and forgiven people, we live out our thanks to God in so many different ways. We are called to be thankful, generous givers. In a few weeks, we will have Stewardship Sunday. Pledge sheets and envelopes will be distributed. You will be invited to take those home and prayerfully look at what you have been giving and how much more you might be able to give in 2023. You will be able to return the sealed envelopes during the following weeks. All the pledges will be dedicated in December.
Bible Study. I have been asked to consider leading a Bible study at Pierce Street Coffee Works. I really enjoy leading Bible studies and would be pleased to do this while I am with you. In a red folder on the welcome table is a sheet to indicate your desire to be a part of this.
Why have a Bible study? The Bible is the foundation of our faith. It contains writings about history, letters, narrative, poetry, prophecy, teaching, and wisdom. Each one of these types of writing provides many opportunities for very interesting Bible studies. Here is a teaser: do you know that there are two different creation stories in Genesis? Do you know what them different? If not, would you enjoy a Bible study on those stories? If so, please make sure that you sign up and indicate your preferences for the frequency and time of these sessions.
Thank you to Sharon Bair, Duane Hoffmeyer, Peggy Hoffmeyer, Barbie Knepper, Jan Nowlen, Jesse Ridgway, Pam Ridgway, Jackie Stellish, Jeff Stellish, Deb Timblen, Mike Timblen, and three people from Augustana Lutheran Church for sharing their time filling backpacks at the Foodbank of Siouxland on November 7. Our next opportunity for this will be on February 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM when we partner with Congregation Beth Shalom.
Thank you to the FCUCC members who attended the fundraiser for the Warming Shelter Sunday night at Buffalo Alice. You helped raise at least $7598 to help prevent any homeless person from freezing on the streets this winter.
As always, if you are someone you know would benefit from a pastoral visit, please call the office, and let Michael or me know.
In Christ,
Pastor Del
