. . . on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. The rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. . . Gen 7:11‑12

Dear Friends,

It does seem like Mother Nature is trying to wrestle with God’s promise never again to send a flood to destroy the earth, doesn’t it? (See Genesis 9:11) But God’s covenant is sure, and even as I write this, the sun keeps coming out, attempting to dry things out a bit, although the clouds drift by trying to look threatening. The good news is, one thing NOT in our Gilead budget plans this year is building an ark.

Speaking of budgets, I know you’re all curious if there was a positive response from my letter last month, reporting that our finances are taking a real hit in this recession, and that the budget is in serious trouble. The good news is, yes, there was! I’m pleased to report that a number of people sent in extra money, and when we combine that with a five-Sunday month and not quite as many bills coming in, we had a very good month. For those of you who missed last month’s letter, the church is asking that each of our families give another $400 a year in addition to what they’re already giving, or $67 a month, so we can address our deficit. I know that not everyone can do that, but I also know that some can do more.

The question is, can we keep it up? Well, actually, the question is, “Will we keep it up?” I know we can. Interestingly, one of the Lectionary Scripture readings for this past Sunday fits perfectly, as Paul speaks to the church in Corinth about a financial project:

And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something—now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:10‑15

Paul’s instruction is this: recapture the eagerness to do what needs to be done! If we can do that, there is nothing we can’t accomplish through Christ who strengthens us! The summer season is a great time to catch the fire of Pentecost and fill our church with excitement. It’s not just about filling the offering plates, or packing the pews, although that’s how we start. It’s about catching on fire with the energy of the Holy Spirit, so that as summer visitors come as guests to our church, they go away thinking, “I want some of what they’ve got!” Let’s make these next two months really hot – and I don’t mean the temperature inside the church.

Peace and joy,

Martin

To read Martin's letters from past months, please click here.