| Happy Election Day! I think I would be safe in assuming that today, of all days, most of you are watching what is happening in our national and local elections with anticipation and a mix of emotions. There’s likely some excitement, some fear, some anger, some sadness, and definitely some anxiety swirling around in many of us. When it comes to politics in the last decade, Christians have become known for loving people well—the way that God loves us—by approaching political conversations with gentleness and humility, treating one another with patience and kindness, and “dying to self” by placing the needs of others ahead of our own. This is especially true in the way we have engaged over social media, in the types of images that we have used to support our preferred candidates, or in the words we have said to one another. Right? No? Of course we haven’t. Too often, Christians have spoken unkindly to or about those with whom we disagree. We have demonized the “other side” in an attempt to sway others to our position, whichever position that might be. We have voted and acted selfishly, according not to what we think is best for all but according to what benefits ourselves directly. We are not the problem, but we are a part of the problem with our national politics by behaving these ways rather than intentionally and carefully engaging in our social and political life the way that we believe Jesus and the Spirit have led us to engage. The results of an election matter, but rather than using the ends to justify un-Christlike means, I believe that Jesus calls us to care about how we do the things we do. Whether we like it or not, we live in a social world, a greater polis, which means we all engage in politics. Often, we do so blindly without thinking about what we are doing, or why, or how. Even disengagement from politics, or statements like “Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics,” are themselves political statements; withdrawing from society sends messages to that society about what is thought about it, and doesn’t tend to express love or care for others. This doesn’t mean we should all run for office, although we need thoughtful, humble, committed followers of Christ in office. What it does mean, though, is that we ought to think carefully and prayerfully about how we engage with others around us if we already are. And how we engage is directly related to our own spiritual formation and commitment to following Christ. As an example, if I occasionally make online posts that treat others unkindly or say things that are ugly, then guess what—I am a Christian who sometimes posts unkind or ugly things. Or if I have bumper sticker that has curse words on it, then guess what? That’s the type of person I am: someone who sometimes has bumper stickers that say those words. If I sometimes spread lies or name-call or resort to other means to win an election, then I am the kind of Christian who sometimes does those things. How we act and engage in the world, even the political world, is a reflection of who we are on the inside. It’s not separated from our faith; following Christ involves every part of our lives. Does your political engagement look like the Jesus way, or does it look like the patterns this world has set in the last few years? My prayer for our church is that each one of us continues to pursue Christ, and that we pick up habits and practices that help lead us toward love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And that we do so in all humility, becoming more like Jesus. If we do this, we will change the state of politics in our country by engaging in ways that reflect who we really are in Christ. Can Christians finally be known as those who not only love God, but love others the way that we love ourselves? Blessings to each of you today! I love you and am praying for you. Bobby Kirkpatrick |
| Student Ministries Update |
| Bible Quiz Pie Sales |
| The Junior High Bible Quiz team will be selling apple, pecan, and pumpkin pies. This fundraiser helps to offset some of the travel cost of our quizzers. They will travel to four meets in Kansas and Oklahoma this year. The final meet will be held at Camp Quaker Haven! See a Bible Quiz team member or Katelyn in the Coffee Cafe on November 10th or November 17th to purchase your pies. All pies will be distributed in the Coffee Cafe on November 24th after the worship service. |
| Children’s Ministry Update |
| ”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1(NIV) |
| On Sunday, our littles learned that we can seek God for help in times of need. In the story of Elisha and the widow, the children heard about a woman who needed a miracle to help pay her debts (2 Kings 4:1-7). Like the widow, we have a debt of sin and Jesus has paid that debt that we could never pay ourselves. Dear Lord, when things seem to be at their worst we know we can turn to you and seek your help. Thank you for loving us so much that you sent your only Son to die for us and pay our debt. We love you Lord, Amen. This week, you can practice our November memory verse at home by putting actions to the words: “God is our refuge (hug self) and strength (muscles), a help in trouble (reach out hand to help).” Psalm 46:1 |
| Silent Auction |
| Stop by the Coffee Cafe on November 10th and 17th to bid on items donated to Children’s Ministry. The winning bidders will be notified the week of the 18th. |
| Steve Alexander created these beautiful bowls and vase out of wood from the historic oak tree that stood on our grounds for nearly 100 years. The Bee Pieceful Quilters have lovingly created two quilts and a table runner. |
| We are thankful for those that share their creative talents for the works of the Lord. |
| Undie Sunday |
| Undie Sunday Donation Boxes will begin taking donations through November 10th. |
| Bell Friends |
| Bell Friends: Regular rehearsal times are Thursdays 12:30-2:00 PM. |
| Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 2 Colossians 3:14-15 |
| Love. Learn. Listen. |
