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From the Pastor
Summer is a time for family reunions. For some of us, family reunions are fun and fulfilling. For others of us, they are uncomfortable or even painful. We all have some dysfunction in our families. We all have stories that we'd rather not tell. In the stories of Genesis, we discover God's chosen family-those first generations of Israel-had struggles, secrets, sibling rivalries, and even threats of murder. As we explore these rich and ancient stories, we see how God works through family dysfunction to bring about God's purposes for the world, and we find hope for God's presence and movement in our own families. From June through mid-August, we will spend time in Genesis looking at ancient families, God’s family, and our family.
In the United Church of Christ Constitution, the preamble declares, “The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior.” As followers of the Still Speaking God, we acknowledge the continuing testimony that God works through people, individually and those gathered in community. The church is that institution inspired and called by God to ministry in the name and way of Jesus. In the next few months we will also look at who we are in order to nurture who we could be through the framework of the Marks of Faithful and Vital Local Churches from the United Church of Christ Manual on Local Church. The official board has been looking at this Manual since the first of the year. “The Manual on Local Church” is also a resource for the whole United Church of Christ, imparting a vision of faithfulness and vitality by offering Marks of Faithful and Vital Local Churches that build upon the specific and continuing witness and ministry of the United Church of Christ.” (Introduction, Manual on Local Church)
As we look at family and explore the book of Genesis we will also explore these Marks.
- EXHIBITING a Spiritual Foundation and Ongoing Spiritual Practice
- ENGAGING Sacred Stories and Traditions
- SHAPING Church Community
- ORGANIZING Community with Intention
- BUILDING Leadership Skills within Local Churches
- CARING for the Wider Community
- WORKING Together for Justice and Mercy, and
- LIVING Into United Church of Christ Identity.
I look forward to the upcoming series on family and exploring the Marks listed above.
Peace and Love
Allen R. Kahler, Pastor