2001 Congregation President's Report
Greetings to all in the Friedens family. As I start this report a few of Abraham Lincoln's remarks come to mind. From his last public address in Washington D.C. Aril 11 1865: "In the midst of this, He from whom all blessings flow, must not be forgotten." Reprinted from Lincoln. His words and works; "Take all of the Bible upon reason that you can, and the balance of faith." Remarks from tariff discussion; House of Rep. Dec. 1 1847. "Nothing can be enjoyed by us without first having cost labor."
This last quote can be applied to our personal lives, in as much as we cannot enjoy salvation if we first do not accept God's Commandments and work diligently to become His disciple and disciple makers We need to aim for a lifestyle of deepening commitment to Christ and to every one in the community. We need to provide a setting where every believer can be involved in loving and learning relationships and accepting the accountability inherent in this. We need to encourage every member to find fulfillment by serving in a ministry using his or her spiritual gifts. We need to provide the instruction and training to realize their gift for ministry.
We are entering a new and exciting area of the life of Friedens, with the start of this New Year. We begin to fulfill the new Mission Statement. This should indeed excite all who believe in following God's plan for their lives. In addition the council is exploring the possibility of full- time clerical staff. This year's budget will reflect and increase to cover that cost. This is proposed to free up the Pastoral staff to seek out, welcome, build, equip, train, lay leaders. I am confident the increase in our budget can be accomplished if we place our trust in what the Lord has done for us.
God has moved my heart and excited me about another first for Friedens, that being our Adult Outreach Service Project to Kentucky this year. I do ask on behalf of the Mission team for everyone's collateral support through planning, participation, fund raising, and prayers. There are many tasks to be completed before the Mission trip can become a reality. Col 4:5 "Make the most of every opportunity, be wise in the way you act toward outsiders."
God has pointed out to all of us that He does not consider anyone to old to learn. We all need to make a commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ by using the spiritual gifts given us. We cannot and should not be intimated by godlessness. We should not make the church a spiritual bomb shelter. We need to make a commitment to serve at all times and in all places. Let us not point fingers at what is wrong, let us instead use our spiritual gifts to change the wrong. We need all people, regardless of age to do this. We need to be inter-generational. We have all heard the remarks, "I have done that for so many years, now it's someone else's turn." I don't think God looks at spiritual gifts in that way, do you?
Although we are always thankful for new believers who have many times been willing volunteers. We need to prayerfully consider and examine our own hearts to see where God may be leading us. Older persons have much to offer in terms of knowledge and experience. There are many tasks that do not require the physical endurance of a younger person; even on some work details of an older leader, more experienced leader would be helpful and welcome.
Titus 2: 1-8 deals with a variety of ages in the church and outlines what each age group is expected to pass on to the next. Psalms 92:14 "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."
What I'm trying to get across here is the fact that everyone from our Deacons and Elders down through every last member, has a duty to God and the rest of the church family, to use their gifts for His work here on earth. I read the following somewhere in some old UCC literature; "Fortunate is the Pastor who knows that in his council he has with him men whose hearts God has touched, his strength will be multiplied in their hearts.
On a very personal note, I am thankful for God's saving grace and the help of His Holy Spirit. Throughout this year I have come to a more personal understanding of His Word. More and more I find peace and solace in the Word, especially the Psalms. Psalms 73:24 says, "You guide me with your council and afterward you will take me into Your glory."
In closing, in the past year I have heard many positive comments and some negative comments. I will not try to address any in this letter. In closing, I would ask that all in this church family put aside all of our petty, earthly differences, and join their hands in prayer to complete the circle of Almighty God's love. Psalm 30:2 "0 Lord my God I called to You for help and You healed me" "Use me Lord and let me serve You in every way I can."
Congregation President
Ray Schwinn
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