While things in the life of Northminster feel calm compared to Fall 2024, there has been lots of work that has continued into the new year. Just to make sure that you don’t miss the individual pieces, here is a quick snapshot of what is going on and what is coming up. Game Night: Feb 22 at 7 p.m. in the Lounge Our Outreach, Fellowship, and Education team has been in touch with folks at CCB to plan a joint game night. While we have hosted many game nights in the past, OF&E felt that a bit of levity was the perfect way to get to know members of the congregation we are sharing space with. Bring your favorite game and snacks to share! Nominations: Committee Restructuring This past Thursday, Session voted to approve our restructuring plan and set the first All-Committee Meeting to March 23rd after worship. This meeting is open to all to attend, and lunch will be provided. Nominations has been holding meetings after worship to explain this plan that you can find HERE. Now that the plan is approved, Nominations will be working to fill the 3 Committee Moderator Positions (formerly chairs) and 8 Committee Coordinator Positions. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Chris, Chris Kondak, Sue Fish, Ann Cole, Becky Pocisk, or Karen Joy. Annual Meeting of the Corporation and Congregation: February 23rd after worship, in person and online Our annual meeting will be held two Sundays from now. For those attending in person, lunch will be provided potluck style. We will hear reports about the 2024 year. At the end of the meeting, there will be time to hear feedback about the ongoing relationship with the Congregational Church of Birmingham and the Restructuring Plan. If you have not yet done so, please submit your Committee Annual Report to Suzanne by February 21. PCUSA Office of Public Witness I know that many of you are distressed about the changes going on at the national level. It can feel like we are powerless to do anything to affect real change by ourselves. That is why the PCUSA Office of Public Witness has put together a statement including ways that we can join together as people of faith and Presbyterians to make the changes that are needed in the world today. Click here to read that letter and access the resources listed therein: Blessings,
Pastor Chris If you feel overwhelmed by the news lately, you are not alone. The structures that support our society are being undermined and dismantled. Each day it seems like a new department in the government is being attacked. Tariffs and retaliatory tariffs are being threatened, imposed, and halted. Anxiety is increasing about the bird flu and plane crashes. Unelected people are accessing secure data and unqualified people are being confirmed by Congress. While some may accuse me of breaking out my tinfoil hat, I believe that this cacophony of news is meant to overwhelm and dis-empower us. If you are feeling discouraged and powerless to stop this avalanche, I believe that that is the point.
But, if that is the point, then what do we do? We do what we can and trust others to do the rest. Unlike what is shown in superhero movies, no one person can save the world by themselves. Saving the world is a group project that we work on together over years. Yes, the manager of the group project is currently undoing the work that we have carefully put together over decades. So, as we work to prevent the undoing of this great group project, you cannot hold the group together on your own. It is another misleading lie that keeps us dis-empowered: that we can do nothing if we can’t do it all. Instead of giving up hope, you must play your part and resist where you can. As the Body of Christ, we know that some people are meant to be the hands that reach out to those that are struggling. Others are meant to be the eyes and ears that witness while still others are the lips that are meant to tell the story. Some people are the feet that will walk us to new places and others are the spine to help hold us upright. We recognize that, as a church, we need everyone’s gifts and talents in order to have a vibrant ministry. In the same way, we honor the role that every person plays in society: from the humble service worker to the teachers, to the artists, to the lawyers, and the accountants. As we resist the dismantling of our society, its guardrails and safety nets, we all have a part to play. Lawyers are working on legal challenges while others are giving safe haven. Some are adding internal friction by not obeying what they are told to do, and others are organizing in their own communities. Some are speaking loudly in resistance, others are educating, and still others are comforting the distraught. Some will take on financial hardship to do what is right while others will donate to support those who are struggling. In all of this, there is a role for you to play. You do not have to do all of these things, but please consider what you can do. I know that my role is, in part, to encourage the discouraged, to empower those who feel dis-empowered, and to speak to morality and ethics. What is your role? What part are you going to play? What will you do to keep from despairing? As depressing as it may seem, I do not believe that we will be able to preserve all of the work that our society has accomplished; but I do believe that we can save some of it. Moreover, I believe that we can preserve our integrity and our resolve to create a better world for all people everywhere - but we will need everyone to play their parts to do so. Blessings, Pastor Chris |
AuthorPastor Chris Hallam earned her degree at Princeton Theological Seminary and moved to Michigan to become a pastor. Also trained as a studio artist and graphic designer, with an interest in pop culture and social science, her passion is thinking creatively about the future of the church. Archives
February 2025
Categories |