From the Pastor – February 2025

“For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” Isaiah 56:7

Sometimes the world seems like it is going
crazy.  We are sort of getting used to the fact that it is hard to discern facts from what is in the news.  But this past week, the church office was hacked.  This hack caused many of our church members to get texts and emails from a fraudulent person claiming to be “Pastor Jim Deters” who was “in a meeting”  and asking “for a favor” to go buy “ gift cards” for “ someone dying of cancer in the hospital.” If you ever get a text or email asking for money or gift cards, I hope you verify the identity and need of the request, no matter who is asking.  So far, no one from the church has fallen victim to this person that we know of.  I am thankful for that.

However, this scammer was very thorough.This person or computer started at 8 am in the A’s of our church membership and worked through to the Z’s by 1 pm.  I got calls all day long from people in the church who are smart, kind, caring, and willing to help people in need.  I got calls and emails all day long  from dedicated people that I have not spoken to in years!  SO, that is interesting.  It makes me think about the changing nature of church membership.  My takeaway from this is that our church is filled with good and smart people.  That makes this Pastor’s heart swell with joy and pride.

Isaiah says the church is called to be a “house of prayer for all people.”  This is a hard thing to do in the best of times.  But, as divisions in communities have broadened, it gets even more challenging.  As scammers hit up churches, people become callused and skeptical of all things including the church.  What do we do?  How do we build community when so many forces are intent on pulling us apart?  How do we build community, share our lives, and grow from the experience when others prey on our differences?

I think this is an open question.  I think that solving this question is one of the great challenges of our time.  It is human nature to seek those who are similar to ourselves.  There is a certain amount of comfort in camaraderie with people who do the same things, like the same things, and think the same things.  But, God creates with wondrous variety.  So, to see God in all of God’s wonder and awe it takes some work on our part.

A key community is the Cross of Christ.  That is what we all put our trust in as people of faith.  When we keep the cross at the center of who we are and what we do, no matter where we come from we are coming together.  The cross is what gives us our identity, purpose, and meaning.  The cross tells you that you are unique, loved, and that you belong.  SO, as the world turns, keep the cross at the center of your life.  We can all meet there.

Grace and peace,

James F. Deters