Pandora’s box – actually a large jar or amphora since this story comes from the Greek mythology- used to hold all the imaginable evils which poured out onto the world once the jar was regrettably opened. Only hope stayed inside. In our church, the situation is exactly opposite. Our treasury is empty but we are equipped with hope. Our grant has expired. Last week, at our session meeting, the treasurer brought predictable yet alarming numbers. The church is able to pay its pastor in December. And in January. And that’s it.
This means possible hurdles for the future of our congregation and incidentally for the life of the pastor. Still we have good hope to overcome this circumstance.
In our Presbyterian denomination, churches are autonomous yet interdependent through regional and national bodies. Our church prepared a request for an emergency grant to the synod. This request should first be approved by the Presbytery. Last Tuesday, several elders, Irvin and I met with its council.
One important fact we wanted to share: our financial situation does not provide from a lack of generosity from our members. Most of them have fixed incomes yet they boldly contribute as much as they can. What is happening to us is not an isolated circumstance. The others 121 Native Presbyterian churches in the country struggle to exist and none can support a full-time pastor. The Presbytery heard us and is supporting our request. Neighboring churches, like First Pres where I did my internship, have been partnering with us for years and also want to be on board to help us.
If this request is granted, the financial help will be punctual and limited in time so we are also resolutely engaging on fundraising efforts. Last night, we invited our parishioners to join us for a Dinner and a Brainstorm aimed at finding creative ways to let our church be known and raise funds. Many ideas were brought up, some of them will be implemented straightaway in this favorable time of Advent and Christmas.
May you live interesting times – this sentence often attributed to China was mentioned by Robert Kennedy in 1966. We are trying.
Arghhhh. . . so sad it has to come to this. I will continue praying for your congregation. Please let me know if there are other ways we can help. You are all so special to us.
ReplyDeleteIf readers of this Blog have fundraising ideas for this small congregation, please let us know. We are challenged but not depressed because of it has been the God we all serve who has led this congregation through similar challenges before. A wise elder reminded us all of that fact on Wednesday night. Pastor Irvin Porter.
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