Monday's thoughts

"Joe the Plumber's Pledge"
We are in this time of year when we are looking at our support for the church's program and future. We have had the Bishop preach in our sanctuary and we have had our celebration lunch and we filled the Hilton assembly room with over 500 people.

A large number of those who attended made a financial commitment to the church and some who attended have made a pledge to the church for the next three years. I don' t have the figures or totals so I cannot include that in this venue.

I wanted to spend a little time thinking through with you the nature of the way we extend ourselves and the consequence to that help.

John McCain was the Presidential candidate who mentioned "Joe the Plumber". He wanted to make concrete the ramifications of his opponent on Joe's life should Obama be elected and his tax plan be put into use.

I want to have us consider the consequence to all of us whose life seems to have such little impact and I want to have us look for the ways our little actions create big results and our pledges, which may seem a small matter will turn the course of history in ways we might never imagine.

I want to help us look at the financial situation in the world and I want us to take charge of our future; not become victimized by it.

On Sunday we turn the clocks back. For one night time stands still and we are given an extra hour. What we do with the time we have now is important and that extra hour lines up as an additional blessing. It couldn't have come at a better time.

How much do we give to the church in a time that seems uncertain? What should Joe the Plumber pledge? What should any of us pledge?

The church expects no more than the best we can do, and no less than the most we can give. Christianity is a faith that was born on Easter. United Methodism is a denomination that is unafraid of the future.

We pledge with a sense of hope for the future and a quiet confidence that there is much good in our world.

What do you think Joe the plumber ought to pledge? Why do you think he should pledge it?

If you have thoughts on this matter write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net

If you would be willing to have others read your response click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster