There are opportunities available to give flowers that are on the chancel in the sanctuary on Sundays. Flowers may be ordered in memory of someone, in celebration of a special event, to recognize someone special, or just because. The cost is $70 to reserve both bouquets. Call the office at 684-5215 to reserve sanctuary flowers or for more information.
A Word from Our Interim Pastor – The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
MLK Holiday. Inauguration Day: the Second Day After
My thoughts continue: Both parties from the White House have issued Executive Orders. I do not know if any received unanimous or even majority bipartisan affirmation. I still am posing the question, “What is happening in America?” On the MLK Holiday, the Inauguration, and the days following, Civil Rights took a big hit. Genders were defined only as male and female. The Justice Department has been tasked with investigating and enforcing particular Executive Orders. And don’t forget there was a seemingly authentic Hitlerian gesture by Elon Musk, a dismissal of the first female Admiral, a mass pardoning of criminals by our President, a convicted criminal himself, an apparent complete marginalization of “the other,” an Order for mass deportation of immigrants, and one ending constitutional birthright citizenship. I continue to pray that the Lord have mercy on the intended and unintended consequences of the November election, the inauguration, and the numerous Executive Orders. And Lord have mercy on me, us, and the American electorate! Lord have mercy on America!
Yes, 2025 is here and with a big entrance. There is nothing wrong with President Trump doing what he promised to do. Yes, he won the popular vote with 49.7% of the total votes cast. Now, the big question, can we examine any President’s Administration and see the fruit of the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 25? I am not an advocate of Christian Nationalism. I am an advocate of how the four major world religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all lift up facets of the aforementioned as demonstration of the common good, which I would hope any US Presidential Administration would work to accomplish through the Executive Branch, Congress, and the Judiciary.
For me, in this pursuit, I am particularly drawn to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The path that I am on with the Lord Jesus Christ is my journey of faith, and it is one for which I seek to be continually prepared. I want to make an impact for the common good, not just one or two demographic groups. That impact has spiritual and political implications. Yes, tough decisions have to be made, but with compassion, kindness, love, and justice. My journey of faith as an individual and the journey of faith I am on with you as a community are integrally entwined. We need each other.
I cannot forget that Jesus told his disciples to pick up their cross, give everything away to the poor, and make disciples of all peoples. What will doing the things above look like for you?
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
Aluminum Tab Collection for Ronald McDonald House
Thanks to all who have been saving aluminum tabs. We had one pound, five ounces to contribute to support of the Ronald McDonald House. Reminder: If your tab sticks to a magnet, the tab contains less aluminum. Tabs with the most aluminum do not stick to a magnet. Please continue to save and fill our container!
2025 Pledges
Have you turned in your 2025 Pledge Card yet? Join the 90 households that have turned in their pledge cards so far. Fill out your card and mail it or put it in the offering bag or plate or put it under Martin’s or Leah’s door. If you have misplaced your card, we have extras at the information carousel in the hall between the Great Room and the Sanctuary. Thank you for all you do to support and grow the ministries to which God calls us. Grace needs your help to make a difference in Wichita and the world.
Yellow Bag Sundays in January
Preparing for the Presbytery’s mission trip to Cuba later this year, our January Yellow Bag collection is medical items. Please make sure the bottles are sealed and the medications are in date. The need is great and our donations are much appreciated by the mission team and the people of Cuba who will benefit from our donations. NOTE: The team is not allowed to bring gummies or gel caps into Cuba, so please be sure your medicine donations are either capsules or pills.
Below are the items that are most needed:
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Low dose aspirin
Antidiarrhea medicine
Triple Antibiotic cream
Hydrocortisone cream
Migraine headache meds
Vitamins
Children’s vitamins
Darcy Eads visited Cuba in December and learned about a non-medicine need. There is a great need for colostomy bags of all sizes and stomas (including children’s sizes). Darcy informs us that the church in Placetas is serving 80 people in the community who have this need.