January 2, 2009

Dear members of First Presbyterian Church,

2008 was a wonderful year of celebration as we acknowledged 150 years of ministry and mission “on the corner of church and Main.” It is rare that pastors and parishioners get an opportunity to be part of such a wonderful occasion, and I hope you feel blessed to have experienced it together.

So as we begin a new year and, in this church, a new sesquicentennial (and yep, I had to look that up), it's a logical question to ask: What next? Where to go? Something has changed, and our church now has an opportunity to respond. One of the things that has changed for our church is that, like many churches, we are suffering the ill effects of an economy in recession, and a significant shortfall to this year's budget from the previous year.

Don't worry – this letter is NOT an appeal for more money. Times are tough for everyone and I am truly thankful for all who gave whatever they could to the church. There will be a time for us to consider once again what our financial commitment to the church is, but that time is not now.

Now is the time for each of us to ask ourselves two things: What does First Presbyterian Church mean to me? The next question follows suit: What is my calling as part of the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian? I think it's important to realize that the first question leads directly to the second; and that as members of this church we each have a calling to be actively involved, whether we realize it or not. It's just that sometimes we in the “institutional church” allow the money side of the equation to take care of the ministry and mission for us. So – we hire staff to carry out programs. We allocate funds for benevolent causes. We pay people to keep the facility looking nice and clean, and to fix anything that's broken.

The thing is, in 2009 some of this will not be possible. In many cases the cuts that had to be made will significantly affect how we've done things in the past. There will be Wednesday night Bible studies without catered meals; local outreach organizations who won't receive the dollars they've come to expect from us. There will be broken things in our church building that won't get fixed and Sunday school classes who won't have all the curriculum they need.

If it sounds like I'm being pessimistic, the truth is that I'm not. In fact, I believe this could very well be a blessings of sorts; a rare opportunity for another kind of celebration in 2009. Because we won't be able to “do church” like we've grown accustomed to for 150 years, we have an opportunity to be a different kind of church – one that does not determine what it can and can't be by how much money it has, but by the people it has. One that thinks outside the box for new and innovative ways of living out the gospel and depending on every single person to be involved.

More than ever before, this different kind of church will directly involve every member of this church. So let me submit to you a few ways you can be part of this new and exciting way First Presbyterian will serve God in 2009:

• Worship regularly– there is no greater act of people of faith than gathering together every Sunday morning. We are a stronger community when we worship together. Make a promise to yourself and your family to worship more Sundays than you miss.
  
• Pledge to give your time to at least one Missions outlet this year– this can be with Friends Feeding Friends, collecting food for Yokefellow, 2 cents a meal, a mission trip or excursion, or others that we'll be starting this year. History has shown that thriving churches are ones where members are focused “externally” - not just with money, but with their hands-on efforts. CJ Karcanes and Libby Pell will be heading our Mission Ministry Team this year – speak with them about helping share God's love outside our church walls.
  
• Pledge to be involved in the work of one ministry team– I've included a list of the 2009 sessional Ministry teams and their moderators with this letter. Look over it and see where God is calling you to serve, and then speak with that moderator about getting involved.
  
• Pledge to participate in two educational opportunities in the coming year– there is never a point when any of us have “learned all we need to learn” about the Bible and how to live faithfully in our world. Never. Make a promise to yourself and to God to be more involved in Sunday school, one of our Bible studies, or some other ways to nurture yourself in the faith. Feel free to speak with Shasta or the CE team about ideas you have as well.
  
• Look for ways you can make a difference in your church – our tendency in the “institutional church” is to blame someone else when something doesn't get done. We must remember that this church is our church; and it's our responsibility to pitch in. This is what makes us different from a country club or some other organization. If you're disappointed that your Sunday school class doesn't have a teacher, volunteer to teach. If you don't think our facility always looks up to par, make sure to come to our fall and spring clean-up days.
  
• Pledge to God your talents and, when the time comes, your money– Despite what the mass consumerism of our culture tells us, I truly believe that the lives of people are enriched to no end when they learn to give away. This is especially true for followers of Christ. Our 2009 Discipleship season will challenge us to give our time and talents to the church, as well as our financial pledge for the following year. Make it a point to give of yourself in new, exciting and perhaps unsettling ways.

Undoubtedly it will take all of us to become this “different” church. It is not just the job of the pastor, the staff, or the session. It will take all of us. It will take the newer members with their enthusiasm, and it will take the long-time members with their experience and wisdom. Our youth will play a key role in this process, as will our adults. Everyone has a role to play.

For almost six years I've believed very strongly in what God is doing in this church, and I know many of you do as well. So let's work together to “do more with less” in 2009 and not only be the same great church we've been for 150 years, but – with God's help – be an even better one!

In Christ,

Steve Lindsley