On the Road with Christ 

   In August of 1985 I packed my little car full of all my worldly possessions and headed East for Seminary. I had lived with my parents (and shared a room with my brother) growing up and through four years of college. Though we traveled occasionally on vacation, I had never been any further East than Arizona. So I was setting out, by myself, on roads unknown to me. 

   A room was ready for me on the campus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; a job lined up at the Sears in Chicago. I had my route mapped out, including some stops in Kansas to see the places where my Dad’s folks were raised. Yet I was, for the first time in my life, on my own, making my own decisions. Anticipation, excitement, pride, and not a little bit of fear washed over me as the car pulled away from the curb of the only home I’d ever known. 

   I hadn’t left the state when it occurred to me that I was not alone. I know that you expect me to say that I realized that God was with me. This was true, but not in the concept of God sitting next to me – in fact I agree with those who say “If God is your co-pilot it is time to switch seats!”.  No, it was more that a sense of purpose and adventure was with me on the road. History and a vision of the future were companions on the way. I knew where I was going, yet was open to some detours along the road, to see what the way might teach me. Indeed, that journey, and the three years of school which followed, were full of adventure, and confirmation that I was not alone on the road. I am blessed for taking that journey. 

   We as a church are on a journey. It is time for us to get out the map and see where we shall go. It is time to fill up the gas tank and perform all of the maintenance so that we can be out there in the world. In a few months we will embark on a new year of ministry. God is surely on the way – as we have already noted, Christ IS the way, and our constant companion on the journey. And we must all work together on this path. 

   In this edition of the Flame you will find a pledge card and a planned budget for our journey together in 2009. I ask you to look through the budget, pray, and then declare how you will be involved in our journey in ministry. Bring the card with you to church THIS SUNDAY, when we will place these cards on the altar and make our covenant for our walk with Christ. If you prefer, you may mail the card to the church, or drop it off in the church office. 

   These are difficult financial times. There is a great uncertainty about the stock market and the price of everyday commodities. I know that it is very difficult to plan. Yet we have a clear calling and a sense of purpose. I ask you to make your pledge based on faith, in your “best-case scenario.”  Adjustments can be made later in the year if required, but for now, I ask you to look forward in hope. 

Your friend along the way,

George