Sabbath as ResistanceOn Sunday, September 1, we began a worship series called Sabbath as Resistance. The focus for this series grew out of many conversations around the congregation that recognized a lack of balance - many people are feeling out of balance in their work, faith, with their family or their money. As Pastors Ben and Cindy searched for scripture to address this sense of imbalance, they continued to return to the idea of Sabbath.
In his book, Sabbath as Resistance: Saying NO to the Culture of Now, Walter Brueggemann asserts that the command for Sabbath rest is the most urgent and most difficult for modern Christians. We often think of Sabbath as a time where we do nothing, but the scriptures we are studying in this series point us toward something much deeper. The invitation of Sabbath is an invitation to break free from cycles of restlessness, endless productivity, decreased connectivity, and relentless consuming. The Good News of Sabbath is that at rest - we are all equal and we are all enough - regardless of our ability to produce or purchase. Practices of Sabbath should be renewing, should improve relationships, and should be freeing. It is impossible to maintain a healthy practice of Sabbath without community. We need each other to resist the strong demands of the status quo. This is work we are invited to together. Cultivating Sabbath practices can change our relationships to each other, to our stuff, to technology, to our wealth, and to God - many of the things the pastors keep hearing people say feel off balance in their lives. Our Sabbath practices include the choices we make around financial support for the overall mission and vision of Stone Church. Our generosity makes possible the ministry of this church here in Huntingdon and around the world. As we participate in this worship series, your Finance Team invites us to consider our opportunity to continue to provide financial support for the mission we share through Stone Church for the 2020 year. There are four ways for you to return your commitment form: 1. Include it with your Sunday morning offering on October 6th 2. Take your commitment to the church office by Friday, October 4th 3. Mail your commitment to the church 4. Submit online by clicking here or by going to the link http://www.huntingdonstonechurch.org/pledge.html With your help, we hope to have all commitment cards returned to Stone Church by Sunday, October 6th. Please take time to prayerfully consider your commitment, complete the form and return it as soon as possible. With all of our commitments in hand, the Finance Team (in consultation with the Leadership Team) will develop a 2020 budget for your review, comment and approval. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact a member of the Finance Team. Peacefully, simply, together. Stone Church Finance Team Jeff Closz Daisy Decker Bob McMinn, Chair John Wright, Treasurer |
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