October 13, 2022

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

I have a slackline set up in our back yard (see photo right). Slacklining is a sport and an art that can be used for balance training, recreation, or even a moving meditation. It’s similar to tightrope walking, and is accomplished by stretching a 1 to 2-inch wide length of nylon/polyester webbing between two anchor points, most often trees. The second picture features a handsome young man named Izzy. He’s my niece Katie’s boyfriend and a slackline pro. My brother Blake snapped that photo before Izzy and Katie went to a wedding in Vermont this summer.

 

I’m learning to balance on my slackline with the goal of walking the length of it one day, maybe even while wearing a tux. It’s a fun challenge. I’ve had it about two months and I can stand on one foot for about ten seconds. It’s good to try something you can’t already do and give it the care and effort needed to develop a new ability. I’ve welcomed the challenge of doing something new from ground up.

 

Giving of most any sort requires some amount of learning, if not training. We have to learn how to give financially and how to give of our time. It’s not something we are born already programmed to do. Likewise, extending forgiveness or growing in patience both require teaching and practice. Those who want to follow Jesus seriously as disciples commit to a lifetime of learning.

 

This Sunday is our first of two giving Sundays: Consecration Sunday on October 16th and Church Has Left the Building Sunday on October 30th. Since September Rev. Wes Allen and I have explored with you the biblical basis for the practice of giving. One thing I’ve discovered from slacklining is that I’ve had to do a lot of standing up on the line and falling off—up, down, hundreds of times. Yet, I’m starting to get it.

 

Giving, as we’ve discovered from God’s Word and with our group study on the book Wonder Drug, directs us to the fullness of life the Lord designed us to live. I hope you share my excitement for these coming giving Sundays. I ask you to prepare for them with me.

 

We’re having a Prayer Vigil this Saturday, October 15th from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can follow the link to sign up for a 30-minute time slot to pray. Our Prayer Team has a prayer guide for your use. In prayer, we offer to the Spirit of God our hearts, our minds, our wills and all God has entrusted to us. When God has us completely, there’s no concern about our finances here at church. Here’s the link for information and to signup: OUR PRAYER PAGE

 

Bring your Estimate of Giving card with you to worship this Sunday. You can complete it at home or during the time of dedication in worship. Before you complete your card, consider some things that I’ve stressed on recent Sundays. Give from a position of gratitude for all that God has done for you and those you love. Give with the faces of those who will be impacted by your gifts. Give asking with intention, what is God calling me to give? If you won’t be here Sunday, please mail or submit your estimate securely online.

 

Do plan to come to our Tailgate Celebration after worship! If you’re going to watch via live stream you can join the party. You’re welcome to drop off your Estimate of Giving card to Earl Gage or Norman Vandergrift. If you’re able to come in person, bring a side dish as you are able and wear warm clothes.

 

You can still find a place to serve on Church Has Left the Building Sunday. We first will offer a brief worship service in Miller Commons. Afterwards, we’ll be dismissed with a blessing to go and be a blessing to others. Come dressed to serve. Here’s a link to our Events page for Church Has Left the Building. Learn about all the opportunities to serve and sign up. https://www.fpcmoorestown.org/ministries/missions/the-church-has-left-the-building/. If it’s easier, stop by the Live to Give table in the Commons Lobby where our Deacons can answer any question and help you register.

 

I’m setting up my slackline this Sunday during our tailgate party. You can see the progress I’m making. I’ll also help you give it a try. There’s no one else I’d rather learn with than you — learning generosity and not just slacklining.

 

Gratefully yours in Christ,
Stuart Spencer, Pastor