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Greetings First Congregational Church of Spencerport! I hope that this email finds you in good health and in good spirits. I came across a passage in the Bible that I wanted to share with you. John wrote a short letter to a man by the name of Gaius, who is believed to have been a first century church leader. John began his letter by saying, Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. (Third John 3:2)
As most of you know by now, we will be canceling some of our worship services and Wednesday evening Lenten programs due to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus). It is believed that the Coronavirus began in China and then has spread, rapidly, to other parts of the globe in a short period of time. This incident has shown me two things as a 35-year-old male: First, it has shown me that our world is a lot smaller than what we think. Although some of us are hundreds of miles apart (and, on different continents); we all share the same air, the same sun, the same moon, and the same stars. The same sun that brings energy, light, and life to us in the United States of America (and, Canada for our Canadian members), brings energy, light, and life to those on the other continents as well. Second, this incident has reinforced my strong belief that we are all inter-connected. When something affects one of us, it affects all of us in some shape or form. We are all God’s creation; and, we are all children of the Earth. Therefore, it is urgent that we protect ourselves and others—at all cost. This goes beyond washing your hands, frequently; staying home if you are sick; and, refusing to be in close proximity to others during this pandemic. This goes beyond COVID-19. It has to do with wishing others well, sincerely. It has to do with deeply caring for the well-being of others, sincerely. And, it has to do with reaching out and touching others (metaphorically speaking) in the same way Christ did. It has to do with seeing and hearing God in the eyes, the hands, the feet, and the voice of others—and, treating them as such (e.g., with love, compassion, forgiveness, charity, patience, etc.). It has to do with actually wishing, hoping, and praying that they prosper and be in good health—just as John did with his friend Gaius. Furthermore, this is my prayer, my hope, and wish for each and every one of you…that you would prosper and be in good health as you trod the stony path of aging. Blessings upon each and everyone of you; and, thank you for allowing me to be of service in this sacred and precious capacity as your minister. Pastor Michael L. Sloan
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FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday every year and marks forty days leading up to Easter—the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus. Lent is usually a time when we fast, pray, reflect, and exercise discipline. Lent is also usually a time when we give up something for the forty days leading up to Easter. Some people may give up chocolate; some people may give up meat; others may give up television; and, still there are some who may go even further and decide to give up some bad habit for the forty days leading up to Easter. What have you decided to give up during the Lenten season? I think it is a good idea to give up certain things during the Lenten season; however, I think it is even better to take the discipline even further after Lent. If giving up something (i.e., sweets, alcohol, meat, smoking, etc.) will make your life better, why not continue the discipline even after Lent? In the first century, when Jesus was in Capernaum, he spoke to his disciples and said, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And, if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell…” (Mark 9:43-48). Now, let me say this, the passage that I quoted from above is full of metaphorical language; so, please make sure that you don’t cut off any limbs. However, what Jesus is saying is that sometimes things have to be removed from our lives in order for us to walk (live) into the fullness of God’s peace, love, and joy. Whenever we are making major changes, it is always hard in the beginning; but there is an abundance of benefits in the end. Therefore, let me ask you again: What have you decided to give up during the Lenten season? And, let me encourage you to move beyond just giving something (i.e., some bad habit) up for Lent; and, give it up for a lifetime—if it will make your life better. Finally, as you contemplate what changes you need to make in your life for Lent and beyond, remember that ancient proverb in the Hebrew Bible that says, “For a just person falls seven times, and rises up again.” In the words of the late singer Aaliyah, “If at first you don’t succeed; dust yourself off and try again.” In Christ Our Lord, Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
“Lost time is never found again.” ~ Benjamin Franklin Wow! Can you believe that February (2020) marks a full year that I have been in Spencerport serving as your minister? The last twelve months surely have gone by fast. It seems like it was just yesterday that Michelle and I were unpacking boxes, hanging our clothes up in the closet (in the parsonage), rearranging furniture, and hanging up pictures on the wall of our new home at 55 Church Street. Michelle has already completed her first semester of college at Genesee Community College; and, I have finished all of my doctoral work at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. As I reflect on how fast time has gone, it has caused me to think about how important it is for us to use our time, wisely. Furthermore, seeing that it seems as if time waits for no one, let us make good use of our time. Let us use our time to create precious memories with our children and grandchildren; let us use our time to forgive those persons whom have offended us; let us use our time to serve the less fortunate; let us use our time doing what we love the most; and, most importantly, let us use our time to serve God—because before you know it, another twelve months will have flown by. The ancient writer of the epistle that bares James’ name said, What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. I made up in my mind over ten years ago (after the unexpected death of my 26-year-old best friend, Tony Ruffin), that I would only spend my time doing what I love—traveling, spending time with my family, reading, writing, and serving God’s people in parish ministry. What is it that you love most? Is it reading? Is it traveling? Is it spending time with your family? Is it volunteering? Is it baking (cooking)? Whatever it is, make sure you spend as much of your time as you can doing it—because in the words of Benjamin Franklin Lost time can never be found again (paraphrased). In Christ Our Lord, Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
“So, take a deep breath, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, [and] start all over again.” ~Frank Sinatra I remember when I was in undergraduate school working on my Bachelor of Business Administration, I always looked forward to a new semester (which began in the fall—September; and in the winter—January). A new semester brought with it a clean slate and the ability to start over and to set new academic and personal goals; and, that’s exactly what I did every new semester. I set new goals and aimed to achieve them. As we enter into January 2020, I want you to think about your journey as a college student would think about a new semester. I want to encourage you to think about this being a chance for you to start over and to set new personal, spiritual, financial, and health goals. This is a great time to set out on a new path. This is also a great time to make new commitments and to start on a new journey. Let me remind you of what Karon Waddell’s said: “You are never too old to start over. Every day is a chance to make changes to create the life we want.” Don’t think about all the reasons why you can’t start over; but, think about all the reasons why you can and should. Think about the end result; and, thank God (literally) that He is with you every step of the way—leading you, guiding you, and pushing you along by the invisible winds of life. I leave you with these words by Guy Finley, “Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over.” So, in the words of Nike Just Do It. May the hope, peace, love, and joy of Christ live in your hearts as you begin your new journey in the year 2020. Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
In her book entitled If Life is a Game, These are the Rules Dr Cherie Carter-Scott said, “To be grateful means you are thankful for and appreciative of what you have and where you are on your path right now. Gratitude fills your heart with joyful feelings of being blessed with many gifts and allows you to fully appreciate everything that arises on your path.” With the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year) quickly approaching us, some will be filled with mixed emotions. Some will be filled with sadness that the years have flown by and swept their loved-ones away into eternity. Some will be filled with excitement that they get to spend time with their families and catch-up with relatives whom they haven’t seen all year long. And, still there are others who will be filled with a little bit of both of these emotions, sadness and excitement. Furthermore, let me encourage you with the words of Saint Paul: When he was writing to the church in Philippi, he said to them “…I have learned to be content with whatever I have…I have learned the secret of living in every situation…” (4:12). I sincerely believe that the secret that Saint Paul learned was the power of gratitude. Gratitude is something that is felt deep within the heart. It is being grateful and thankful for what we have and where we are on our journeys. About two years ago, I began keeping a gratitude journal. It helped me to change my focus from the things that I don’t have to the things that I do have. It also helped me to begin to count my blessings, one-by-one. Every day I take time out to praise and thank God for all that He has done for Michelle and me. You would be amazed at even the little things that I thank God for: like food to eat, a warm bed to sleep in at night, a nice home, a wonderful church family, good health, a reliable car to drive, etc. These things may seem menial on the surface; however, think about what it would be like if you had to live without them. There are countless persons all over America praying for these very things—things that we sometimes take for granted. Therefore, let me encourage you to practice gratitude during this holiday season (possibly even begin to keep a gratitude journal). Begin to focus on how far God has brought you in your life. Begin to focus on the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you and your family. And, after you have focused on these things long enough begin to give thanks to God for them. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite hymns for this holiday season: When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. May the hope, love, peace, and joy of God live in your hearts during this holiday season, as you count your blessings one-by-one. Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
When I was a junior in high school, I’ll never forget, I was at my locker getting my books for my next class; and, my best friend, Tony Ruffin, walked up to me and said, “Mike? Would you be interested in visiting my church on Sunday morning?” I responded (with no hesitation), “Sure! I’d love to visit your church on Sunday morning.” And, sure enough, I kept my promise and I visited his church on the following Sunday morning. That one visit to his church transformed the trajectory of my life and my personal walk with Christ. Several years later, I became a deacon in this same church; and, five or six years after that I became an associate minister; and, then I went on to enroll in seminary at Lincoln Christian University to earn a Master of Divinity. And, as they say, the rest is history; I became a pastor and avid Bible reader and a Bible scholar. However, it all started with an invitation from a friend who I saw everyday at school; from a friend with whom I ate (the not so tasty) school lunch with, regularly, in the cafeteria; and, from a friend whose house I spent the night at almost every weekend. Research has shown, that people are more likely to visit a church if they are invited by a close-friend or family member than by any other method. We are quickly approaching Stewardship Sunday. Stewardship is simply the proper management of the resources that God has blessed each and every one of us with. It is imperative that we all become good stewards of our time; our money; our gifts and talents; and, the church that God has blessed us with. I want to encourage all of you to become good stewards of God’s church. There are three ways in which you can become a good steward. Firstly, you can become a good steward by pledging a financial gift to the church weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even quarterly. The financial gifts that are given to the church are used to support our local ministry; to support ministries in the Greater Rochester-Area; and, to support our denomination (the United Church of Christ). Secondly, you can become a good steward by volunteering. There are countless ways you can serve in the church; and, there are countless boards that are looking for new innovative talent (i.e., the Board of Christian Education, the Board of Christian Action, the Board of Finance, the Board of Buildings and Grounds, the Board of Religious Service, and so many others). If you are interested, just call the church office and we will be able to direct you to the right board. Finally, you can become a good steward by inviting your friends and family members to our services on Sunday mornings. This last area is one that I am going to commit myself to doing in the upcoming year and beyond. I am going to commit myself to becoming a better steward by inviting people who I meet out in the community and in the Greater Rochester-Area to our church, just like my friend Tony Ruffin did for me. You never know; inviting someone out to church on Sunday morning could possibly transform the trajectory of their life and their personal relationship with Christ. So—if you have been wrestling with trying to find out what you can do for your church, you can start by simply extending an invitation to your friends and family. In conclusion, keep in mind what Jesus said to Peter and Andrew as they were standing in their boats, fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus said to them, “Come follow me; and, I will make you fishers of men!” Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
This is my seventh newsletter to this wonderful congregation. Can you believe that it has been seven months since I arrived as your new minister? Time surely does fly. As I was sitting in the study, in the parsonage, I began thinking about what to write to you in this newsletter; and, I immediately thought about the sermon that I preached on the Sunday before Labor Day, entitled, “Should We Still Honor the Sabbath?” Every Sunday morning, when we gather, we take time out to pause. We do this because life can get so busy with a laundry list of things that we have to do; and, I think it is imperative for us to pause every once and awhile to take a sabbath (i.e., a breather, a break, to rest, etc.). We have to take time out to unplug and think and reflect about what we are actually doing and, why we are doing it. If we don’t, we will get frustrated, overwhelmed, and burned out. So—let me encourage you to take a daily, weekly, monthly, and an annual sabbath. A time to just rest; to rest from the day-to-day grind; to rest from perpetually thinking about all the things that you have to do; and, to rest from trying to help everyone around you when they are in a bind. Study after study has shown that people who take a break and rest from their work get more accomplished than those who don’t; that being said, make sure you take time to rest; to exercise; to laugh with friends and family; to sleep-in late; and to do the things that bring you the most joy. I leave you with some words from the Book of Genesis: “So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:1-3) May the peace and love of God fill your hearts. Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
As I was sitting in the pastor’s study reflecting on what to write for this newsletter, immediately, the word prayer popped into my mind. So, let me encourage you to do just that, pray. It is imperative for us as Christians to patiently persist in prayer. I can remember being a kid and having sleepovers at my grandmother’s house. Every night before bed, she would have me kneel down at the bedside to pray. Because I was so young and I didn’t know what to prayer for, she would sit down on the edge of the bed (as I was kneeling) and she would recite the Lord’s Prayer - I would simply repeat after her. It was those seeds of prayer that my grandmother planted inside of me that have sustained me and cultivated my spiritual journey throughout the years. As many of you know, I am a night owl. I stay up sometimes until around 2 a.m. If you were to ever ride past the parsonage during the hours of 11 p.m. to 12 midnight, you would probably find me outside looking up at the stars on a clear night, praying; praying for the church, praying for the community, praying for my life, praying for my daughter (as she enters her first semester of college), praying for our world, and praying for direction/guidance. This is not a new practice that I just started. I have practiced the art of praying for years. And, let me tell you this, it has been prayer that has sustained me and kept me through the years. Finally, remember that prayer is not just you speaking to God. Prayer has just as much to do with listening as it does speaking. Remember to take time out to practice what some call listening prayer. When you are in bed at night, listen. When you are riding down the street in your car, listen. When the winds of life begin to blow, listen. And, when you kneel down at your bedside at night, don’t forget to listen. Listen to the still small voice; listen to the music that plays in your own heart; and, listen to the voices of those around you (sometimes God answers our prayers through the unsolicited advice of others). Finally, I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul: The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
“Failure cannot cope with persistence.” ~Napoleon Hill As I was reflecting on this month’s newsletter and what I wanted to write in it, I immediately thought about a sermon that I preached on the second Sunday in July, “When We Refuse to Quit!” I think this is a theme and a topic that is worthy of deep reflection. Remember this one thing, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Life takes work; family relationships take work; marriage takes work; advancing in a particular career takes work; and, reaching a particular goal that you have in mind takes work. Now go back and reread the preceding sentence and replace the word “work” with the word “persistence.” Persistence is the key to accomplishing any goal, agenda, and or reaching a particular destination. Whatever it is that you are working towards it will take persistence. Why? Because nothing worth having comes easy. Therefore, let me encourage you to persist. Persist in your relationship with your children; persist in your marriage; persist in your spiritual life; persist in your health goals; persist in prayer; and, after you have persisted, persist some more. Persistence will give you the ability to conquer what appears to be unconquerable. Finally, it is my prayer that God will give you the strength, the ability, and the mindset to persist! May the peace and love of God live in your hearts, Pastor Michael L. Sloan FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK:
“The more one tries to restrict it, the more power one gives it; for [doubt] is suspicious of nothing so much as attempt to quell it. It may lie low for a little time, but will come back all the fiercer [like a fiery blaze] for having been suppressed.” ~Daniel Taylor “The worst kind of doubt is unexpressed doubt.” ~ David Kinnaman This is my fourth newsletter to this great congregation—The First Congregational Church of Spencerport. I have been thinking a lot lately about a sermon that I preached on the last Sunday in April. If you recall, I preached a sermon entitled, “When Faith and Doubt Clash.” It was a sermon that was near and dear to my heart. Let me take this time to tell about when I experienced a great crisis in my faith—It was when I enrolled in seminary at Lincoln Christian University. I had grown up in a theologically conservative environment. So, when I got to seminary, I was surrounded by a lot of different theological views. When I was in seminary, for class I had to read Ancient Near Eastern religious documents that were parallel to some of the Scriptures that we have in our Bible. I also began reading and interpreting the Bible in its original languages. I have to admit all of this was a bit overwhelming for me. As a result, I began straddling the fence. It was an extremely challenging time. However, as the years went by, I continued to pray, study, explore (my spirituality), and even discuss my concerns with other pastors, scholars, and seminarians. It wasn’t until later on that I discovered, when I thought my faith was crumbling, it was actually being made stronger. When I thought my faith was crumbling, it was actually all coming together. Additionally, I continued to see the fingerprints of God all over my life; and, He continued to be a powerful presence leading me along difficult paths. And, let me tell you, I have experienced some serious challenges in my life (some that I am not even brave enough to put on paper, yet); and, I can honestly say that if it had not been for that Supreme Being moving in the background (almost like invisible guide), I would have been lost. Let me encourage those of you who continue to wrestle with doubt: keep praying, keep expressing your doubts (in written and oral form) to those you trust, and, keep looking for the fingerprints of that Supreme Being in your life. I guarantee you, if you look for those fingerprints, you will find them. Amen! Pastor Michael L. Sloan |
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