September 25, 2021
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
The steady rise of COVID-19 cases within our metropolitan and county (both are incorporated as a "region"), seems to be breaking down from its peak. Violence in our streets and neighborhoods has unfortunately risen throughout the region (all cities in Central Illinois are experiencing it). The hopelessness of many is rising as frustration mounts and fear and despair weave their ways into one's outlook on life. Like past pandemics, we experience the "no-end-in-sight" as it goes from "exotic" to "endemic." It has abated before, and with vaccinations and "natural" immunity (COVID-19 survivors) rising, we will one day see the worst days behind us.
Yet the nights may linger a little longer before the dawn returns. As October 2021 appears just over a week away, we once again examine the level of our commitment to the mission and work as disciples of Jesus Christ. The season of nominations and the annual congregational meeting will soon arrive, as we move forward in faith to what God is calling us to become in this time and place.
This weekend we continue our series A Good Life: Wisdom for Living. We encounter two short passages from the Book of Esther, an interesting book in the Old Testament that does not mention God at all. Though unmentioned, it is clear that someone is moving the story of near-annihilation (and humorous exaggerations) to celebration and remembrance of one who when it was time to do something, did it. I encourage you to read the entire book (it is only 10 short chapters long) to get ready to answer this question: What are you living for?
Although it is not clear who was the origin of the quote (and it certainly was not Mark Twain), there are two days that truly make a difference in your life: the day of your birth and the day you discover why you are here.
Worship This Weekend:
A Good Life: A Good Cause
It is from the Book of Esther that we get the phrase "for such a time as this." Mordecai, Esther's uncle, who raised her as his own daughter, when sharing the extermination edict of Haman in the name of King Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) expresses this faith that one will rise to save all who are threatened by it. Esther's status may not matter when it is discovered that she is also one to be killed on orders of the king. Only one willing to confront the king's order (and the treachery of Haman, his vizier) is needed to stop the legalized atrocity. Esther knew for sure that her life meant something, that she had a cause to live for, that when she was gone, people would know what she cared about. How many of us long for our lives to mean something, for us to have a good cause to stand for?
Board Update
The board of Prairie Avenue recently met to discuss and decide issues facing us for the remainder of 2021 and strategic planning for 2022. Our worship attendance is about 75% of its former, pre-COVID averages. Contributions are nearly flat. Expenses have risen, and there is a structural deficit in operations. Gratefully, our trustees have been kept aware of our situation and have provided financial assistance from our endowment accounts to cover the annual deficit. We await final estimates for the necessary electrical service upgrades to modernize our 1993 elevator.
The 2022 annual budget will be balanced by anticipated endowment income transfer. Our largest expenses are personnel and facilities, with a legally required pay raise through Illinois' minimum wage hike for janitorial staff (Minister's compensation will remain unchanged at its 2018 level).
I know these realities are difficult, but I suspect they are not a surprise. Are they challenges? Yes. Does it require serious conversation and discussion? Absolutely! The days of the general fund sustaining all operations and ministry were already numbered and have accelerated amid a pandemic.
The board and I are committed to continuing a path of discernment to seek and develop partnerships to reduce our facility expenses by sharing the building as a crisis nursery center or as a community solar workforce center. Work continues in both proposals at this time.
Our lives have changed as a result of this disruptive time and life experience. Many of our congregation have entered into a different season in life, where their abilities are more limited and their health has declined. We will experience more painful goodbyes. Some farewells will be announced; others never disclosed. One truth has been revealed: obligatory or habitual behavior can easily be disrupted, never to return. We must accept this reality that those only connected by an hour of time and few relationships are not enough to remain or return.
I am less convinced that we have an "unchurched" population to reach than a "walking wounded" hurt by the actions and behaviors of those encountered in a previous church experience or setting. I need to be willing to listen, even more, willing to accept and apologize for the pain and hurt experienced by others. It may be good to be reminded that Jesus' first crowds were people kicked out (or not even allowed) of their religious centers and groups.
I grieve for what (and who) has been lost. I sorrow at the farewells that are to come. But as a believer of one who comes forth from a tomb, when all despair filled the closest followers, I must hold to hope. We should not grieve as though we have no hope. We are challenged, but not hopeless. As long as we feel called and committed to our mission to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior and endeavor to seek God's will and purpose, we cannot fail or fall. God is calling us to the mission, and it may look like nothing we have done before. But it does not mean we cannot do it. We must listen, and pray, and respond to the nudges of the Spirit.
Invite friends to join you for worship
this weekend, in person, online
In-person on Sunday mornings at 8 am (Traditional) or 9:30 am (Modern) Masks are encouraged regardless of vaccination status if social distancing cannot be kept.
See you this weekend online or in person,
Blessings to you all,
