$10,000

$10,000!

Next Sunday our church will be discussing and vote on a motion to give $10,000 from our Pat Meikle Endowment Fund to the Presbyterian World Service and Development. There have been two major views on this discussion: 1. it is better to help those who are suffering terribly in many parts of the world; 2. it would be more prudent to keep the money in the endowment fund and raise money separately from our members and send whatever we collect—keeping the money will insure that the future needs of the church will be met from the fund.

(Presbyterian World Service and Development is a relief agency within the Presbyterian Church in Canada to carry out Christ's ministry among those who are suffering and in need. The link will show you how this agency of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on our behalf works in troubled regions of our world.)


This discussion is helpful for all of us because it makes us think about our reason for being as a Christian community. Should we put the good of the world ahead of financial security of our church? The debate is raging on. I have a full confidence that people will make a decision that is from God.

How do we discuss these kinds of important matters in a Christian community? How do we bring about decisions that will truly show that we are carrying out the ministry that was shown through Jesus Christ?

To make sure that our decision will reflect God’s loving action in the world, we have set for ourselves a guideline to discuss the proposal;

1. The money that is entrusted in our care belongs to God. It is not ours. We are given the privilege to make the decision because God trusts us as a steward to do God’s will.

2. The decision is to show forth God’s love for the world now and for a long time to come.

3. The discussion is accepted as our efforts to discern God’s will. It is not an attempt to get one’s view imposed on others. Therefore even in the midst of heated argument we remember that we are seeking God’s will.

4. All views are expressed to advance Christ’s love in the world. We are engaged in this discussion to do what is best for Christ and his Church, to which we belong. In all circumstances our decision will show our love for God and for our neighbours—in hearing about our decision others will say that indeed Christians made the decision in love for one another and for the world.

We pray that God will help us in this task. Remember that as Christians you are party to this discerning process. As God’s people we discern together. Even in our diversity we bring forth God’s love in and through the unity of decision.

Blessings to all!