First UCC Richmond

A Note from Pastor Katie,

I never use the phrase “just a” anymore. About anyone. So many of us are looking for ways to make our voices matter and to know that we make a difference. I know this for certain: it doesn't take much to nurse resentment or regret. There are times when whatever we are doing seems not enough (no doubt a miasma of guilt or shame and the vagaries of public opinion). 

Over the years I have heard, “I’m just a volunteer (or just a member, or Christian Education Teacher, or aid, or worker, or helper, or teacher, or employee, or friend or mother or fill in the blank).” To each I say, No. You see, “just a” creates a label and tells us what we are not. And when we label, we dismiss. (Regardless of the label. Dorothy Day once scoffed, “Don’t call me a saint. I don’t want to be dismissed so easily.”)  Dorothy Day began all that she became in MI, in Cork Town, and her story is worth knowing. 

So, how then do we make a difference? Here’s the deal: Your work and labor is your turf of responsibility. Which is only part of our DNA. Because no matter where we labor or toil, our calling is to spill the light. And the good news? For this we don’t have to pass a test, or qualify, we have only to be willing. 

Jesus made it simple, "Let your light shine." Not, when you get your act together. Not, when you feel noble. Not, when you find a specific vocation. Not, after you've chased all the gloom away. Not, after you have the precise words to say. Just let it shine—kindness, generosity, inclusion and compassion. Because the light is already there. Inside of you. Now.  

Just so you know, was in a GRIND of late and everybody isn’t on email, so I repeat. Whenever the day comes when we can get back into our building it will be different. There will be no oral (out loud) praying, no hymnals, no Bibles, no Worship bulletin, no singing, and we will distance and mask. Sanitizers will be at the door and there will be a sign-in book you must use and your temperature will be taken. The service will be shorter and not followed by hospitality. Our Conference Minister, Phil Hart, is on the Governors Task Force and keeps pastors informed as to what changes will occur. In the meantime: keep safe, distance and mask. Continue to be the Church, keep the snail mails and land line calls going. We are the church and at present we can’t meet in the building. Missing everyone.  Peace. 

Peace,
Pastor KatieD

A Telling Story

A storm descends on a small town, and the downpour soon turns into a flood. As the waters rise, the local preacher kneels in prayer on the church porch surrounded by water. By and by, one of the townsfolk comes up the street in a canoe. 

"Better get in, Preacher. The waters are rising fast." 

"No," says the preacher. "I have faith in the Lord. He will save me." 

Still the waters rise. Now the preacher is up on the balcony, wringing his hands in supplication, when another guy zips up in a motorboat.

"Come on, Preacher. We need to get you out of here. The levee's gonna break any minute." 

Once again, the preacher is unmoved. "I shall remain. The Lord will see me through." 

After a while the levee breaks, and the flood rushes over the church until only the steeple remains above water. The preacher is up there, clinging to the cross, when a helicopter descends out of the clouds, and a state trooper calls down to him through a megaphone. 

"Grab the ladder, Preacher. This is your last chance." 

Once again, the preacher insists the Lord will deliver him. And, predictably, he drowns. 

A pious man, the preacher goes to heaven. After a while he gets an interview with God, and he asks the Almighty, "Lord, I had unwavering faith in you. Why didn't you deliver me from that flood?" 

God shakes his head. "What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter." 

Pastor Katie’s Office Hours and Pastoral Care

Pastor Katie will be in her office at the church on Wednesdays & Thursdays. If there are situations that arise in which you need pastoral care on a day that Pastor Katie is not in the office, please call 586-727-3155 and leave a message with Helen or on the answering machine. You can also give Pastor Katie a call:   Cell number: 586-202-8644 Home phone: 586-716-9543 

In the old days, hospitals and rehab/nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn’t happen anymore. Pastor Katie is always happy to receive your calls.