Pastor’s Corner “Stewardship, Government Shutdown, & Elections”

I still find myself smiling when I remember in the ingathering of our pledges two Sundays ago. I had decided to keep my head bowed in prayer as you came forward to place your pledges in the basket as “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). I could hear the sound of footsteps, however, and the sound didn’t stop. I finally raised my head and looked, and in seeing the flow of people offering their gifts I experienced what Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 9:12:

For the ministry of [your generous giving] is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Thank you for your faith-full generosity. And for those of you who have not yet given your pledge cards, there is still time! You may place them in the offering plates this Sunday, or mail them to the church office. The Vestry and the Finance Committee are finalizing the 2026 budget, and turning in your pledges soon will play an important role in our discernment.

As I write this, it is day 36 of the longest ever government shutdown. Many people in our extended communities are struggling with both fear and finances in these difficult days. If you are among those who are struggling, you do not need to struggle alone. Please communicate with me, and let’s discuss together how the Immanuel family can support you and/or those you care about. If any of you are aware of efforts to assist those in need, please bring those opportunities to my attention as well.

The Pour Over recently wrote a brief piece re-orienting our perspective as we wait for a resolution to this crisis. “Here’s the upside-down thing about waiting in the Bible: it isn’t focused on outcomes; it’s focused on character. Who will God’s people be in the waiting?” I encourage you to read the whole piece, which concludes with a helpful prayer.

Speaking of prayer, here is how I’ve been praying in these days following the election:

Our Father in heaven, I thank you for the gift of democracy, for the gift of living in a country where we elect our leaders. Please grant us the grace to lose with dignity and to win with compassion, remembering that each person on the ballots and each person who voted is created in your image. Intervene in the lives of those who have been elected, and by your Holy Spirit guide them into leadership that accomplishes justice, peace, and care for the common good. Heal us from our differences and unite us in your Spirit with a common purpose to pursue your shalom for our Commonwealth. Reorient our hearts toward our coming King Jesus and his kingdom, and enable us to set our hopes wholly on him. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

(adapted from A Liturgy for Election Day and Prayer after an Election.)

Your Pastor in Christ,