Rev. Carl Pelzer

Pastor's Message

Reading the newspaper each morning can be extremely frustrating for the average American.  Each day, page after page is filled with accounts of the problems that confront our city, our nation and the world.  There are daily reports of political hijinks, economic collapse and armed struggles around the globe.  Then we see the stories that touch our hearts...stories of the jobless and homeless...stories of those struggling against prejudice, ignorance, injustice and intolerance.  Part of our frustration comes from seeing the same or similar stories time and time again.  They seem to be variations of a common theme...and we sense that no one seems to be learning from the experience...and suffering..of others.

We´re also frustrated by the seeming blindness of the people involved.  "Can´t they see that all they have to do is...?"  If we can see the solutions so clearly, why can´t they?  Finally, we´re often frustrated by the inaction of the "powers-that-be."  If only "they" would do what was needed, the problem could be solved..or at least contained enough so that we didn´t have to read about it every day!

By now, you might be asking "What does this have to do with the church...and with me?  What do these "secular" problems have to do with the "sacred" world of the church?"  If you really don´t know, let me explain.  The stories of our faith are not tales of great distance, and they are not accounts of a God distancing himself from the evils and troubles of the world.  The Old Testament is filled with stories of a God deeply involved in the struggles of his people...of a God who ordered his followers into those struggles against oppression and corruption.  We find similar accounts in the New Testament stories of Jesus, and find similar expectations expressed for his followers.

We have all been commissioned by Jesus to make disciples of the nations..to heal the sick...feed the hungry...comfort those in distress...clothe the naked.  Jesus did not advise his followers to stand by and offer social commentary on the troubles of the world.  He did not suggest that they wait for "someone" to relieve the oppressed or offer shelter to the homeless.  He expected them to get  involved!  That is also his message for us, and it offers a cure for our frustration and an answer to the question of what such frustration has to do with the church.  It´s a simple message, cure and answer.  In the church, the city or the world, don´t expect to wait for someone else to solve the problems you see.  Where any of God´s children are in need - hungry, homeless, confused or oppressed - that is where God expects you to be...reaching out to share your faith, your strength, or your blessings from him.  There´s no excuse or need for the frustration we might experience.  It simply means we aren´t doing what our Savior has called us to do.

Carl

We welcome you to join us as we celebrate our past and invite you to participate in our future ministry to the Parma community, projects, fellowship and fun.