“I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.”    From the Good News Bible    Matthew 25: 35-36

Jesus has indeed challenged us to do what we can to help those less fortunate.  The following quote from Mike Slaughter’s book “Change the World” sums up this challenge nicely:

“The gospel is good news for the poor.   If it is not working to benefit the poor and oppressed, then it is not the gospel!  Jesus calls his followers to a lifestyle of sacrificial mission, giving ourselves with him for God’s redemptive work in the world.”

The “E” in our church’s ANEW mission statement stands for “extend beyond the walls.”  In recent years, we have answered this call to action with outreach programs like Methodist Madness, support of RISE’s Holiday Party (formerly Giving Tree), and the TASK meals program.

We would like to expand our ability to “extend beyond the walls.”   In years past, our church had a Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.    The Discretionary Fund was money available to the pastor to use to meet immediate, spur-of-the-moment needs.   For example, a homeless man may need a warm meal or a family may need overnight shelter.   The pastor would use money from the Discretionary Fund to meet legitimate needs like these immediately.  No special church meetings are needed to approve an expenditure of church funds.  With the Discretionary Fund in place, the pastor makes the decision. 

We would like to reestablish the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and provide Pastor Heidi with the financial resources to meet some of these legitimate needs in our community.  To do this, we will have a special “Have a Heart” offering on Sunday February 12.  We chose the “Have a Heart” theme to commemorate Valentine’s Day.   The contributions from this offering will go directly into this new Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.

The Finance Committee is well aware that these are difficult economic times and that asking for money during times like these is not easy.   Our church leadership is very sensitive to the fact that everyone in our Congregation has a unique financial situation and, likewise, a unique capability to respond to this call.   However, we feel that the need is great and we want to do what we can to create a Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.  No gift is too small and every gift is valued.   My wife is planning to collect and wrap some loose pocket change this week for the Have a Heart Offering.

In closing, we would like everyone to give the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund some thoughtful consideration during this week.   We encourage your prayers and we’re looking forward to seeing you in church on “Have a Heart” Sunday.        

 Matthew 25:34-36 says, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Truly, the First United Methodist Church of Hightstown has been living out its missional vision as we extend beyond the walls and open our doors to the Gomez family.  Many thanks to those who have helped the family by providing clothing, toiletries, meals, and other needs.  While the family attends Family night and the Thursday supper, there is still a need for meals Friday thru Tuesday.  If you are able to cook or bring take-out that would much appreciated.  Contact Pastor Heidi (609 220-8529) to schedule an evening meal.

As we continue journeying with Lida (mom), Jennifer (15), Vanessa (9) and Gerson (7), let me give an update on their situation.  After a two month hiatus, the children are now all in school full-time.  Jennifer is in 10^th grade at the High School, Vanessa is in 4^th and Gerson in 2^nd at the Black School.

Many hours have been spent with social services doing all the intake information.  We now have an appointment on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 am with a social worker to assess the whole situation and should have an idea as to what they are eligible for and when.  Much prayer needed!

The biggest need for which we stand in prayer is affordable, local housing.  If you know of any opportunities or prospects for such that would be greatly appreciated.  God is doing a new thing through FUMCH, and I am proud to part of this wonderful family.  Thanks for who you are and all you do. 

Pastor Heidi

Proverbs 3:27,28 says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, “come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow—when you now have it with you.”  These verses, along with the churches renewed vision to reach beyond the walls with “Open hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,”  to be a light in a Dark World helped shape an important life saving decision.  A woman (Lida Gomez) with her 3 children came to the soup kitchen last week and is genuinely homeless.  On Friday Jan 20^th, after many, many phone calls (with help from Jim Chamberlain) we were able to get the family a 4 night hotel stay through Mercer County Emergency Shelter Services.  When Tuesday morning came, we  were back in the same spot no place to go.

I picked them up from the hotel and then drove them to Mercer County Social Services.  After sitting for nearly 20 hours at social services, conversations with DYFUS, the Police, Other Clergy, the School Districts, RISE, Housing Authority, getting the Mayor of Hightstown & East Windsor involved and many others including the United Methodist Conference, there was no other option but to bring the family to the church at the end of the day on Tuesday.  That being said,  they are staying in the youth room.  Our next social service appointment with a case worker is not until February 1.  The family has received food from RISE, our food pantry, eating meals at my house, and I have arranged for meals at Hightstown Dinner. When the children start school on Tuesday morning, they will receive breakfast and lunch at school.

I COULD NOT PUT A WOMAN AND THREE CHILDREN ON THE STREET.  I know God placed her at FUMCH for us to live out our vision and mission.  Many new doors are opening for the family as I have been an advocate for  them and feel led to journey with them.  Our prayers are to find affordable local housing. On Monday I have a meeting with  Keith from the Housing Authority, Leslie from Rise and others to assess the options and combine resources.   I thank you for support and prayers in this difficult situation, as we support this family.