Hello Church! 

As our current time in California was winding down to a close and we fit in a few more precious hours with our California grandsons, I looked back on the previous two weeks with gratitude for the opportunity to reflect and reboot in preparation for the next months of ministry that lie ahead.  Having time to work remotely has allowed me to be able to think, read, dream, and pray differently.  All of that with the bonus of avoiding snow, ice, and temperatures that are just too cold for responsible human habitation is just so very welcomed in my life and ministry with you.  Thanks.

I am back in time for our prayer and business meeting that is focused on approving the annual spending plan.  As we prepare as a congregation to plan for the year ahead through our finances, I would hope we could bless one another in three ways: 

First,  we should celebrate.  God has blessed Blooming Glen with an abundance of resources, both financially and managerially.  Our income exceeded our expenses, and all our priorities for 2023 have been met.   

Second, we should remember that the spending plan does not say everything.  For example, the spending plan does not speak to how the congregation might feel about the future of Mennonite Church USA.  Instead, the spending plan for both 2023 and 2024 supports the considerable and significant ministries of Mennonite Church USA in mission, education, publishing, and intercultural congregational support. 

Third, we should remember that we have said other things that affect the spending plan's formation.  As part of our congregation's Pathways Process, we clearly set policy toward what we have called a "pivot" to Mosaic Mennonite Conference as our primary churchwide connection and association.  This is a decision in keeping with the letter and the spirit of the bylaws of Mennonite Church USA, which requires congregations to be members of conferences to be members of the denomination.    

In an environment of God-given generosity, in a time of institutional transition, and in our continued rebranding of our congregational identity, it is important that we come to the spending plan for 2024 this Sunday with joy, hope, and the certainty that God is with us.  Even though we are still challenged to be effective in a season of weakened institutional and narrative clarity, challenged to be faithful in ways that overcome the polarities in our culture, and challenged to be transparent in discerning wisdom among the avalanche of information, God is at work in and through and maybe in spite of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church.  This Sunday, at our prayer and business meeting, let the alleluia of God's work be our shared point of view ... especially as we talk about money. 

Pastor Jeff
jeff@bgmc.net 

PS - Debbie and I are back in Pennsylvania, Lord willing, on Saturday afternoon, January 27.  That means I plan to be at the A&N Diner on Monday, January 29, 7:30-8:45 am to listen to whatever is on your mind.  I will also plan to be back at the Broad Street Grind on Friday,  February 2, 3:30-4:45 pm, to listen to your point of view.  Hoping to see you there!