A Word From the Pastor (November 2008)

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:31-40

Dear Friends in Christ,

Every night the news brings us traumatic coverage of the recent economic crisis. As Wall Street's shocking roller coaster ride continues, respected banks, corporations, and financial institutions hold on for dear life as some fall, to rise no more. Workers and senior citizens watch in dismay as hard-earned retirement dollars vanish before their eyes. Homes are lost by folks who thought they were secure and comfortable. These are difficult days for many.

In this election season, I have heard the question pursued again and again. What can be done to help the middle class? Which party will do the most for middle America? Which candidate will secure jobs, and homes, and pensions, and put cash in the pockets of middle class Americans? What I don't hear expressed is significant concern for lower class Americans. What I don't hear is any talk about the needs of the persistently poor. While a frenzy of rhetoric revolves around securing the American dream for middle class citizens, the plight of those who have never experienced the dream is too often forgotten.

In the last two weeks, joint efforts by the Fishkill United Methodist Church and my own family have provided rental assistance to two families, gasoline for two working families (so folks could get to work), and food assistance to several families in distress. Yet another family, just out of a homeless shelter, called seeking furnishings and supplies for their new apartment. As winter approaches, the cost of fuel will no doubt prove an obstacle for those who struggle just to get by. My great fear is that as the financial stress of the middle class increases, there will be less and less support available to churches and charities who work with lower class folk on a regular basis, for those who reach out to the poor day by day.

In these difficult financial times, I urge you to pray for the economy in our country and around the world. I urge you to pray for political and financial leaders who will bring hope to people of every sort. I especially urge you to pray for those who are financially at the bottom of society. I encourage you to consider what you might do to share hope and love with the least of these our brothers and sisters.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Peggy Ann Sauerhoff