PASTORS MESSAGE

An historic global economic crisis has produced dramatic hunger and homelessness. Wars still rage and show little signs of peaceful resolution. The threatening flu epidemic, and out of control corporate corruption undermine a positive outlook. We are facing unusual times.

Many of us see great risks and feel a constant anxiety about tomorrow. Although some of us trust that “it will all work out,” others know from experience that the future is unpredictable. It is a time when the powerful are more inclined toward abuses of power, and when those who are distrustful become more isolated and withdrawn.

It is a time when some Christians look to divine intervention for a quick solution. But the Gospel couldn’t be clearer at a time like this. When we are hanging on by a thread, or the world is collapsing around us, Jesus calls us to solidarity and charity. Jesus said that the poor widow gave her last penny – yes, just a penny. But that gift from that woman in her particular situation was a powerful, sacred moment. Few can hope to reach that height of generosity. What would I do with my last penny? (I think I might be tempted to squeeze it pretty tightly). But the poorest of the poor, as much as we talk about sharing with these ones, are those who demonstrate an incredible capacity for profound personal sacrifice. The poorest of the poor are deeply acquainted with community dependency. Life naturally births human bonding, and those who overlook this truth are too be pitied more than all. How free must that poor widow have been in order to give her last penny?

The generosity and community sharing at Lime Rock Baptist Church is similarly redemptive. People call the church office every week inquiring about the food pantry. Their distress is audible. They need food. When they come to LRBC on Saturday they find not just food but people who care. While large philanthropic organizations are important forms of charity in our society, they represent a very different kind of giving than the widow Jesus praised. Jesus said that our humanity lies in the spirit of small personal, unnoticed sacrifices where the one who gives and the one who receives are mutually redeemed by a simple realization that we are all in this together.

Mike

The Lime Rock Baptist Church Interim Pastor Search

September 2009

The Lime Rock Baptist Church Board of Deacons has spent many hours researching and interviewing for our Interim Pastor. We have interviewed four candidates over the past two months. We would like to thank all candidates for their time and candid dialog that they gave to us.

We, the Lime Rock Baptist Church Board of Deacons are very pleased to announce to the Lime Rock Baptist Church congregation and community our Interim Pastor, Rev. Michael D. Burch. Rev. Burch’s ordination was on June 5, 1994. He has been ministering for over fifteen years.

Rev. Burch is presently at Brown University completing his Ph.D. thesis "History of Religions, Early Christianity." Rev. Burch will be lecturing in religion at Rhode Island College and Rhode Island School of Design this year. Rev. Burch has been recognized for his Preaching and Teaching skills as well as many lectures that he has given nationwide.

The Lime Rock Baptist Church Board of Deacons

American Baptist Churches USA