Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church
Midweek Update – February 5, 2020

In this issue:
• Why Church?
• Annual Mtg Gratitude
• Children’s books for South Africa
• Leslie Snow rides
• Healthy Pastors/Healthy Congregations

WHY CHURCH? FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE
I am coming to believe that one our ego’s most powerful tools in keeping us afraid and asleep is the fear of SCARCITY. Scarcity thinking is the persistent belief that there is not enough, there never will be enough, and indeed I myself am not enough. In our text for this coming Sunday, the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14, the disciples have this attitude nailed when then proclaim: “Send the crowds away so they can feed themselves. We have nothing here but fives loaves of bread and two fish.” Notice how practical and reasonable they seem. Aren’t they exactly correct? You can’t feed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, right? It’s not that they don’t care; the disciples are actually trying to help the people get dinner because there is clearly not enough for them here.
The rest of the story is disturbingly simple. Here is the entire miracle: Jesus trusts in abundance. And because he believes--because one person trusts completely--then all are fed. Are you waiting for someone else to start trusting in the abundance of God, the abundance of love, of beauty, of comfort, of ENOUGH? Are we hoping that living reasonable and afraid is the good Christian way of life? I will tell you that right at this moment, I tried to breathe in deep into the grace and never-ending abundance of God for me, Phil GebbenGreen. I failed. My breath caught about three inches down my chest, and I could feel my inner resistance to trust, to acceptance, to rest. Try it yourself. I’m going to keep trying all day, here in the office, at home, at Shakopee Prison later today. Because my soul hungers to trust abundance. I bet yours does too.

ANNUAL MEETING GRATITUDE
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the Annual Meeting—from putting the Report together to setting up to bringing food to eating the food! Special thanks to Executive Presbyter Jeff Japinga for both preaching and moderating part of the meeting!

PER CAPITA REMINDER: In the meeting, we were reminded of the important work that our Per Capita donation to the Presbytery does—including paying for Jeff’s visit to EPC on Sunday. The amount of Per Capita this year is $36.50 per member. If you are able to make an extra donation to EPC in that amount, it is greatly appreciated!

CHILDREN’S BOOKS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Ruth Anderson shares this need with us: A box is set up in the entry sunroom to collect used children’s books for ages pre-school through 17 for shipment to South Africa this spring. There are currently few books or libraries in rural and suburban areas of that country. Class sizes are often over 50 with instruction using chalk boards and rote learning, and a single teacher per classroom. Books that are especially needed are used text books and instruction books in science, math, English, geology, geography, biographies, plant and animal life for pre-teens and teens. Also, classic stories and novels, beginning music and art that are culturally appropriate for African students are appreciated. Please help us show love and concern for our far-away neighbors in South Africa.

LESLIE SNOW FALL AND RIDES
As we said in worship, Leslie Snow fell last week and broke her kneecap (!!) and bruised her face. She is now in a brace and doing better by the day. But she cannot drive (it’s her right knee).
So if anyone can help Leslie with a ride to worship on any given Sunday over the next 6 weeks or so, please give her a call at 612-388-2526. Prayers are appreciated too (and today is her birthday…)

HEALTHY PASTORS/HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS FEBRUARY 25
We received word that EPC has been allowed to participate in a Board of Pensions PC(USA) program called Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations (http://www.pensions.org/your-path-to-wholeness/healthy-pastors-healthy-congregations). This program offers support to a pastor and congregational leadership together to work toward financial sustainability by providing financial education and consultations to both the pastor and congregational leaders. The on-site educational component is scheduled at EPC for Tuesday, Feb. 25th, 6p-9p, with a meal hosted by the Board of Pensions. Read about the program, and if you are interested in joining the evening program, you are most welcome!! Please contact Pastor Julie by Feb 19th if you would like to attend.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY ADDITION
Happy Birthday to:
LESLIE SNOW on 2/12