Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

In recent weeks, the O.T. scripture readings chosen for us in worship have us meandering through chapters 37ff, recounting the story of Joseph and his dysfunctional family. This is not the first nor last account in our Sacred Writings of a broken and busted family system, and what God is able to make of it. There should be some comfort in knowing that such a phenomenon is not a recent social development, but a problem that is as old as sin, and “twice as dusty”, as my old friend Pete used to say. I haven’t preached this great story yet, because it’s a story that seems to preach itself—and the Gospel texts assigned are also very compelling. Do yourself a favor and read once again on your own this great family story beginning in Genesis 37—it will make you hopeful about your own family and set you imagining about what God can do with the messes we make—a theological word for this is “redemption”. Such hope is a precious commodity these days in my view.

As an aside: I want you to know that most weeks, our Bible readings and source for preaching come to us via the Revised Common Lectionary—thus putting us in sync with much of Christendom around the world, who utilize the discipline of assigned readings as a way of making our way intentionally through the Bible, and not just our favorite verses or stories we like.

It’s difficult right now, as I write, to think of much else than the pain, destruction, catastrophe, systemic failure, and human need that emerge in the wake of the fires that raged through Lahaina.  As have many of you who have also been there know, this lovely and quaint “garden spot” in God’s creation, and the beloved people of that area, now are host to one of the fiercest “natural” disasters in American history.  I, too, grieve for those who lost loved ones, their belongings, their work and their livelihoods.

Grief is a good thing—it connects us with one another, and with the world-garden God has given us to tend. And so, respond we must! As you’ll see in this issue of the WAVE, the UCC (our denominational church home) is actively working, feet on the ground, on developing long-term resources that will minister to the needs of folks there for the longer haul—when other relief organizations have long disappeared. We at TNC will likely make a concerted effort to offer funding for this cause soon. In the meantime, if you are so moved, you may choose to immediately push the “DONATE NOW” button, sending money to the fund that has been created. Do so confidently, assured that 100% of your gifts will go directly to the people whose lives have been ripped apart by this firestorm, with no overhead removed. God will surely bless our giving and bring about something good out of this mess too, as always!

See you soon in worship I hope…

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister

The message below was sent by the UCC  on Tuesday, August 15. We are sharing it here so that you are aware of the UCC's response to the fires and how you can contribute to relief efforts.
 

On August 8, the people of Hawaii woke to high winds from Hurricane Dora blowing across their islands. Little did anyone know that within hours those winds would turn deadly, fanning wildfires among the islands, leaving behind smoldering buildings and lost lives. As I write to you, the death toll is up to 99 and still rising. 

The United Church of Christ holds all who are affected in prayer. Through Wider Church Ministries, the UCC also has issued a special appeal to provide essential items and long-term support to those impacted by the fires. 

The island of Maui was hardest hit, where the fires quickly consumed the historic city of Lahaina. Located on northwestern Maui, the once whaling center is home to 13,000 people and attracts 2 million tourists yearly. What is left now is more than 2,170 charred acres and the ruins of more than 2,200 homes, businesses, schools, and churches. If you have seen any of the news footage, you will agree with me that the destruction is unbelievable and heartbreaking. 

I am reminded of a time when Elijah had an encounter with the Holy in the wilderness (1 Kings 19). Winds roared, the earth shook, fire raged – and in the aftermath, God was present. God came to Elijah in what is variously translated as the sheer silence or gentle whisper that followed. Friends, we have an opportunity to share the presence of the Holy in the aftermath of these destructive forces.

Already, local congregations are providing resources including clothing, food, and shelter. The Hawaii Conference is active, and the United Church of Christ’s Global H.O.P.E. team is working with Hawaii Conference Disaster Coordinator Danny Tengan, in consultation with Hawaii Conference Minister Rev. Dr. David Popham and other leaders, to assess the situation and walk alongside them.

You can help as well. Your donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal helps the United Church of Christ increase support to immediate relief efforts and enables us to be present for the journey ahead, assuring long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Josh Baird

Team Leader, Global H.O.P.E.