Matt Bussell, Associate Pastor for Outreach
In Joshua 24:13, God declares to the Israelites: “You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.” The Israelites had moved into the Promised Land and were embarking on a new phase of their journey as the people of God when God reminds them that what they have is the result of the work of others.
As we approach Commitment Sunday for the Capital Campaign this coming Sunday and look ahead to the celebration of the church’s 200th birthday this fall, we too are reminded that we eat fruit from trees we did not plant.
The church facilities we enjoy for worship, Christian formation, fellowship, and outreach are the results of the labor of prior generations. None of us were involved in laying the cornerstone of the church, or layering the bricks and mortar of the sanctuary, but we have benefited from the work and dedication of the faithful before us. The question that our Capital Campaign is asking us today is: What are we going to plant for future generations?
Now, tuckpointing (the process of grinding away deteriorating mortar and replace it with new) might not seem like an investment in future generations, but just as the buildings on our campus have provided a place for us to worship and learn and grow, we are ensuring that future generations have those same opportunities. Likewise, the technology upgrades that are a part of the campaign will help the church keep up with the rapidly changing face of ministry which increasingly relies on technology. Replenishing the pastoral resident fund is not only an investment in the pastoral leadership of the congregation but also an investment in the future of the wider church as we train and support new ministers. Through our support of Habitat for Humanity we are helping people build generational wealth while providing safe and affordable housing while our partnership with the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Centers will give people the help they need in escaping the debilitating and oppressing crush of poverty.
We ask that you prayerfully consider how you could join in planting trees for others to gather fruit. There is no gift too large or too small. Rooted in the faith and reaching into the community, please join us in supporting the church through a gift to the Capital Campaign.
