The Socio-Economic Divide

Sue Wroblewski serves as the Director of Compassion Ministries for Community Church and as an assistant to Pastor Brian. She is also a featured blog writer for Peak Reflections and will open our eyes to God’s merciful, compassionate and loving heart.

Over the past few weeks we have had an opportunity to consider how we can bridge some of the great divides that we face in our daily lives. I want to touch on one other divide that we can easily overlook; the socio-economic divide.

The gap between the have and have-not varies greatly across our state, across our country and certainly across the globe. Over half the world, more than 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50/day. Here in Michigan, the average household income is about $44,000/year. Still, over 10,000 persons in Isabella county are living below poverty level; about $15/day.

This gap can be seen in many obvious physical ways; houses we live in, cars we drive, clothing we wear, restaurants we frequent. Other signs of the divide are often hidden; tense relationships due to financial stress, overdue notices, houses without heat, empty bellies, poor hygiene, loss of self respect, loss of faith in one’s self… loss of faith in God.

Those who struggle with the weight of these realities do not often see anyone reaching out to them to provide a helping hand. Instead, they often feel judged, ridiculed, marginalized and without hope. How do we step in to help bridge the divide? As Pastor Brian pointed out so well during his sermon on the great divide, Jesus was a bridge builder. He took time to talk, meet and pray with those who were facing difficult trials; even self-inflicted trials. Jesus extended His hand in grace and shared truth and love with those He met. He was present with them.

Psalm 23 reminds us that even now we are not alone in our struggles. God is present with us.

Psalm 23 (New International Version)

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

To begin to build a bridge, we can learn more about poverty-inflicted division, its ramifications and what we can do to help close the gap (www.endhungerinamerica.org, or www.churchworldservice.org, www.ccnhome.org). We can donate time and funds to global organizations taking steps to reach out to those on the far side of the socio-economic divide.

Locally, we can put together a care kit, visit with guests at a mobile pantry, serve at the soup kitchen, send a card, and pray for a pantry guest’s prayer request. You can even gather your family, friends or care groups and join Community Compassion Network in what will hopefully be a yearly bridge building event; The “Eggstreme” Community Days coming up the day before Easter. We will have a chance to fellowship with our guest families in a range of activities, including Easter egg decorating, an egg hunt, cookie decorating and more.

Allow God to show His love and grace to His struggling flock through you; be a bridge builder.

Service With a Smile

by Sue Wroblewski

Sue Wroblewski serves as the Director of Compassion Ministries for Community Church and as an assistant to Pastor Scott and Pastor Brian. She is also a featured blog writer for Peak Reflections and will open our eyes to God’s merciful, compassionate and loving heart.

Each one of us has talents; God given gifts. Some of us know exactly what our gifts are and exactly how God wants us to use those gifts. Others do not yet know how they are gifted or how they can use their gifts to serve others.

When our family first came to Community Church over five years ago, I wanted to help out. There was a request for volunteers to help out in KidZone. My daughter was in kindergarten at the time and so I volunteered and served in KidZone for about a year. Although I was part of a wonderful team who prayed with and for one another, and although we had a great leader (Mary Barz) who set a wonderful example for how to share God’s love with kids, I felt like something was missing.

I am not sure where I got this impression, but I grew up feeling that in order to serve I had to endure things I did not enjoy. I never considered that serving would actually be a blessing to me as well as to those I was serving! During a fabulous children’s ministry seminar at Willow Creek, the light bulb finally went on for me! I finally “got it”. God designed me…”I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. He created me for “good works that He has prepared in advance for me to do”. I knew I could serve by using the skills and gifts that God has given me – I just needed to figure out what my gifts are.

Soon afterwards Pastor Scott spoke about “jumping in” to service. He reminded us that the first place you “jump in” may not fit your serving style or your personality, and therefore it is okay to try a different ministry or volunteer opportunity. He did not suggest abandoning prior commitments; merely that it is alright to keep searching for new volunteer opportunities if your current service area is not a good fit. Soon after that I found my niche and 4 years later I am still serving in the same area and loving it!

Over the past few weeks Community Church members have been considering how they can serve their community. This weekend maybe you will try your hand unloading at the mobile food pantry or maybe you will help with the Angel workshop or the children’s games or bingo. Maybe you will think it is the most fun you have ever had and you will let me know that you want to do that again as soon as possible. Maybe you will know that without a doubt you do not want to serve in that area again! No matter what your experience this week, I pray that you will be touched by a guest or by another volunteer or just reminded of your many blessings. I also pray that you will remember that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that you are created for “good works that He has prepared in advance for you to do” and that you will begin the process of seeking out what God has in mind for you.

The first 2 Sundays of each month there is a class called “Connect” that helps determine your giftedness and how you might put those gifts to use. Do not be afraid to try a new volunteer area – you are not making a lifetime commitment. Until you find the “thing” that gives you as much joy as those you serve… when you can offer “Service with a Smile”, then you can consider that your lifetime commitment.

Go ahead…Jump-in!

Get Compassionate in November!

By Brian LaMew

This November 16-22nd Community Church small groups are invited to find a service project to participate in together. Mission Opportunity Catalogs have been created for small group leaders to pick up on Sundays or in the church office. In years past this has been a remarkable way to experience the blessing of God through serving.

However, this is not just for small groups. This is for everyone. Find your place to get compassionate this November.

Sue Wroblewski is Community Church's Compassion Ministry Director. She has created a short video from her webcam that will give you more info about how you can be a part of this great compassion emphasis.