Tim’s Blog, 2023 Annual Report
I was listening to a presentation by the billionaire Warren Buffett. His talk about investments was advice to the great unwashed masses (you and me.) I was surprised to hear some of the things he said.
He spoke much about keeping things as simple as possible—and staying away from investing in the big corporations. Invest instead in small businesses that, when you analyze the possibilities, you think growth looks good. Don’t be like the opinionated film mogul of silent films who said, “who wants to hear actors talk?”
Buffett confessed he made his share of mistakes. He said he figures he lost approximately 8 billion dollars despite his calculations. Wow! That would keep the whole town of Oakham in beer and Skittles forever! But he added if the investor does his homework, he also has to be willing to take risks. His last piece of advice had to do with persistence. Plan and work and stick with it. Play the long game.
Our “long game” began here in Oakham in 1766. Folks then thought there ought to be a church here. And they took the risk that God would bless that church, and people would respond and find comfort and friendship and a God of Love. But they faced some pretty tough questions: Where would they find leadership? Where would the money come from? Would they be able to overcome the trials and tribulations that would surely come?
But this was a persistent bunch. Just as we are today. We’ve had great days and bad days. Days when we wondered if we could go on. There were denominational people who said, “merge with another church—or close. That’s the choice.” But persistence won the day. As the Bible says, “We press on to the high calling of Christ.”
I have belonged or pastured three congregations which have closed, and a fourth no is on life-support. Church membership has been in decline since 1964. But our faith community is persistent and strong. Even though the leader is an arthritic, old minister (don’t tell him I said that) we are a very positive influence in surrounding towns.
We have a loving fellowship where members get crucial support when crisis comes. We recover from trauma with the help of others who are in the name and commitment of Christ.
We are a strong congregation. We recognize the gift of children in our midst and nurture as well as teach them. Our worship is lively. We have a dedication to good music. We have a variety of folks, young to old, in our pews: young couples starting out on a new journey; parents in the midst of raising children; older folks who come for comfort and assurance. All kinds of hopes and dreams, all sorts of fears and anxieties, live in us and among us. Here in this sanctuary we feel God’s presence.
Our outreach ministry over the last decade has given help to a wide range of people made know to us…people and families going through some rough times. Our donations to helping on holidays and times throughout the year have totaled over $40,000—another reason why we are a strong congregation, I believe strong in God’s eyes. I’ve never pastured a congregation in over 50 years that is more generous and quick to respond to needs.
God is watching. When Jesus spoke the words of the passage in Matthew’s gospel, Ch. 25: 34-40, he gave us the template to use to measure our strength. Good people of Oakham Church, stay strong.
With love in Christ,
Tim
