Small Alabama church devotes time, talents and treasures
by Melody K. Smith | Presbyterian News Service
Union Springs Presbyterian Church in Union Springs, Alabama, has accepted the Matthew 25 invitation. (Photo by Bill Sauser)
LOUISVILLE — In a year of unforeseen changes and challenges, the Matthew 25 vision to actively engage congregations in the world and community around them has taken on new meaning. Launched in April 2019, the Matthew 25 invitation has received its 700th congregation to make the commitment to radical and fearless discipleship.
Union Springs Presbyterian Church in Union Springs, Alabama, joins other congregations as well as 100 mid councils and groups in this journey.
“We are tiny,” said Bill Sauser, commissioned lay pastor of Union Springs for 23 years. “But we are trying to use the resources we have been given for the good of community, as well as reaching out through the presbytery and General Assembly projects, like Matthew 25, to make a difference.”
Union Springs is a small congregation with approximately 30 active members in a town of 3,000 and a county of 10,000. But don’t underestimate its reach. Sauser shared that there is little to no economic opportunity locally, “so there is ample opportunity to do many, many things.”
This small but mighty congregation is actively involved in the local food bank, financially supports a local prison ministry, sponsors Living Waters for the World and assists with other local projects that, as the church puts it, “support the people of the community.”
And as if that isn’t enough for a church of 30 members, church members and friends are also contributing to an effort begun by their presbytery, Sheppards and Lapsley, to pay off area residents’ large medical debts.
“This not only helps the families, it is investing into the community,” Sauser shared. “It stops bankruptcies for individuals and businesses and keeps rural hospitals viable to serve the community.”
After hearing a dynamic presentation during a recent presbytery meeting from the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the session discussed whether to commit to becoming a Matthew 25 church.
The answer was a resounding “Why wouldn’t we?”
Almost all members are ordained as elders and according to Sauser, they take their ordination vows very seriously. Social justice issues can be challenging in this small and diverse town. The church members are active and involved, collaborating with other churches in the area to keep the church not only vital but engaged in the community.
Convicted by the Matthew 25 passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
To see the map and list of all 800-plus congregations, groups and mid councils, click here. You can learn more about the work of each congregation through their stories and videos.
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