October 18

Today is “Children’s Sabbath,” and we are blessed to have children and youth assist in worship.  It is also the start of an emphasis on stewardship, which is the care we exercise over all God has given us. 

As I think of the blessings of children and youth and think of Eastminster’s call to be good stewards of all God has given us, I am delighted that there is an obvious care for children and youth here!

I think of the joy the congregation has in sponsoring the Eastminster preschool, in staffing a high quality nursery, in refurbishing the children’s area so growing numbers of kids in the community such as two new girl scout troops and a young persons’ Alcoholics Anonymous can use our facilities, as well as our church choirs, Sunday School, children’s church and youth groups.  I think of the joy of Mrs. June’s group of kids that led worship for over 100 kids daily in Vacation Bible School.  I think of the youth who were cared for by loving adult and parent advisors during a recent lock in, where yet other adults taught them to praise God in new ways.  I think of the many people who provide dinners for the youth and snacks for the kids’ choirs and make special offerings that our ministry to kids may flourish.  There is an obvious care for children and youth here.  This is good stewardship.

Today the kids give back.  We will see how one family practices stewardship over three generations, including the testimony of a five year old, Jonah, who was baptized here.  We will be led in worship by the children’s choir, even as they practice hard to present their best for Eastminster at their Christmas musical.  Our offertory prayer will be led by a Logan, a boy who like King David, “gets God,” even at a very young age.  Three teens, Jenna, Tyler and Ethan will read our scripture.  Please pray for our youth as they have many trials, even at early ages, yet God sees them through.  Especially pray for Taylor, a seventeen year old in our youth group, whose mother died this week.  May God comfort, guide and support her and her family!

I look forward to sharing more about Eastminster’s ministry with you in the Stewardship Home Gatherings which start this afternoon… and listening to your stories!   Please sign up for one of the Home Gatherings using the insert found in your bulletin or by stopping by a table in the courtyard as you exit.

Today we receive new members and recognize those members who have joined during 2015 with a special reception in Fellowship Hall following Sunday morning worship.  If you confess Jesus as Lord and desire to join Eastminster, you are invited to meet at the front of the church following worship.  All other folks are urged to attend the New Member Reception immediately following the benediction.  An added delight is you will be able to welcome Chris Ford as our Kitchen Manager and meet his daughter, Olivia.  Chris is a Godsend to this congregation and will help ensure consistent excellence in the fellowship life of our community!  As we are good stewards, exercising care and rejoicing in God’s blessings, let’s not forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17)

Blessings,

Tim