01-21-18

January has just started and already things are getting very busy.  As I sit at my desk I am surrounded by papers such as attendance figures, job descriptions, calendars, procedures, budgets, proposals, and minutes.  God is in all these things, but the question comes to mind, how do I make space for God?  Not papers, programs, procedures and God.  Where do I make space just for God?

Where do you make space for God?  When are the times, where are the places in which you let God minister to you, God’s word speak to you?

What I am finding out is that I need to create margin now, so the events of 2018 do not overwhelm my spiritual life, so that God is first.  I invite you to do the same thing.  Here are some ideas of how that might happen.

First, clear out the clutter in life.  Today’s scripture is about Jesus cleansing the temple in Jerusalem.  He quit making it a business and sought to restore it to being a house of prayer.  Likewise, God calls us to create space, to allow margin where worship of God is put first.  Creating space for the new and holy is first order.

Second, fill the space with the “big rocks” first.  What do you really need in life to grow spiritually?  Quiet time?  A Bible Study?  A place to be in the presence of God and beauty?  An accountability partner?  A service project that uses your gifts for others.  Don’t repopulate life with “clutter.”  Do something significant for God!

There is an insert in the announcements today that offers various opportunities for growth for adults.  Please read these over and think of which of these would be worth creating the space to engage in for God’s glory and for a better you.  Check these off and turn the insert in at offering time.  This is one way to ensure you don’t get caught up with the details of life to the exclusion of what is enriching and nourishing for the soul.

As we look to go into a new year of spiritual renewal, I would be remiss not to thank Julie Rogers-Martin for the growth and renewal God has brought to Eastminster through her.  Julie served for four years on staff in the area of children, youth and family ministry.  During that time the programs have grown in number and in depth and a great spirit of community has and is forming.  In addition to her duties in this respect, she is instrumental in starting ministries for young adults, spiritual formation and involvement in mission and interfaith activities beyond or church.  Julie is one of those who “get it” that churches are not buildings or programs but relationships linked by Jesus Christ.  Thanks for what you have and are doing to renew Eastminster and to create stronger disciples of Jesus!

A reception will be held for Julie following both services this weekend.  Take a moment to say thanks to Julie and to wish her well on her new endeavors.

God bless as you remove the clutter and get involved in life giving activity!

 

Pastor Tim

01-14-18

How do you stay healthy?

We learn in Acts 2:42-47 that the early church gained health and strength from meeting and eating together “with glad and generous hearts.”  God creates us to enjoy life together in community!

It seems that as Jesus is exalted in such gatherings, the natural response is to tell friends and neighbors to “Come and See.”  I was inspired this week by the great group of believers who attended the Pastors’ Bible Study, “John in January,” and I invite you to “come and see” this Wednesday too.

At 5:45 p.m. on the next three Wednesdays all are invited to come to Fellowship Hall in Eastminster’s Christian Ministry Center for dinner, fellowship and to learn more about the Gospel of John.  Dinner is by donation and is delicious.  The study this week will unlock the seven “signs” in John that have drawn believers closer to God in Jesus.  Our Minister of Music, Robert McBride, a true Renaissance Man, will be leading this week’s teaching time.  It is sure to be enlightening!  Childcare will be provided and the event will end by 7 p.m. 

This weekend we continue the worship series on John looking at how word of Jesus spread as Jesus started his ministry.  It seems that as people came into contact with Jesus they were enriched.  He focused on them.  He looked for their best interests.  He hears the words of their mouth but also knows the concerns of their heart.  Jesus leads them deeper into relationship with God, others and the world.

Some things never change.  The church today grows as people open their eyes, ears and hearts to see what God is up to in the world, and commit to let God lead them.  They pray for God’s will to be done in their lives.  They reach out to others saying “come and see” inviting them into Christian community.

Even as word about Jesus spread quickly from friend and relative and acquaintance in Jesus’ day, it does so today. Surveys show that fully 75% of those who engage in Christian communities do so at the invitation of a Friend, Neighbor, Relative, or Acquaintance (FRAN). 

As you gain benefit from the worship, ministries and missions of the church, God will work through you naturally “as you are going” through life healthier and more in tune with the Spirit.  It’s great what happens when we gather in God’s name and gain spiritual health and wholeness.  I look forward to seeing you, and perhaps a friend or two, in church this weekend … and on Wednesday!  May God bring life and health to Eastminster’s body!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim