05-06-18

Sunday is an important day in the life of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  At the end of worship, we will have a Congregational Meeting to elect Elders of the class of 2021 and to elect the Rev. Kristy Ray to be installed as Associate Pastor.

 

Elders are the spiritual and administrative leaders of Eastminster.  The model of electing Elders and pastors by the congregation is a democratic process that predates and informs how we elect leaders in the United States of America.  This class of elders is nominated by members and selected by a Nominating Committee.  They have agreed to serve a three-year term if elected.  The Elder-nominee class of 2021 includes Jim Earp, Scott Messel, Jim Morris, and Sara Van Driel.  Their bios are published in a bulletin insert.

 

The Rev. Kristy Ray began her service as a Designated Associate Pastor in August 2016 for a two-year term.  Kristy comes before us to be installed as Associate Pastor for an unlimited term.  Kristy’s focus is in the area of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, though she provides pastoral care to the entire congregation and also plays key roles in worship and communications.

 

Following worship, there will be a luncheon sponsored by the Planned Giving Team of Eastminster where persons may learn how to practice good stewardship in making planned gifts to Eastminster through vehicles such as stock transfers and wills.  The focus of this luncheon is informational and no requests for funds will be made.  The Planned Giving Team includes Linda Coleman, Walt Fredrickson, Claire Gibbs, Scott Messel, Jim Morris, and Pat Pruitt.  These persons recommended to Session the establishment of a Legacy Funds Ministry which creates an endowment which will ensure vital ministry at Eastminster for many years to come. I hope you will join this team and me for lunch to learn more about this exciting ministry.

 

In the May newsletter I outlined plans for a sabbatical provided by a generous grant from the Lilly Foundation for the renewal of Eastminster and pastor during June-August.  There will be special events happening on a monthly basis for the church, and Julie and I will have the opportunity to travel.  The theme of the sabbatical is “Rivers of Living Water.”  Pastors Kristy and Ron will provide pastoral leadership to the church through the period I’m traveling, and I will provide regular updates.  This will be an exciting time of growth.  Please pray for God to renew us all and to lead us to be a transforming force in the community in the coming years.

 

We have come a long way in the last five years as was evidenced in the appreciation of the many people who serve as volunteers in ministry at Eastminster last weekend.  It is clear that God has a plan and purpose for us.  As we elect leaders and appreciate those who faithfully serve, may we be ever sensitive to discerning and doing God’s will in our lives as believers and in our life as a community of faith. 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim