12-10-17

You don’t hear many sermons from I Kings these days, but you will today.  I Kings begins the history of Israel as a monarchy beginning with the anointing of Samuel and ends with the fall of kings with the Babylonian captivity.  In many ways it is a retrospective history, it looks back and explains the roots of Israel’s exile, but it also looks forward to a future with hope.

 

The story of Elijah begins in I Kings 17.  Ahab has been named king.  He marries Jezebel and they begin to serve Baal and Asherah and “did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger him than did all the kings of Israel before him” (I Kings 16:33).  Elijah orders a drought on the land and is led by God to a brook where he is fed by ravens.  Then he is led to the widow of Zarephath’s home where she is about to die of hunger, but she makes Elijah bread from the little flour and a jar of oil she had.  That flour and oil did not run dry throughout the years of drought.  In I Kings 18 Elijah encounters King Ahab on Mount Carmel with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah.  He ordered that two bulls be brought and put on two separate piles of unlit wood.  He told the prophets of Baal to pray for their god to light the wood.  After several hours he taunts them.  They prayed and danced and slashed themselves but nothing happens.

 

Then Elijah repairs an altar to the Lord which was in ruins.  He takes twelve stones, one from each tribe of Israel and puts them around it.  Then he places the wood in and ordered it to be drenched with water three times.  After praying the “fire of the Lord fell.”  The people proclaim the Lord God and killed the prophets of Baal.  Jezebel then vowed to kill Elijah and he ran as far south as he could go.  He slumped under a broom tree and asked God to take him. There he was fed by angels and then journeys to Horeb, the mountain of God and spent the night in a cave.

 

In that cave on the holy mountain God tells Elijah that he will encounter his presence and he did.  We will talk about encountering the presence of God today, even as sometimes it comes not in the “grand” or “awesome” moments of life, but in the presence of simple Peace.

 

May the God of Peace bless you this season.  May we each take time to listen for the “still small voice,” the “gentle whisper,” “the sound of sheer silence” that is God in our midst. There is a lot of noise, a lot of conflict, claims, posturing, lies, deceit, and wrongdoing.  Yet the voice of God may be heard even this Advent.  Listen.  Expect.  Be aware.  Rejoice!

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

11-26-17

Thanks so much for letting me serve as the Visitation Pastor here at Eastminster. I am greatly encouraged by all of you with your warm welcome to me, but even more with your love for the Lord and the dedication by which you all serve using your gifts and talents in so many ways for the glory of the Lord and so the His mission is advanced in this community and to the world! Though I am part-time, I see the faithfulness of the rest of the staff as they help lead you us, especially under the leadership of Pastor Tim. So, as we go into the Christmas season, please pray for a special measure of strength for Pastor Tim, Pastor Kristy and all your staff. They want the celebration of the birth of Christ to honor Him and be meaningful for you, but it can be exhausting as well.

 

So, Thanksgiving Day is over (Black Friday, too!) and we are heading into the Christmas season. The First Sunday of Advent is not until next week, but decorations are going up, the music is being played all around us and the stores have long been getting ready. So, today we are focusing on “why” Jesus came. And, that is to fulfill God’s purpose for and in us. The following passage reminds us that God is always at work around us and in us to realize that purpose, which is that we are restored to what God always intended us to be that has been disrupted by sin. It says:

 

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…(Romans 8:28–36 [NRSV]).

 

Christmas reminds us of God’s gift to us of salvation and forgiveness through the coming of Jesus. So, this Christmas, what will be our gift of thanks to Him? Will we let Him fashion us to be more like Jesus? I love the words of the carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Read the following selected verse: 

 

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

 

What does He want to do with and in you?

 

Blessings,

Rev. Ron Hipwell

11-19-17

What a wonderful Consecration Weekend Eastminster celebrated!  It was meaningful to baptize Sydney Luisi and see the hope for the future, even as generations of her family have worshipped in this church before her.  It was also meaningful to engage in a wonderful Celebration Luncheon in a packed Fellowship Hall where we ate delicious food and recognized new and longtime members.  Thanks to Susan Vallette, Vicky Mitterling and a huge cast of helpers for “Sunday Dinner!”

It was also hopeful to see the faces of dedicated members and friends as you consecrated your Estimates of Giving to the Lord in worship.  It is inspiring to experience the love you have for God as you give in gratitude and praise.  May your giving bring joy and closer relationship to God and Eastminster, even as our ministry together transforms the community and world through God’s Spirit and power!

If you have not offered an Estimate of Giving for 2018, you may do so in the offering today or by contacting Michelle Toms, our Director of Operations.  There are Estimate of Giving Cards and envelopes on the Information Tables and in the pew racks.  Estimates of Giving are good faith estimates of what you intend to give to God through Eastminster.  They are not binding, as circumstances may change, yet they help our leaders establish a budget for our ministry and mission.  A Prayer of Consecration will be offered in worship for these Estimates of Giving as we collect the offering.  Thanks for your faithfulness!

Also, today you will receive two gifts to aid in spiritual formation.  First, in your bulletin are bookmarks with a Thanksgiving Prayer that were made by Eastminster preschoolers.  This prayer may be used at Thanksgiving and at other occasions.  The background of the bookmark is from artwork that the preschoolers made as they gathered on our chancel and painted their impressions of Eastminster’s stained glass windows while Director of Music Ministry, Robert McBride, played music for them to be inspired.

Finally, you will receive a “Prayer Square” from Eastminster’s Prayer Shawl ministry.  These squares have been hand knitted during many hours of prayer, fellowship and crafting spent in the parlor of our church.  They are intended as an aid to your prayers and thanksgiving over the holiday season.  May you rest assured in good times and tough times that God is present as a “Refuge and Strength.”  There are caring pastors, elders, and members trained to come alongside you in prayer as well.  Do not hesitate to contact the church office or one of the pastors with any need or opportunity for which to pray.

May all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

 Pastor Tim

11-12-17

Today we will consecrate our “Estimates of Giving” in worship.  There are Estimate of Giving Cards and envelopes in the pew racks if you need one.  These Estimates of Giving are “good faith” estimates of what we will return to God through Eastminster Presbyterian Church in 2018.  They are private between you and God.  Our Church Business Administrator will total them and give the total to the Finance Committee so that Eastminster leaders may prayerfully and prudently budget to fulfill our mission and ministry commitments and goals.  As all giving is between the giver and God, this is not a contract but a faithful expression of intent.

As you prayerfully consider what you will return to the Lord, I encourage you to consider “taking a step up” in giving by creating “margin” in what is spent and saved so that a tithe is set aside for return to God in thanksgiving.  As we all join in, I believe we will joyfully experience God’s pleasure, mature in faith, and “let our light shine” as commanded and empowered by Jesus.

Part of giving is thanksgiving.  After Sunday worship there will be a Celebration Luncheon.  Please plan to be present.  It will be an old fashioned “Sunday Dinner” complete with roast, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and a delicious dessert whose recipe goes back generations.  At lunch, we will celebrate God’s goodness, recognize those who have joined the church in the last year, those who are long term members, and those who are 90 years old and above.  It will be a meaningful time as all members unite to celebrate, even as we prepare to serve in significant ways in the coming year.

As my heart turns to thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for all who have served so willingly and faithfully in various capacities of church life.  Eastminster is known for its “can do” attitude and willingness of highly competent people.  The Rummage Sale last week, the Kirkin o’ th’ Tartans, Day of Hope, Vacation Bible School, special musicals, mission trips, education and spiritual formation events, children and youth activities, facilities improvements and fellowship events have been led and run by myriads of volunteers in ministry who overcome obstacles such as Hurricane Irma to shine light in our community and beyond.  Way to Go!

I am also grateful for our Church and preschool staff who dedicate heart and soul to serving and see Eastminster as a ministry and not a “job.”  Their joy and yours are contagious and inspiring!  As we consecrate our gifts and our lives, may Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16 ring true:

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

In our giving and our living, may we bear light!  
Pastor Tim

11-05-17

“If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.”  -- Martin Luther

 

What a wonderful weekend we just celebrated with the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans, the 95 Theses for Today, and the excellent drama on Martin Luther written by Pastor Kristy Ray.  Thanks to the scores of members and friends who served to make it possible for well over 500 people from church and community to be inspired from “Light from the Past” that gives hope for tomorrow.

 

Christians are a people of endless hope rather than a people of a hopeless end.  Martin Luther lived in a time of plague, persecution, political change, intellectual discovery, and spiritual turmoil.  The people of his day literally thought the world was about to end.  Nevertheless, they lived by faith in God, assurance of the grace of Jesus Christ and confident in the power of the Holy Spirit.  God accomplished mighty things through them!

 

We face many challenges in the world and in the church today, just like in the Reformation.  Faced with the challenges of his time, Martin Luther affirmed his faith saying, “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.” Good thing… as the trees Luther planted 500 years ago are still bearing fruit.  May we, like Martin Luther, be hopeful and courageous in our service to God! 

 

Next weekend, November 11-12, you and I will consecrate our Estimates of Giving for 2018 to the Lord in the context of worship.  This we do in hope, faith, and generosity knowing that God does great and enduring things through faithful people.  This will be our time of planting, of investing in God’s work as you and I consecrate our money, time and talents for the ministry and mission of the kingdom.  You will receive a brochure and an Estimate of Giving Card in the mail in the next few days.  The emphasis will be to “Step Up” as able in the spiritual discipline of tithing. 

 

As giving to God is both a discipline and joy, Eastminster will have an all-church Celebration Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Sunday November 12.  This is a time to celebrate in Thanksgiving for all that God has provided and to enjoy being together in fellowship.  A “Home Cooked Sunday Dinner” will be served around tables as we celebrate God’s goodness, grace and love.  All are encouraged to attend.  No reservations are necessary.  What a joy it is to be in a congregation that has a sweet spirit and enjoys fellowship together!

It is said that humans can count the seeds in an apple, but only God knows how many trees those seeds will bear.  I am grateful for those in the past who planted so that we might enjoy fruit today, and humbled at what God will do as we “plant trees” today through obeying God’s commands and enjoying the “fruit” of generosity.

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Tim

10-29-17

Whether a first-time guest, returning seasonal resident, or regular worshiper, welcome to Kirkin’ O’ th’ Tartans!  Today is a day where we appreciate our heritage and also look to the future with hope.  The Hebrews used to “tell time” by looking backwards and recounting God’s faithfulness and then looking ahead reassured that God’s love, grace and provision would be with them in the future.

 

Likewise, we have much to rejoice about today.  We inherit a rich tradition of faith at Eastminster, and we are open and excited about the new things God calls us to do.  God is alive here, and based on past faithfulness and grace from above, we go forward with the fruit of faithfulness, knowing God will inspire and guide. 

 

Please plan on staying a bit after the service and enjoying shortbread and a beverage out on the breezeway.  One of the hallmarks of Eastminster is that there are incredibly interesting people here to get to know and with whom to share.  Or you can speak with me… just joking, I hope!

 

Hope to see you next Sunday as we welcome confirmands and remember those “saints” that died this year. By all means plan to attend Eastminster’s Annual Celebration Luncheon on November 12 at 11 a.m. 

 

May we all “Live by the Spirit” this week!  May we be gifted, inspired and open to love those God puts in our paths!

 

 Blessings,               

Pastor Tim

10-15-17

Today we start a new Sermon Series, “Let Your Light Shine!”  It is based on Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:14-15:

 

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

 

When I first read these verses, I thought they leaned toward “works righteousness.” I focused on “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works.  Yet are we called to let our “light” … that which is brightest and best in our souls and our works … shine so others might praise us and say what good people and what a good church we are?  Tempting perhaps, but not true.

 

Jesus calls us to live for God and in so doing, “Let your light shine” so that others are led to praise God and give God glory.

 

Has anyone ever called you God’s angel when you showed them love?  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone broken down in tears of joy for assistance received and said, “Thank you Jesus!”  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone benefitted by an anonymous gift or deed and given glory to God.  Chances are your light shined.

 

We are created to shine God’s love.  It’s a good feeling and a challenge at the same time.  Over the next several weeks we will explore how Christians “Let Your Light Shine” and how Eastminster might be a “Lighthouse” in the community and world.

 

Today we start with the Old Testament book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 58:10-11 we read:

If you offer your food to the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be like the noonday.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
    and satisfy your needs in parched places,
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters never fail.

As you hear testimony of what is going on through Eastminster at Daily Bread, praise God for shining Light through Godly members and friends.  Then pray:

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.  Use me today and each day to shine your Light and to bring you glory.  Amen

 

In what ways are you called to shine?

Blessings,

Pastor Tim