10-20-19

Tim's Tidings

This weekend we thank the many, many persons who are using their time and talents to share the ministry of God’s love with the congregation and community at and through Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  It is amazing to realize the thousands upon thousands of hours devoted to worship, education, mission, fellowship, community outreach, administration, care of others, our facilities and our environment, much less the many special projects which go on at Eastminster.  You really are a light to the community and bring glory to God!

One of the things I tell my colleagues is that Eastminster is a “leader rich” church.  Eastminster’s elders provide quality and consistency of leadership that enables the church to effect steady growth in excellence and numbers.  What I realize as I reflect upon the hundreds of capable and energized persons engaged in volunteer Christian ministry is that leaders lead well because we are a church rich in followers of Jesus.  Together, we are moving closer to God as we love God and others in worship, word and deed.  What greater thing can be said!

May the coming days be ripe with renewal as we are filled by the Holy Spirit and love Christ and others in worship word and deed.  I look forward to the week ahead as we share our love with the community by supporting the Indialantic Chamber Singers Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., host a community “Trunk or Treat” this Friday October 25 at 5:30 and invite friends to the “Kirkin o’ the Tartans” next Sunday October 27 at 10 a.m.

The ministry and mission of Eastminster would not be possible without the dedicated service of many.  Praise God for excellent leaders and the many members and friends of this church who serve so faithfully and give so generously of time and talent as well as treasure.           

God Richly Provides!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

Front Row Left to Right: Pastor Tim, Grant Dearborn, Barbara Ray, Mary Larson, Pastor Kristy. Back Row Left to Right: Claire Gibbs, Scott Messel, Todd Uebele, Rick Schuette, Sara Van Driel, Jim Earp, Brooke Wheeler, Jim Morris and Nancy Fowler. Sunny Rudloff not pictured.

 

 

 

 

10-13-19

Tim’s Tidings

Today we welcome to worship Dr. Dan Turk, missionary co-worker in Madagascar.  Dan and his wife Elizabeth graciously opened their home to Julie and me on our sabbatical last year and opened our eyes to the tremendous richness of faith and physical needs of the people of drought-stricken Madagascar.

 

Dan will be sharing in both services and will be available after Saturday’s service to speak with youth and young adults and Sunday’s service to speak with adults further about ministry in Madagascar.  You have enriched this work through Eastminster’s “Mission Match” program as we were able to contribute to the following projects:

SUMMARY EASTMINSTER PC DONATION
ITEM	$
1. Mandritsara Seminary Water and Fruit Tree Extension Project	8,100
2. Mahatsinjo Fruit Tree Center	14,400
3. Water for Ankany Gazela Girls' Boarding Home	2,500
TOTAL	25,000

 

Praise God!

 

Today we begin looking ahead at what God would have us do as we give to God through Eastminster in 2020.  This year’s Stewardship theme is “God Richly Provides.”  It is based on I Timothy 6:17-19.

 

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

 

Each week members have volunteered to speak of God’s provision for them and how Eastminster has been a part of their growth as generous followers of Jesus.  On November 9-10, following a vigil of prayer, members and friends will consecrate good faith “Estimates of Giving” for 2020 which enable our leaders to plan for future ministry and mission.  On November 10 following worship we have a “Celebration Luncheon” where persons who attend both worship services gather to enjoy a great meal, welcome new members who joined in 2019, honor longstanding members and give God thanks for all the blessings we receive.  Please mark your calendars for the Celebration Luncheon.  It is one of the unifying events Eastminster holds and it is important to give God thanks and praise together.

 

Look forward to next week’s Volunteer Ministry recognition and the inclusion of children in worship, followed by the Kirkin o’ the Tartans and then All Saints weekend.  It’s wonderful to please God together through the power of Christ’s Spirit!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

09-15-19

Tim’s Tidings

My hope is that each of you invites friends to Back to Church Weekend this Saturday and Sunday at Eastminster.  There will be wonderful services of worship on Saturday night at 6 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10 a.m. followed by an old-fashioned Sunday Dinner of Fried Chicken and all the fixings topped off with Apple Pie Cupcakes.  There will be a magician present as well to entertain persons of all ages.  A wonderful banquet is being prepared.  Please plan to stay and enjoy the work of many wonderful cooks and servers.

Every week more and more people are worshipping at Eastminster.  God has placed a Spirit of welcome upon our community that is healing, encouraging and warm.  There is growth from learning God’s word and following God’s will, laughter that brings healing, a people and a purpose for all.  If this is your first time here, welcome.  May these words about Eastminster be true in your experience as well!  I encourage all to think of those you know who need such an environment and pray about inviting them to church in the weeks ahead.  This Sunday, we give a special welcome to families from the Eastminster Presbyterian Preschool!

This weekend packets for reading “The Bible in a Year” will be passed out.  Next week your pastors will begin a sermon series “The Bible in 52 Stories” where we will hit some high points of Scripture along the way to reading the Bible through. The Scriptures are divided out where there is reading from the New and Old Testaments every day, so it never gets boring.  Your pastors look forward to this adventure in Christian learning, growth and living with you! 

In your bulletin there is an announcement page which lists some of the many activities for enrichment at Eastminster.  All are welcome.  May I point out that there is a wonderful Bible Study Wednesdays at noon in the church Library which is just starting.  This is great for those who are retired or who work nearby and can take a break during the lunch hour.  For senior adults there is The Shepherd’s Center where 400 persons meet in a variety of courses every Thursday beginning September 26.  You may register for that today.  Finally note the opportunities for children and youth, support and recovery, music and worship.  There is more going on that can be mentioned, but there are persons with welcome badges available all weekend to answer any questions you have.

We are truly blessed!  With that blessing comes a promise and commitment.  In closing, I want to introduce a Scripture which is speaking to me at present from I Timothy 6:17-19.  You will hear more about this Scripture in the coming days:

 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

08-25-19

Tim's Tidings

This weekend is a time of thanksgiving for those who God raises up as elders in our church. A Presbyterian church is, by definition, a church which is ruled by “elders.”  Elders are those who the congregation nominates and elects to be the spiritual leaders of our affairs from setting vision and direction, to encouraging the members, worshippers and staff in their spiritual growth, to maintaining the finances, programs, property and policies of the church.  It is a huge responsibility which cannot be undertaken without energy, intelligence, imagination and love all tempered by spiritual discernment and teamwork.  The body on which the elders serve is called the “Session.”  Elders serve three-year rotating terms on the Session.

 

I say with all sincerity that the renewal Eastminster has and is experiencing is a direct result of the call to service and the competencies of your elders.  Elders who rotate off Session at this time include Bryan Becker, Ed Bowers, Melissa Ketterman, and Bill McCaslin.  We thank them for their service!

 

Bryan Becker served as the chair of our Missions Committee.  During his tenure our Missions giving has increased in both dollars given and time invested on the part of our congregation in mission beyond the local church. He also oversaw the recent “Mission Match” where our congregation raised $25,000 for relief to Madagascar and $25,000 for local mission relief over and above our budgeted giving. He has chaired a great committee on which he will continue to serve.

 

Ed Bowers served as the chair of the Nominating Committee and co-chair of Personnel and Administration.  Ed coordinated the congregation’s nomination of excellent leaders to guide our church, he ensured staff stability and excellence through the recruitment and care of staff members, and he helped shape and administer policies which give our church direction yet ability to be flexible to address the opportunities and challenges of ministry during this time.

 

Melissa Ketterman served as Clerk of Session, a role which coordinates the affairs of the church from setting the agenda for the board meetings, to keeping track of membership, baptismal and other rolls, to writing minutes of all proceedings, to making sure we do things “decently and in order.”  This is a huge role in which she served with excellence, thus maximizing the effectiveness of all our elders.  Melissa also serves on the Pastoral Relations Team, a team which provides me with invaluable wisdom and guidance.

 

Bill McCaslin served as chair of the Outreach Committee.  Bill first suggested the church form an Outreach Committee five years ago.  The Outreach Committee has led efforts to include the community in the life of the church, to welcome all persons genuinely, to practice hospitality, and to grow the church.  Their efforts are bearing fruit as Eastminster is recognized as a church of excellence in these areas, and Eastminster realized the highest net membership growth of the 60+ churches of our presbytery last year.

 

This Sunday we ordain and install elders for service in the class of 2022 and welcome a new Clerk of Session.  Elders being ordained and/or installed include Nancy Fowler, Richard Schuette, Todd Uebele, and Brooke Wheeler. Claire Gibbs will serve as our Clerk of Session.  In the process, we have broadened our committee roles, adding committees which relate specifically to Adult Education and Spiritual Formation and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  These committees will lead us to grow deeper in faith and ability to reach new generations for Jesus.  See the back of your worship guide for the roles of this year’s Session and the contact information for your elders.  Thank you, God, for those you call to serve as elders!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

08-18-19

Tim’s Tidings

 

 

Jesus has a special call to whom some describe as the “least, lost, lonely and last.”  I believe Jesus’ parables we are considering this summer bear that out.

 

As you remember from last week’s Scripture, Jesus says in effect: “Don’t mess with the kids (least) and don’t mess with those who are newer believers.”  He says: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:3-5)

 

The “littlest” have room to grow.  “Humble yourselves and receive the kingdom like one of these, be welcoming and hospitable to all” is the message.  Jesus goes on to say:

 

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. ¹² What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? ¹³ And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. ¹⁴ So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:10-14).

 

Are you feeling least, lost, lonely, last or little today?  Know you matter to God.  You matter to God!

 

God desires to be in relationship with us all.  God desires our worship and service.  God desires to forgive, love, heal and send us in ministry in every facet of life.  God desires that we who once were lost are now found.

 

Our purpose is to be found, filled and then fulfilled in community as we worship and serve God in Spirit and truth.  If you have been searching for God, keep it up.  Know that God is a God who wants to be found, and even searches and finds you and me.  That’s a great feeling, to know that angels watch over us night and day.  To know that God loves each of us “sheep” as if there were only one of us.  That we need never feel abandoned or afraid, but humble ourselves and be open to the God of love who cares for the least, last, lost, lonely and little.  God cares and all heaven rejoices when the lost are found!  Even you and me!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

07-14-2019

Summer is in full swing and Eastminster is ministering in may ways.  The July 4 "Salute to America" involved over 550 people for the concert, including 60 singers and the Melbourne Municipal Band.  Eastminster engaged in hospitality with many more members of the community, providing restrooms, water and serving 900 ice cream cones!  Our alternative viewing space in the fellowship hall accommodated over 100 people with excellent sound and video quality.  Way to go techies!

Thanks to Teresa Fleenor for overseeing the music and helping to coordinate the big picture, which involved scores of persons in providing security, hospitality, children's activities, food, and facilities readiness. I continue to receive kind words and notes about the event.

Please pray for our children and youth as summer is a key time for spiritual growth.  Our senior highs are at Montreat as I write and the middle schoolers just returned from Massanetta.  Over 50 children are in summer camp at Eastminster each week as directed by Eleni Yiapis.  Camps and conferences are a big part of the growth of children and youth.  Your generosity is enabling God to touch and be a part of their lives!

It is exciting to be part of Eastminster as it impacts people of all ages as we practice love of God and one another.  May you too experience renewal this summer!

07-07-19

Tim’s Tidings

 

In the rhythm of life at Eastminster July is “opportunity time.”  It is a time in which we seek to use the slowed down pace to develop ourselves spiritually and to get to projects that have been “left on the shelf” during the year.

 

What is it that you have always wondered about, dreamed about, said you were going to do?  Perhaps this is the month for you!  Who have you said, “I’d love to have coffee/a meal with her/him/them?” Maybe now is the time to get together.

 

July is also a good time to reflect.  Who are those persons in your life you would like to thank for influencing you, helping you in a time of need, inspiring you?  Maybe send a note or email, give a call, visit.  Expressing gratitude is healthy for the giver as well as the receiver and opens new doors to the soul.

 

What book (including the Bible) have you meant to pick up and read?  July might be the month to do it … or at least start.

 

When you have a moment of reflection, allow time to listen for God’s voice.  Jesus begins and ends the Parable of the Sower (Mark 20:1-20) with the word “listen.”  Being quiet and open can produce great direction and praying, as well as meditating, lifts up the needs of others even as it opens one to receive abundant blessings from God. 

 

Some people structure their prayer through the acronym, “ACTS.”  They take time in Adoration of God and God’s work, Confession of personal shortcomings of self and society, Thanksgiving for God’s goodness and gratitude for the blessings God brings, and Supplication, which is asking for the needs of self and others.

 

Another way to pray is through reading scripture such as the Parable of the Sheep and Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46.  Here we see Jesus’ concern for the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, those that need life’s basics such as good clothes and homes, those who are sick and those who are imprisoned.  As we read Scripture and see who are close to the heart of God, it’s good to pray for those people, circumstances and things, and act as able, so that “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

 

In this time of opportunity, I want to say thanks for the Eastminster family!  Your love, care, example, outreach, and the way you use your gifts of time, talent and treasure are inspiring.  The 4^th of July Concert was a great gift to the community.  This weekend you send youth to camp even as others come back.  We also baptize a youth by profession of faith, run a busy summer Christian preschool program, host interfaith dinners, and read Scripture, worship and pray together.  None of this could happen if God did not put us together.  So, enjoy July, take time to see and do things a bit differently, but do not neglect the habit of worshipping the God in Jesus who makes all things possible!

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Tim