12/21/14

Back in the 1960s the Beatles wrote a Song, “Elinor Rigby.” The lyrics begin: Ah, look at all the lonely people Ah, look at all the lonely people Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been Lives in a dream Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door Who is it for? All the lonely people Where do they all come from? All the lonely people Where do they all belong? Loneliness is something we all experience in our lives. We part from a child or a loved one. We experience a lack in life. We move. We lose a close friend. Loneliness is different from solitude. One can feel lonely even in a crowd of people. Yet one can experience a richness and closeness to God and others in solitude. The Gospel of John is a declaration of God’s advent or coming so that we need never be lonely or feel forsaken. Today we read from John 3: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In John 14 Jesus states: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you." In Matthew Jesus says, “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” God has made us to be in relationship to God and one another. It is normal to feel lonely at times, but the truth is that we are never alone. God abides with us. This part of the wonder we celebrate at this time of year. One of the greatest cures for loneliness is to reach out and serve another human being. Who is it that you might reach out to today? Studies also state that joining a church and becoming involved lessens one’s loneliness. If you are without a church community, Eastminster is here for you. Members will be received at the conclusion of the service today. If you are here but not meaningfully involved with others, I am happy to speak with you about areas of service or simply to listen. As we journey through Christmas and into the New Year, I pray that God fills all our hearts and lives with love and richness, community and meaning. Blessings, Tim

November 16, 2014

This weekend we celebrate God’s graciousness as we dedicate our Estimates of Giving for 2015. It is a joy to return to the Lord a portion of what we have received for the work of Christ’s Kingdom! I look forward to celebrating that joy in worship and in fellowship after both services this weekend. There is much this week to remind me of joy. This week I have been reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. This is the story where a younger son asks for his inheritance early, which is a scandal in his society. He receives it from his Father and rushes off into a life of materialism and lavish, indulgent living. Once the funds are dried up and the party is over, he is humbled. He returns to the Father and before he can even ask for forgiveness, the Father runs to him and kisses him with compassion in his heart. Instead of being disciplined he is welcomed and honored. A party is planned. The older son gets jealous and the Father replies, “Son you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” I am joyous in that I see, as one of God’s children, what God has is mine. Yet even when I leave that secure place and run off on my own will, God welcomes me back. All heaven rejoices when that which is lost is found. In Simply Jesus N.T. Wright says, “The kingdom has come and is coming in Jesus. Jesus … is the link between heaven and earth.” In Jesus the sick are healed, the wanderers are welcomed, the lost are found. Wednesday I had the privilege to officiate with Pastor Ralph at the Service of Witness to the Resurrection of Joan Thomas. By the time you read this, two other saints, Doug Riddagh and Nathalie Clancy will have been commended to the Lord as well. A wedding will have taken place. In all the joy and in the sorrow, a loving Father welcomes us home, celebrates our faithfulness, and forgives our sin. This church and our faithfulness are part of God’s plan to bring the kingdom to full fruition. As we dedicate our giving and our “Estimates of Giving” today, may we rejoice that God has joyfully chosen us to be part of the kingdom. As we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, let’s remember that is God who chooses to use us together as Eastminster Presbyterian Church now. God will provide for all our needs… and God has a place prepared in the kingdom for us eternally. What a cause for deep joy! We are not lost… we are found. We are children of a compassionate God. Blessings, Tim

Nov. 9, 2014

God surprises us in many ways. As we go through the “Enriched” series we see that contrary to expectations of the times, God uses children to bless and enrich us. God gathers people from all races and countries around his Banquet Table to feast. God uses the unlikely such as the prostitute Rahab in God’s history of Salvation. And today’s text God uses a foreigner, a hated Samaritan to bring compassion, aid and abundant generosity to one who is wounded and left for dead. God surprises us in many ways. Back in our younger years, most adults would never have imagined being where we are and doing what we are doing now. Life has a way of working out in God’s time. The bumps and bruises make us stronger. The dead ends turn to streets of opportunity we would have never encountered if we rushed on our own. The people God puts along the road of life change us forever. God surprises us in many ways. As we return of our Estimates of Giving next weekend, I anticipate that God will surprise us with outpourings of generosity that will literally be life changing. Life changing for the giver in trusting the Lord. Life changing in the mission that ensues as Eastminster reaches out. God surprises us in many ways. I look forward to the journey ahead and to the Ice Cream “Sundae on Saturday” after worship on November 15 and the Celebration Brunch after worship on November 16. Please plan to stay for good food, fellowship and maybe a surprise or two! God surprises us in many ways. As I face the excitement of the surprises of life, I hold on to Proverbs 3:5-12: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. 13Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. As we look at the story of the Good Samaritan today, know that our Bible on the Communion Table is turned to Proverbs 3… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This is great wisdom for the journey ahead! Blessings, Tim

November 2, 2014

November is a big month in the life of Eastminster. Today we remember. We remember those who we have loved and even lived with who have passed on to God before us. It is a deeply felt time for me as my father died this year. So did my beloved administrative assistant, Betsy Vosburgh. Several friends and members of churches I’ve served, including Eastminster, also have died. On another but very personal level, I lost a dog, Sunday, who was with us for 17 years. What I have learned is that God is there in all my losses and grief. So are Christian friends. God’s presence allows me to feel pain more deeply… and pain that is not without hope and even joy. Today we remember. I suppose that there is not a person in the congregation that does not have a special someone that they want to lift up to be remembered by God. There will be a time to do that in worship today. In the pastoral prayer after communion there will be a time in which you may lift up, aloud or silently, the names of those who you love and commend to God’s care. Today we remember. A host of the “saints” of our church who passed away in the last year will be remembered by the calling of their name and the toiling of a bell. This is a tradition here and an honorable one. Today we remember. And I ask you to remember this. As a community of faith, when one suffers we all suffer… and when one rejoices we all rejoice. Do not grieve alone. Share your burden with a pastor and a friend. Lift it up to the Lord. Talk to me or a Stephen Ministry Leader, if you want a Stephen Minister to walk with you through this time. Today we remember. Remember the Word of God has comfort. Hebrews 13, the chapter after our scripture today says this: “We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Today we remember the “Saints” that lead the way for us. And as we remember, let’s remember to be faithful without ceasing to the Lord, the giver of life and the purchaser of life everlasting through Jesus Christ, His Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. May God’s Spirit fill us all with deep gratitude, even in grief and sorrow, and draw us closely together as… Today we remember. Blessings, Tim

October 26, 2014

Last week I attended the first four of our thirteen Stewardship Home Fellowship Gatherings. The most frequent comments are: “Thanks for sharing information so clearly,” “I enjoyed listening to others and sharing my thoughts” and “We should have more of these!” I sincerely hope you sign up today and attend one of the remaining nine gatherings if you have not done so yet. We will be a stronger church as a result! Stewardship is “wise management of all that God provides.” Some people categorize that which we manage as “3 T’s” … Time, Talent, and Treasure. God is the provider of life itself and all we enjoy as individuals and as a church. How we invest our time … how we use our talent… how we manage our material possessions matters to God. Jesus gives much instruction on stewardship in the Gospels. The theme of our sermon series, “Enriched” comes from how the early church lived out Jesus’ teachings. As the church grew in the gentile world, they had compassion on the church in Jerusalem which was struggling. The Apostle Paul helped collect and send an offering to the Jerusalem church. In II Corinthians 9 he writes: The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work….. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God…. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! May we too be “enriched in every way, to be generous in every way,” and in so doing, prompt thanksgiving to God. Blessings, Tim

October 5, 2014

Last Tuesday night about 40 “Elders” of our church gathered to discuss the future of the church and pray together. Elders, in a Presbyterian church, are ordained to be spiritual leaders. We are blessed to have excellent elders here! As we met I was reminded of our mission, which is: Led by the Holy Spirit, Eastminster exists to… Invite into Fellowship Equip for Service Reach out in Support And Serve our World for Jesus Christ It is exciting to see some ways in which our mission is being realized lately. People have been invited into fellowship through your efforts as led by the newly formed Outreach Committee. The Outreach Committee sponsored our fourth of July Celebration that hundreds form the community attended. They also sponsored the recent “Back to Church” Sunday and are providing an “Information Station” from which to be a friendly presence and allow visitors and members the opportunity to pick up church brochures, sermons and other information that helps orient on to the life of Eastminster. They also help sponsor the Discover Eastminster event which will occur next Sunday Morning at 8:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. You may register by the card in the bulletin today. Potlucks and after church fellowship over homemade cookies make it easy for us to get to know one another as well. Some ways we are being equipped to serve include the formation of the new Counterpoint Choir where youth grades 7-12 are spreading God’s word through song. Other ways include the three Sunday morning adult education classes that meet at 8:45, Children’s’ and youth fellowships, women’s circles and a new Parenting group. There are other traditional equipping opportunities such as the Brown Bag Bible Bunch… and new ones such as a morning Bible study are about to be launched. Reaching out in support is importantly as we enter the everyday world. Hopefully we all are learning and growing in our serving capacity. Yet we also have times that we need served. The Congregational Care Committee is a foundation for lots of support such as this. They are overseeing the revitalization of the Stephen Ministry which provides one to one care for persons in grief or crisis. The Dorcas Ministry provides support in the form of funeral receptions. His Hands is a group which visits regularly persons who need and desire contact. We also have a Samaritan Fund that helps persons in times of financial need. Finally, there are many ways we serve our world. We have recently doubled our feeding of homeless. We also recently engaged in a Seafarer’s Ministry and have adopted a cruises ship Freedom of the Seas. This summer we supplied students in our community and in El Salvador with school supplies and essentials for living that were desperately needed. There are many other ways we serve in mission and today you may learn about them in a Mission Fair following this service in the courtyard just outside the sanctuary. Please stay and enjoy some fellowship as together we fulfill the mission of Eastminster. I’m proud to be part of a church on the move that cares of people in ways that result in changed lives for Christ! Blessings, Tim

September 28, 2014

What a great “Back to Church” weekend we had last week! I was very impressed that many of you invited friends. We had about 15% first time visitors in our total attendance last weekend! Many of those went to the Ministry Fair after worship on Sunday and learned more about the 20 different program and service areas that were highlighted. Thank you elder Bill McCaslin and Outreach Committee for organizing this effort of “building our invitational muscles.” I believe one of the big pluses of purposefully inviting others to church is how many of you have told me that it was not “weird.” I am hearing that the videos on inviting others were fun and reduced any stigma of inviting someone to church. I am hearing that people were grateful for your invitation. They were honored that you counted them so meaningful in your life that you would share what is important and uplifting to you. I am also hearing that some who were not able to come last weekend do want to attend in the future. Way to go Church! Keep on inviting… it can make a huge difference in people’s lives! This week the Brown Bag Bible Study, which meets in the Library every Wednesday at noon for all interested, discussed the story of the Woman at the Well. In this account, Jesus approaches a woman and offers her “living water.” She is so excited that she tells her friends to “come and see.” She asks a question that they can answer for themselves, “Could he be the Messiah?” Jesus goes on to say that the “fields are ripe for the harvest,” that God’s Spirit is working with power in folks that just need an invitation to know Jesus more and a community to love and nurture them as followers of Jesus. We can do that! We can invite and we can help others grow in the Lord. And as we do, rest assured, we are but the laborers. It is God that causes the growth. Two final words: First our church is honored to host the Shepherd’s Center beginning this Thursday October 2. Registration forms are on the Information Station just outside the doors of the sanctuary. There are many very fine offerings for adult enrichment in a variety of subjects. I will be teaching a course, “Who is Jesus… to You? I would love for you to attend so we can grow together. Second, next Sunday is World Communion Sunday. We will celebrate our unity and solidarity with Christians around the world. Communion will be served with breads from various cultures to remind of us of our unity in diversity. There will be special music including leadership from a Hawaiian fellowship that has members in Indialantic. Invite a friend to come and worship on this special day. See you in Church, Tim

September 21, 2014

I extend a special welcome to all guests today during this Back to Church emphasis. I trust that for those who ventured to invite a friend, lightening didn’t strike. And we can tell that the walls didn’t cave in when those who might not have been in the church for awhile entered. Welcome to all! My hope is that what you find here is connection with God. Life is busy, confusing and stressful. We need God to guide us. We need to lift up prayers and know they are heard and answered. We need others around us to support us. And we need to give of ourselves to a ministry greater than ourselves to be complete. Today after worship, I invite the congregation to adjourn to the Fellowship Hall next door for refreshments and for a “Ministry Fair.” Twenty different ministries of the church will have information tables with members present to help us understand some of the avenues of enrichment and service that Eastminster offers. It is a great way to get a glance of many of the “parts of this body” that offer support, healing, enrichment and joy at Eastminster. Today is also “Joining Sunday.” Those that desire to become a member of Eastminster may meet up front by the pulpit after the service to be received as members. To become a member of Eastminster one professes that Jesus is Lord of your life and that you intend to live for God as part of this community of believers. In turn, the church promises to support you and seek to enhance your relationship with God and others. Whether you are here for the first time or have been here for a long time… My prayer is that you experience closeness to God and others here. We are designed to worship God and enjoy God together. It seems that when that happens regularly, lots of the other aspects in life fall into place. Know that I am open to having a conversation with you personally. My email address and phone number are below. May we enjoy this day and life as followers of Jesus on the road ahead! Blessings, Tim

September 14, 2014

As we mark the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, we realize that there are forces of violence and evil that run counter to God’s ultimate plans for a peaceable community. Today, we gather with full appreciation of those who defend and serve our country within and beyond its borders. To our veterans and to those currently engaged in one of the service branches, to those in the law enforcement, fire and medical professions… and to your families… we say thanks! To those who teach and lead and promote peaceable solutions to conflict, we say thanks! Our freedom to live, worship and grow as Christians is gained by the toil of many. May we be grateful…and may our hearts go out today to the many who are persecuted… such as the Christians in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, Africa, Asia, and even in North and South America. Political, social and religious freedom are often connected. As such, let’s not take our freedoms lightly. Next Sunday is “Back to Church Sunday.” Enjoy the freedom to invite friends and neighbors to church without fear of the persecution many face for doing so. Share your faith “as you are going” through your daily rounds. Give God in Christ the praise, service and glory God desires as we are part of God’s plan for the redemption of a broken world. May we be peacemakers in our homes, schools, community and organizations, even as we pray for spiritual protection and benefit from physical protection. In the midst of conflict Paul encourages, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heats and your minds in Christ Jesus…. And the God of peace will be with you.” Gracious God, be with your people around the world. Thank you especially for those who spread your Word… and for those who protect and serve! Blessings, Tim Good News *Average weekly worship attendance was up 25% in August 2014 over August 2013. *A new Parenting Support Group was launched this week with 15 participants.

September 7, 2014

Last Monday we celebrated Labor Day. According to the US Department of Labor, Labor Day is “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” As followers of Jesus we are called to labor too. God desires us to use our gifts for God in service to God’s plans for redemption of the world. In Ecclesiastes it is affirmed that even though sometimes we labor not seeing the big picture, that God makes “everything beautiful in its time.” As such, we are called to enjoy life… to eat, drink and work with joy… knowing that God’s blessings and beauty will flow through what we do. In today’s Gospel lesson we encounter the parable of laborers in the vineyard. Here different workers are hired at different times through the day. In the end, they get the same wage—and the ones who start last get paid first! Lots to chew on here! As I reflect on this scripture, I do know one thing…. It is never too late to give one’s life to God’s service… or to recommit one’s life. In my ministry, I have had the opportunity to baptize fifth generation members in the same church and to work with persons in their 90’s as they come to a relationship with the Lord. One thing is constant… God loves us all and calls us by name in due time and season. And in the end for the faithful, there comes abundant and eternal life. And we receive abundant life not from hard work… but from grace… The grace that is evidenced as we break bread and drink from the cup of Communion today. Jesus labored to the death and God raised him to show what we can expect. So may you find joy in your “toil” for the Lord. May you, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). May we serve well in this community together, learning from our teachers, being cared for by our caregivers and encouragers, being led wisely by our leaders, and being inspired by those who sing and proclaim God’s Word in worship. Sometimes our service seems like “toil,” but in the end, we receive much more than we deserve… “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). May you find joy in labor … and in the grace of God in Jesus!

August 24, 2014- Transistions

This weekend is one of transitions at EPC as we welcome new members, thank elders who have served their terms faithfully, ordain and install a new class of elders, and celebrate the ministry of the Rev. Jennifer McGee. It is a joy and an honor to receive new members. New members being introduced include David Arnold, John Frankenburger, and Margarette Roberts. David is a resident of Cocoa Beach. He is employed as a musician at Walt Disney World and is already singing in our Chancel Choir. David is transferring from Riverside Presbyterian Church, where his father was the director of music for over 40 years! John is worships primarily at EPC’s contemporary worship service, EPiC. John is very knowledgeable about music and plays several instruments. He also is adept at managing sound. John comes by letter of transfer from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melbourne. Margarette is married to Ronald (“Ronnie”). She is a retired registered nurse. Margarette’s hobbies include stamping, sewing, working out, volunteering at the hospital, and at Daily Bread with other EPC members. She is joining by letter of transfer from Three Chopt Presbyterian Church in Richmond. Ronnie is Catholic and attends here as well. They have one son, Ron, who is in the Air Force. Elders who have faithfully served their terms include Cindy Earp (Children, Youth and Family Ministry), Nancy Fowler (Worship), Linda Hollington (Children, Youth and Family Ministry), and Jim Short (Facilities). These elders helped start a “new chapter” in the life of EPC and serve faithfully. Cindy Earp will continue serving as she has agreed to fill an unexpired term on session. We are grateful for their dedication to the Lord through this church! Thank you!!! Elders to be ordained/installed this weekend include Steve Adams (Facilities), Don Dawson (Outreach and Communication), Karen Delos Santos (Children, Youth and Family Ministry), and Nancy Marshall (Congregational Care). They were elected by the congregation in May, went through a period of training and were examined by our session to get to this point. Their talents and energy will greatly benefit our ministry in the days and years to come! Welcome!!! Today we celebrate the ministry of Pastor Jennifer McGee. Jennifer began at Eastminster as a youth. Later, she attended Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta and has served in a variety of positions in ministry beyond EPC as well as here. Jennifer blesses the lives of many in our congregation, and has many gifts including preaching, teaching and pastoral care. She is one of the finest colleagues in ministry with whom I’ve had the privilege of serving. We will recognize Jennifer after 10 a.m. Sunday worship with a reception. On August 30 Jennifer will be recognized at Epic worship. She will preach on both August 30 and 31. Jennifer, may God bless you richly and continue to use you in comforting and changing lives for the glory of God!!!

August 17, 2014

I’ve missed you! Two weeks away is a long time… but it has been fun, productive and refreshing. I spent one week at Columbia Theological Seminary worshipping and reading by day, fellowshipping with friends at meals, and helping sons pack up for graduate school by night. I was able to accomplish my reading goals and look forward to preaching and teaching on the person and mission of Christ this fall. Julie joined me in Atlanta and we then went on vacation visiting friends in Birmingham and Sarasota, and being with family in New Orleans and Pensacola. We also had a nice day at the Saint Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. It has taken me a week to lose the weight gained enjoying the cuisine along the way! Speaking of food… thanks to all who made the potluck with the Eastminster Presbyterian Church and the Preschool such a great success! About 150 people were fed and there was great fellowship. Thanks to Director Elizabeth DesChenes, Kitchen Coordinator Becky Rowley and Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry Julie Rogers-Martin for such fine coordination of efforts to make the evening a success! Today we bless the backpacks (and children and teachers) of those returning to school! We will also pray for the recipients of the 50 backpacks you contributed to kids in need through Master’s Workshop. Missions Elder Sunny Rudloff reports that the backpacks were well received with prayers of praise for the givers! Praise God for your extravagant generosity! Please pray for our staff and session as we go into retreat this Saturday. We will be firming up plans for the coming year, looking at our stewardship and mission emphases, and welcoming a new class of elders. Our elders elect are Steve Adams, Don Dawson, Karen Delos Santos, and Nancy Marshall. The elders that will be rotating off session with highest thanks for service to Christ and the church are Nancy Fowler, Linda Hollington and Jim Short. Cindy Earp has agreed to continue for one more year. For that we are grateful! Elders will be ordained and installed next Saturday and Sunday at our services of worship. Plan to be present on August 24 at 10 a.m. for Pastor Jen’s Farewell. See the bulletin announcements for details on signing a gift for Jen and an opportunity to contribute to a love offering. Jen will also be bid farewell on August 30 at the 6 p.m. EPiC worship if you cannot be present on the 24th. We are so blessed by her ministry here and the legacy of care she leaves! May all of you have a wonderful start of the new season. May we glorify God in all we do and say! Blessings, Tim

"Be still and know I am God." Psalm 46:10

July 27, 2014

The more I read the Psalms… the more I appreciate David.

David sought to live with integrity.  He sought to be accountable to God.  For example Psalm 26 starts:

Vindicate me, O Lord,

for I have walked in my integrity,

 and I have trusted in the Lord without

wavering.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me;

test my heart and mind.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes,

And I walk in faithfulness to you.

 

Being open to God allows David to grow and serve well.

 

Reflecting on the Psalms allows us to grow and serve well too.  I hope you are continuing in your reading and reflection.  Over the years, when I work with leaders and we pray, listening for God’s Word, what is often heard is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”  What an affirmation of God’s protection and power… that as we quiet our lives and put them before the Lord, God will be present!  Sometimes that’s all we need to know to journey forth from fear to faith… from chaos to peace.

 

Another  leader that benefitted from Psalms, is Martin Luther, a guiding light in the Protestant Reformation.   Luther was assailed by critics as he promoted reforms based on scripture, faith, and direct connection with God through Jesus Christ.  In the midst of grief and chaos, Luther wrote many hymns.  Perhaps one of his most famous is based upon Psalm 46 which we examine today.  It is title is “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”  I commend verse 2 to you for comfort and confidence today:

 

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus it is He.

Lord Sabaoth His name,

And he must win the battle.

 

God may we present ourselves to you, be still and know you are God, and from that experience be serve as you lead, knowing the battle has already been won.

 

Blessings,

Tim

July 13, 2014

Tim’s Tidings

“This is the Day the Lord has made!  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”  So goes the call of the Psalmist as God’s people gathered for worship in the time of David.  Today we still gather to praise God, and we have many reasons for rejoicing.

In that light, as part of our offering today, there are yellow stars or “bright spots” inserted in your bulletin.  You are encouraged to write a joy or thanksgiving you have in your life on the “bright spot” and put it in the offering plate along with your offering.  Your bright spot might relate to the ministry of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  It might be a member or staff person who shows compassion, a Bible study or program that enriches you, the feeling you receive being on the grounds, the beauty of music and worship, a mission outreach we have.  Your “bright spot” might be a family member or friend who has been there for you and shown you love.  God might be the bright spot in your life as God has sustained you.  Pick one “bright spot” today and offer it to God.  We will collect the bright spots and post them in the Christian Ministry Center, creating a wall of joy.

One way God is using this church is in reaching out to children and youth.  Today we will receive a report from Steve and Tamara Correll on mission work done in El Salvador with the Compassion International children which a good number of members of EPC support.  We also welcome back the youth who went to the Montreat Youth Conference and the Fruitland Park Music Conference last week.  They will be sharing some of their experiences next week.  Finally, note that there are just a couple of weeks left in our collection of school supplies for Master’s Workshop.  The deadline is Monday July 28.

In every year there are bright spots and challenges.  This year is no exception for Eastminster. Your session has called a Congregational Meeting at 11 a.m. next Sunday July 20 to present a mid-year review of our ministries.   All members and interested guests are encouraged to attend this meeting, which will last about 30 minutes.  The Congregational Meeting will provide a snapshot of our giving, outreach, educational and worship ministries.  Our goal is to move forward together in revival and revitalization with honesty, transparency and love.  It is a joy to me to be on this journey together!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

July 6

Tim’s Tidings

As you read this we will have finished a very full week!  My view of summer is that it is “opportunity time” rather than down time.  We take a break from some of the usual things we do… yet we also do things we couldn’t during the other seasons of the year.

Last Sunday our church commissioned youth to go to the Montreat Youth Conference and to the Leesburg Choir Camp.  They are there now, and they will have a full week of growth.  A recent survey of ministers revealed that fully 40% of them were influenced in their calls to Christian service at events such as these.  Please remain in prayer for Christ to transform our youth and their leaders… and in turn influence our faith and the spiritual life of our church as they return.

Wednesday night your Session held a Congregational Forum to report on and discuss recent actions of the General Assembly.  There were about 70 members in attendance… all who offered prayer and encouragement as we wrestle with being faithful in an age of change.  It was affirmed that what will not change is:

1.       The Lordship of Jesus Christ—he is Lord and head of the church … our one foundation.

2.       The Authority of Scripture as guide to the Christian life.  It’s through Scripture, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, that we know God in Christ and grow best.

3.       Belief in God, Father, Son, and Spirit as expressed in the Apostles Creed and other Creeds contained in the Book of Confessions.

4.       Belief that God is the judge not us, but we are to prayerfully seek to live righteous lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture.

5.       The fact that our church has the ability to determine the ways in which this church is used, who our officer’s are, and how we invest our human and financial resources in the ministry of God.

Flyers on the key actions of General Assembly are available at pcusa.org.  White sheets on the issues of marriage and divestment researched and written by our Clerk of Session, Jack Rowley, are available on the information table.  These are reliable guides to understand issues and to share with friends who may be misinformed by less reliable reporting.

Finally, thanks to the many who worked to make the Fourth of July a key outreach for Eastminster.  We were able to show hospitality and love to hundreds of people in the community through wonderful music by a 60 member choir led by Kyle Jones, a 40 member band led by Stacie Cleveland, and ice cream, water and use of restrooms provided by our church and generous individuals.  We also passed out newly created church brochures made by our Outreach Team to those in attendance.  Thanks to Steve and Anne Adams, Nancy Fowler, and Bill McCaslin for serving as leaders of large teams, and to Sexton Art Paddock and the rest of our staff for being patient and helpful through the many events this week. 

Great ministry church!

Tim

Electing Elders & Discovering Eastminster

May 18, 2014

Today the Session of our church has called a Congregational Meeting for the election of Ruling Elders to lead and govern our church.  In Presbyterian governance, our leaders are elected by the active members of the congregation. 

Presbyterians have a Constitution that has two parts. Part I is the Book of Confessions.  It illuminates what we believe, while making clear that the Bible is the chief authority for faith and life.  Part II is The Book of Order. The Book of Order outlines our governance.  This is what it says about ruling elders:

As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders (pastors), exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session.

The Nominating Committee (which is elected by the congregation) will place into nomination five persons to be elected as elders, one for a two year term and four for three year terms. All active members of our congregation will be allowed to discuss and vote to elect elders.  Pray for the Holy Spirit not only in the election, but also in the service of our elders… and all of us(!) as we seek to be a faithful church that pleases God by what it does and says.

Please note that EPC will hold a “Discover Eastminster Day” from 8:45 a.m. until noon on June 8.  This will be a time to meet our elders and to learn more about Presbyterian churches and specifically about the life and ministry of Eastminster.  It is open to all persons— non-members and members.  Non members will have an option of joining Eastminster at the conclusion of Discover Eastminster. You may sign up by tearing off the form in the announcements and placing it in the offering plate or submitting it to the church office.  I hope to see you there!

 

 

A Mother's Perspective

Today’s ‘Tim’s Tidings’ is a humorous but poignant blog by Jennifer Koppelman Hutt.  It gives a Mother’s perspective of parenting, motherhood, and the passing of generations.  Thank you God for good Mothers!

I'm not sure when it happened for the first time, but lately, I'd say two mornings a week and some evenings, too, I announce to my teenage son and preteen daughter, "I quit!"

I'm not referring to my employment... Oh no, I love that! I am referring to being their mother, which I also love. But some days, weeks, nights and months they make me crazy and make me want to run away to ANYWHERE!

And I know I'm not alone in this feeling. In fact, earlier today, my sister called and suggested we run away for Mother's Day (she's got three teenagers)!

We love our babies. A lot. Both my sister and I would shrivel up and die were the unthinkable to happen. Bleh. I'm nauseated just by that last sentence.

But no one can rile us up more than our kids. No one can bring us to the brink of rage and right back to love like our kids.

No one can make us want to pull both our hair out and theirs like our kids.

And isn't this the great omission of mommyhood?! Mixed with that incredible joy, laughter and undying love can also exist intense anger and intolerance. Oh and crippling anxiety over the well-being of the babies. Though they slept through the night at the end of year one, I didn't sleep through the night until my kids were 10 and 12!

And that adage "You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child..." is so true -- but compound that by adding "and you'll be blaming yourself for any discomfort that child is having..."

My sister can suggest we run away for a day. And I can talk her off the ledge while she does the same for me because our mother isn't here anymore. She died almost four years ago, and Mother's Day has an entirely different meaning and feeling for us now.

When we lose our mother, we lose our anchor, our judge, our jury, our best friend, our mentor, our mommy. And certain days, like her birthday and Mother's Day, highlight that absence just a little too much for me to bear.

Still, we will embrace Mother's Day as we should -- for our children. I've let them know in advance I'd like cupcakes and a new iPod with a speaker dock. Oh, and I'd like no fighting, no screaming, early bedtime and no complaints.

At least I'm guaranteed to get an iPod.

 

The Living Christ

I wish each and every one a blessed Easter!

If you have not been at Eastminster before… or have not been here for awhile… know that your presence is deeply appreciated!  Eastminster is in an “Easter Season” of its own—a time in which God is being experienced afresh and leading the church in exciting directions. 

So relax and enjoy worshipping God today.  Let the music and the Word, the sights, sounds and smells, bring you close to God, who loves you dearly and gave his Son that you might have Life.  Lift up prayers as we worship.  Praise God.  Thank God.  Ask God for help and guidance.  Give God your burdens.  Release your prayers and feel relief as the blessings flow.

My prayer this Easter is that we focus on the living Christ rather than the empty tomb.  May we proclaim Christ crucified and raised and alive by the power of the Holy Spirit.  May we live in assurance of Jesus’ promise:  “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  May God’s Holy Spirit—God with us now-- roll the stone away from those “dark places” in our hearts and lives where hurts, wrongs, unforgiven sins, and resentments dwell.  May we surrender into loving, saving arms and come away stronger for having worshipped this day!

Welcome to worship.  I hope that this is an exciting day of a renewed spiritual journey for you and for Eastminster.  I’d love to get to know you and hear your story, so feel free to contact me or one of the other pastors as you desire.  God puts us together for a reason… let’s explore together.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

321-608-8081
tmartin@epcfl.org

 

When the Going Gets Tough...

April 13, 2014 

Today is Palm Sunday… the day that Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem on a donkey… he showed majesty and humility that day.  The crowds loved it.  They lined the streets.  They threw down their cloaks.  They waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”  Then they fell away when the going got tough.

That’s a shame… and most mature Christians know why.  Most mature Christians know that it’s those “tough times” that make life meaningful in the end.  It’s the times we are stretched and nearly broken, bruised by life yet not beaten that give us character and substance.  Nearly no one wants to go through such times … but many make it to the other side and say, “I came away stronger!”

That’s my hope for us as a church and especially for our children and youth.  That, as the tough times come, we stand strong in Christ together.  That we support one another when we face the storms and stresses of the world.  That we encourage one another across the age groups.  That the senior members of our congregation in years, faith and life experiences look back and offer a hand up to the emerging generations.

Saturday our youth group, Eastminster Power and Light, kicked off a new season of ministry under the leadership of Julie Rogers-Martin and a dedicated group of advisors.  They will form a close Christian community within our embrace.

Following the Sunday 10 a.m. worship, the Youth Room will be dedicated to God’s glory and in the hope that our kids come through the tough times of life stronger and resilient in their faith.  In your worship guides today are colored cards where you may write your hopes and prayers for our youth.  Those who are able are asked to come to the Youth Room on the second floor of the Christian Ministry Center for a brief service of blessing following worship. There is an elevator just inside the door of the Center.  Those that are not able to come may leave your “Hopes and Prayers” cards in baskets as you leave.

As we journey through this week with Christ, let’s hang tough with him… remembering the suffering he endured as we gather together on Maundy Thursday (April 17) for music by harpist Angie Beemis at 6:30 p.m.  and a Service of Darkness at 7:00 p.m. … and as we gather for an Easter Vigil at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday April, 19 the night before Easter.  May these be the times of seasoning!

And may we celebrate the Light… Easter Day at 6:30 a.m. sunrise, 8:15 and 10:00 a.m.…. and even today as we kick off a new season of ministry with children and youth.  May our youth prove to be as resilient and strong as the adults who guide this church through times of challenge and joy.

Blessings,

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

April 6, 2014 

Today’s scripture (Mark 10:46-52) takes place in the city of Jericho.  I imagine Jericho as being somewhat similar to our area here as Jericho is described in the Old Testament as the “City of Palm Trees.”  Jericho is a lush oasis like area where there is an abundance of water in a hot and dry land.

In the Old Testament Jericho is known from the story of “Joshua and the Battle of Jericho which secured the Israelite’s entrance into the Promised Land.  In the New Testament we know Jericho as the place where Zacchaeus lived and was changed by Jesus.  Finally we know of the road from Jericho up to Jerusalem as being a rocky, bandit infested way in which the parable of the Good Samaritan is set.

In today’s Scripture Jesus and the disciples are on a journey to Jerusalem in the last days  of Jesus life.  He is leaving Jericho followed by crowds when a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, calls out to him for mercy.

The crowd tells him, “Hush!” but Jesus asks him a question: “What do you want me to do  for you?”

If Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you…?”  How would you answer?  Would you have a long “laundry list” of requests for yourself… almost like a list  for Santa Claus?  Would you, like Bartimaeus, pray for healing and health?  Would your prayers go out for a loved one?  For the disadvantaged for of the world?

If Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you…?” How would you answer?

This is a good question to reflect upon as we go through this time leading to Easter.  We  will have ample opportunity to reflect and pray… not only on Sundays… but as we gather  for perhaps the holiest of nights on Thursday April 17 at 7 p.m. to observe a “Service of Darkness” with some of the most moving music of the year and again on Saturday April   19 at 6 p.m. for an Easter Vigil where we literally travel from communion, through the garden, to the fire where Peter betrayed Jesus and end at the foot of the Cross.  Consider making time for these events and personal time to reflect…

What do you want me to do for you?  … Listen for God’s answer… and

Then be sure to be present on Easter as we proclaim “What marvelous things God hath done!”

What are the Odds?

March 23, 2014

In the world of college basketball, we are now in “March Madness.”  This is when the best basketball teams in the country compete to be the national champion.  These teams are “seeded” in a bracket that many people use to predict who the champion will be.

This year the ritual of picking the champion is receiving a lot of publicity as billionaire Warren Buffet and a business interest have put up a one billion dollar prize for the person who correctly predicts the outcome of every game in the tournament.  One small catch … The odds of correctly predicting the tournament are 1 in 9.2 quintillion.  That’s 1 in 9,200,000,000,000,000,000. 

So the good news is that you have a chance.  The reality is the odds are “slim and none.”

What do you think the odds makers would list the chances of a camel fitting through the eye of a needle?  My hunch is that they would be even higher than 1 in 9.2 quintillion!  

Yet Jesus says in Mark 10:25:   "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."   This shocked the disciples and probably disheartened them as they gave up their lives, families, jobs   and homes to follow him.

That doesn’t bode well for any of us here today either.  We are all certainly rich by global standards.  And even in our most devout moments, I hardly think we would out-disciple the original disciples by much (I’d hope we pass up Judas!).

So what should we do… give up?  Sigh at the long odds and play the game?  Scripture says the disciples, “were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’"  That’s a good question if the odds are so high!

 Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). 

For God all things are possible.  Now I like those odds!  Perhaps Kingdom life is not just about hustle and effort and even luck.  Perhaps it is relying on the love and grace of God… for whom “all things are possible.”  May God bless you and provide just what you need… today and every day… even to entrance in the God’s kingdom through faith in Christ!

 

 

Discovering Eastminster

March 16, 2014

It is with deep gratitude that I thank the Session and Congregation for the beautiful Service of Installation and Reception that followed last Sunday.  What a joy to worship God in the presence of representatives of the larger church.  Our guests were quite complimentary of our congregation and they experienced joy and beauty in our worship and warmness in our hospitality. I am humbled and honored to be your pastor!

This Saturday and Sunday following worship there is an opportunity to join Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  Becoming a member of the church involves a profession of Jesus as Lord, an intension to live under the power of God’s grace, and being faithful in the ministry and mission of the congregation.  Joining a church has proven to be of significant spiritual benefit.  When we say “I’m in” to God and a Christian community, our minds seem to become more steadfast in our relationships of love of God and others.

For those who join and those who are curious, there will be a Discover Eastminster day on Sunday April 6 from 8:45 am until 12:30 pm.  We will meet in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and then go on a tour of the facilities and meet some key leaders of the church.  The group will worship together at 10 am.  After we will reconvene, examine some basics of being a Presbyterian, and will have a time of questions and answers.  There is a sign up “Tear off” card in the announcements to place in the offering for those who would like to come and learn.  Discover Eastminster is open to non-members and members alike.  Childcare is provided upon request.

Also in the bulletin is a postcard concerning “The Final Teachings of Jesus” sermon series that starts next week.  Please pass it on to a friend, relative, neighbor, or acquaintance. This series will take us through Easter and will look at those last teaching opportunities of Jesus as recorded in Mark 10, the story of Palm Sunday in Mark 11, and the account of the Resurrection in Mark 16.  I hope we grow deeper in faith and knowledge through this series, through our personal Lenten prayers and devotions, and through participation in other worship, fellowship, service and study activities that are part of this Season.

May they know we are Christians by the light we bear… and by our Love!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

What is Lent Really?

March 9, 2014

Last Wednesday I celebrated “Ash Wednesday,” the start of Lent, with Eastminster Presbyterian preschoolers and families in the morning and with our congregation and community in the evening. Throughout the day questions came up concerning the meaning of Lent. To observe Lent well, it is good to have a sense of the meaning of these forty days, excluding Sundays before Easter.

Lent originated as a time for preparation for Easter.  During that time Christians repent… we turn from attitudes, thoughts and practices that fail to honor God.  We seek to reorient to God’s will and direction for our lives and community.  Martin Luther taught that the essence of Christian life is turning away from self centeredness and toward God.  During Lent we focus on repentance and reorientation.

Some questions that may help do this include:  What are my habitual sins?  In what ways am I living a Lukewarm Christianity and how might I turn to love God wholeheartedly?  What prayers and actions will lead me closer to God in Christ?  To whom might I/we want to be accountable for change besides God?

In this sense, Lent is the spiritual equivalent of an annual physical.  It’s a time to take stock of our lives and hearts.  It’s a time to live our way to a deeper faith by self-examination, self-denial, acts of compassion, and deeper practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation.

In my life I have found two things.  A simple Lenten practice is to give up at least one thing that keeps me from God and add one thing that brings me closer.  For instance one year in my Lenten season I resolved to “eat less and pray more.”

A second practice is to have prayer and accountability partners.  They help us grow and keep on the path of God’s will.  You will meet two of my prayer and accountability partners Sunday afternoon if you come to the Service of Installation.  They are Scott and Jane.  Such partners help us not trivialize the spiritual life and keep us focused on growth and glorification of God.  For instance, the Lent I resolved to “eat less and pray more,” I had already shared with Scott my sense that I was not glorifying God by my physical condition and I resolved to change it.  So when I said I would “eat less and pray more,” he asked “and what about the exercise?  Nailed!

The bottom line is we have an occasion to get serious about our spiritual lives and Christian walk right now.  May we use this season to grow as individuals and supportive members of this faith community!  Let me or another Christian know how we might be helpful in your development in the direction of life God desires.  We don’t have to journey through Lent alone!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

 

 

God’s heart for the world

Feb. 9, 2014

We have been examining the theme of “LOVE” for several weeks now.  Today we focus on seeking to conform our hearts to what is close to God’s heart … to fall in love with those things about which God is passionate .

Our scriptures today from Isaiah 58 and Luke 14 focus on caring for those who might seem to be neglected … on having a heart for the people and situations that might be left out at first pass.  The pattern is not simply to “do good”….  It is to love God and seek to have God’s heart for the world.

Several of our members and friends have been reading the book, Crazy Love, by Francis Chan.  He offers some wise advise and asks some deep questions.  Here is a sampling for our reflection:

·         The point of Life is to point to Him.

·         Are we in love with God or just His stuff?

·         How we live our days is how we live our lives.

·         Will we choose what is popular or what is right?

·         Ask God to save you from sin … not just sin’s penalty.

·        Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.

·         God does not just want good theology, God wants us to know Him and love Him.

·         What are you doing now that requires faith?

Jesus models God’s love and mission.  He says, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (John 10:10) …  “I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (Luke 19:10) … and he challenges us: “A new command I give you, love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

May we be a church with hearts that beat in rhythm with God’s heart and lives that radiate the very love of God, who first loved us!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

tmartin@epcfl.org           (321) 723-8371 ext. 217