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