September 27

Last weekend’s “Back to Church” events were a true example of a community in action. It took “all hands on deck,” members and staff alike, to create the wonderful atmosphere of worship, fellowship, ministry opportunities, and community outreach that was enjoyed. Significantly, the “Concerts at Eastminster” series kicked off which will bring great choral and instrumental music to the community throughout the year. Dr. John Lowe was guest organist and led an organ recital and hymn sing that involved our choirs as part of a larger “Festival Chorus” that was a truly amazing concert of praise! Thanks Kyle Jones, Worship Committee, head usher Steve Adams and many willing hands for bringing this to be. The Concert Series continues this Sunday at 3 p.m. with “An Afternoon of Chamber Music” featuring a stellar cast from the Florida Metropolitan Orchestra. It’s a good reason to continue to invite friends “Back to Church.” It is featured in the “Best Events” in Wednesday’s Florida Today. The Saturday evening 6 p.m. EPiC service featured great contemporary music, interactive worship, and an Ice Cream Social at Sunset. Trevor Garvey, our new worship leader, has his “sea legs” and is establishing a great team to lead music. Elder Nancy Fowler and her team of helpers created a wonderful environment of hospitality as they do each week. Spread the word about this Saturday alternative and come check it out if you haven’t yet! Sunday’s worship featured wonderful music by Dr. Lowe and singing by our Chancel Choir. It was a moving service after which we received new members Grant and Laura Dearborn and Winnie Schuster. Look for their bios in the Eastminster Light newsletter which will be coming out next week and be sure to greet them. After worship over 240 people were served what a 40 year member termed “the best meal she’s ever eaten at church.” Kudos to Nancy Marshall, Susan Vallette, Pam Dunn and scores of helpers that spent three days cooking from scratch, decorating and enjoying each other’s company as they made our church a place of “heart and soul” as well as excellent food! They will be involved in a reception for new members on October 18, a “Trunk or Treat” on October 30 and our Stewardship “Celebration Luncheon” on November 15 if you want to join in or come for great food and fellowship… or both! It was the Outreach Committee, led by elder Bill McCaslin and supported by the Rev. Juliann Whipple, that made the whole weekend work. Bill and team arranged for publicity, motivated all ministry groups to prepare information for a Ministry Fair after church, booked a bluegrass band to entertain outside and a magician to perform inside, and most importantly, encouraged us to invite friends, relatives and acquaintances to come “back to church.” The Outreach Team has come alive this year, fueled by generous gifts in memory of Betty Coleman and anonymous donors, to provide contexts for us to invite others into the community even as we reach outward. My hope is that we continue to be an invitational church… a church of New Beginnings … a church that spreads God’s love and grace, even as we experience it. I hope that we continue to grow in our faith so that what we give others reflects God’s best. The Back to Church Weekend was a significant step in the journey. May we continue to follow God’s lead! Blessings,