We celebrate World Communion Weekend. This weekend over 2 billion Christians from around the world will celebrate communion as act of unity in Christ. That’s over 25% of the world’s population!
As we gather around the table today, plan to “rejoice and respond.” Make a mental list of those things for which you rejoice. Offer them to God as “thank you” prayers. In the quietness of the moments, as the bread and cup are shared, ask God how God would have you respond to the blessings you receive.
We will be looking at the dynamic of “rejoice and respond” over the next several weeks. In the fall season, traditionally associated with harvest, Eastminster emphasizes the practice of good stewardship as returning to the Lord a portion of what we have received for the promotion of Christ’s mission in the world.
First, we will rejoice as we meet in home groups and get to know one another and discern God’s will for Eastminster’s ministry in the years ahead. In your bulletin today is a flyer listing 16 home groups. Every worshipper is asked to pick one to attend a 90 minute gathering to enjoy simple refreshments, share, be informed, and help shape the ministry path of the church. This is a time to celebrate and be informed about Eastminster’s direction. No one will be asked for money at any of these events. You may sign up by returning the flyer in the offering plate, using the sign up table outside the sanctuary, or signing up online.
Second, we will look at the theme of rejoicing and responding in scripture in relation to Children (October 17-18), Heritage (October 25, Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans), Worship (Nov. 1) and Mission (Nov.7- 8). During this time the financial needs and ministry opportunities of the church during 2016 will be highlighted.
Third, on November 14-15 we will celebrate “Consecration Sunday” and return during worship our Estimates of Giving for 2016. Estimates of Giving are good will statements by worshippers of what they will give to God through the church during 2016. This helps Eastminster’s leaders plan well. We will celebrate in good Presbyterian fashion with good food and fellowship over this weekend.
Finally on November 21-22 we will give thanks to God in traditional and contemporary services of worship. Stay posted for more details concerning all the above.
Know that I rejoice here in my ministry with you. It is a high honor to be selected as your installed pastor last Sunday. Your affirmation is awesome, and I respond with my pledge to serve you well in dependence as God’s Spirit gifts and guides. I am convinced that although we have a long road ahead of us, God will be faithful and God’s blessings bountiful as we “rejoice and respond” together!
Blessings, Tim
Friday, October 2, 2015
October 4
We celebrate World Communion Weekend. This weekend over 2 billion Christians from around the world will celebrate communion as act of unity in Christ. That’s over 25% of the world’s population!
As we gather around the table today, plan to “rejoice and respond.” Make a mental list of those things for which you rejoice. Offer them to God as “thank you” prayers. In the quietness of the moments, as the bread and cup are shared, ask God how God would have you respond to the blessings you receive.
We will be looking at the dynamic of “rejoice and respond” over the next several weeks. In the fall season, traditionally associated with harvest, Eastminster emphasizes the practice of good stewardship as returning to the Lord a portion of what we have received for the promotion of Christ’s mission in the world.
First, we will rejoice as we meet in home groups and get to know one another and discern God’s will for Eastminster’s ministry in the years ahead. In your bulletin today is a flyer listing 16 home groups. Every worshipper is asked to pick one to attend a 90 minute gathering to enjoy simple refreshments, share, be informed, and help shape the ministry path of the church. This is a time to celebrate and be informed about Eastminster’s direction. No one will be asked for money at any of these events. You may sign up by returning the flyer in the offering plate, using the sign up table outside the sanctuary, or signing up online.
Second, we will look at the theme of rejoicing and responding in scripture in relation to Children (October 17-18), Heritage (October 25, Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans), Worship (Nov. 1) and Mission (Nov.7- 8). During this time the financial needs and ministry opportunities of the church during 2016 will be highlighted.
Third, on November 14-15 we will celebrate “Consecration Sunday” and return during worship our Estimates of Giving for 2016. Estimates of Giving are good will statements by worshippers of what they will give to God through the church during 2016. This helps Eastminster’s leaders plan well. We will celebrate in good Presbyterian fashion with good food and fellowship over this weekend.
Finally on November 21-22 we will give thanks to God in traditional and contemporary services of worship. Stay posted for more details concerning all the above.
Know that I rejoice here in my ministry with you. It is a high honor to be selected as your installed pastor last Sunday. Your affirmation is awesome, and I respond with my pledge to serve you well in dependence as God’s Spirit gifts and guides. I am convinced that although we have a long road ahead of us, God will be faithful and God’s blessings bountiful as we “rejoice and respond” together!
Blessings, Tim
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