12-17-17

Tim’s Tidings

Joy and celebration.  That’s what God experiences when we “come home.” 

Perhaps no other story illustrates this better than the parable Jesus told of the “wayward” or prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.  This son insulted his father by asking for his inheritance early.  In his culture, this was a slap in the face, saying in effect, “you are dead to me.”

 

The son left the father and left the lifestyle that would bring health to the body and life to the soul.  He ended up bottoming out and resolving to return to the father as a slave.  Before he makes it even all the way home the father meets him with joy and orders a celebration “for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” (Luke 15:24).

 

For those of us who have been, far off to God, this Season is a time to “come home.”  It is a time to ask forgiveness of wrongs and resolve to live in the hope, peace, joy and love of our heavenly Father.  It is a time to forgive those who have hurt us.

 

But there is more.  For those who remain faithful, it is a time to realize the bounty that the Father offers us in all times and Seasons.  We are heirs to God’s kingdom.  We are alive to God in Christ.  We too are “found, forgiven and free” to love God and others.

 

May the world “know we are Christians by our love” as we radiate the love and light God has for us.  When the early Christian communities gathered, one of the remarks recorded in Scripture about them is “see how they love each other.”  I am gratified for the love that is in this church, and I know it spills out from here into the world.  Thanks be to God!

 

This Christmas, why not share that love by inviting others to Eastminster this afternoon at 3 p.m. for Eastminster’s Musical “O Come Let Us Adore Him?” Other wonderful times of joy include December 23 at 6 p.m. for an “EPiC Christmas” celebration in contemporary style, December 24 for lessons and Carols at 10 a.m., and December 24 at 5 p.m. (Family Christmas Eve Candlelight), 8 p.m. (Traditional Candlelight), or 11 p.m. (Candlelight Communion).  It’s time to “come home” for Christmas in worship, praise and outreach, for we too have been “lost and now are found!”  God is delighted and compassionate when we “come home!”

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

12-10-17

You don’t hear many sermons from I Kings these days, but you will today.  I Kings begins the history of Israel as a monarchy beginning with the anointing of Samuel and ends with the fall of kings with the Babylonian captivity.  In many ways it is a retrospective history, it looks back and explains the roots of Israel’s exile, but it also looks forward to a future with hope.

 

The story of Elijah begins in I Kings 17.  Ahab has been named king.  He marries Jezebel and they begin to serve Baal and Asherah and “did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger him than did all the kings of Israel before him” (I Kings 16:33).  Elijah orders a drought on the land and is led by God to a brook where he is fed by ravens.  Then he is led to the widow of Zarephath’s home where she is about to die of hunger, but she makes Elijah bread from the little flour and a jar of oil she had.  That flour and oil did not run dry throughout the years of drought.  In I Kings 18 Elijah encounters King Ahab on Mount Carmel with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah.  He ordered that two bulls be brought and put on two separate piles of unlit wood.  He told the prophets of Baal to pray for their god to light the wood.  After several hours he taunts them.  They prayed and danced and slashed themselves but nothing happens.

 

Then Elijah repairs an altar to the Lord which was in ruins.  He takes twelve stones, one from each tribe of Israel and puts them around it.  Then he places the wood in and ordered it to be drenched with water three times.  After praying the “fire of the Lord fell.”  The people proclaim the Lord God and killed the prophets of Baal.  Jezebel then vowed to kill Elijah and he ran as far south as he could go.  He slumped under a broom tree and asked God to take him. There he was fed by angels and then journeys to Horeb, the mountain of God and spent the night in a cave.

 

In that cave on the holy mountain God tells Elijah that he will encounter his presence and he did.  We will talk about encountering the presence of God today, even as sometimes it comes not in the “grand” or “awesome” moments of life, but in the presence of simple Peace.

 

May the God of Peace bless you this season.  May we each take time to listen for the “still small voice,” the “gentle whisper,” “the sound of sheer silence” that is God in our midst. There is a lot of noise, a lot of conflict, claims, posturing, lies, deceit, and wrongdoing.  Yet the voice of God may be heard even this Advent.  Listen.  Expect.  Be aware.  Rejoice!

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

11-26-17

Thanks so much for letting me serve as the Visitation Pastor here at Eastminster. I am greatly encouraged by all of you with your warm welcome to me, but even more with your love for the Lord and the dedication by which you all serve using your gifts and talents in so many ways for the glory of the Lord and so the His mission is advanced in this community and to the world! Though I am part-time, I see the faithfulness of the rest of the staff as they help lead you us, especially under the leadership of Pastor Tim. So, as we go into the Christmas season, please pray for a special measure of strength for Pastor Tim, Pastor Kristy and all your staff. They want the celebration of the birth of Christ to honor Him and be meaningful for you, but it can be exhausting as well.

 

So, Thanksgiving Day is over (Black Friday, too!) and we are heading into the Christmas season. The First Sunday of Advent is not until next week, but decorations are going up, the music is being played all around us and the stores have long been getting ready. So, today we are focusing on “why” Jesus came. And, that is to fulfill God’s purpose for and in us. The following passage reminds us that God is always at work around us and in us to realize that purpose, which is that we are restored to what God always intended us to be that has been disrupted by sin. It says:

 

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…(Romans 8:28–36 [NRSV]).

 

Christmas reminds us of God’s gift to us of salvation and forgiveness through the coming of Jesus. So, this Christmas, what will be our gift of thanks to Him? Will we let Him fashion us to be more like Jesus? I love the words of the carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Read the following selected verse: 

 

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

 

What does He want to do with and in you?

 

Blessings,

Rev. Ron Hipwell

11-19-17

What a wonderful Consecration Weekend Eastminster celebrated!  It was meaningful to baptize Sydney Luisi and see the hope for the future, even as generations of her family have worshipped in this church before her.  It was also meaningful to engage in a wonderful Celebration Luncheon in a packed Fellowship Hall where we ate delicious food and recognized new and longtime members.  Thanks to Susan Vallette, Vicky Mitterling and a huge cast of helpers for “Sunday Dinner!”

It was also hopeful to see the faces of dedicated members and friends as you consecrated your Estimates of Giving to the Lord in worship.  It is inspiring to experience the love you have for God as you give in gratitude and praise.  May your giving bring joy and closer relationship to God and Eastminster, even as our ministry together transforms the community and world through God’s Spirit and power!

If you have not offered an Estimate of Giving for 2018, you may do so in the offering today or by contacting Michelle Toms, our Director of Operations.  There are Estimate of Giving Cards and envelopes on the Information Tables and in the pew racks.  Estimates of Giving are good faith estimates of what you intend to give to God through Eastminster.  They are not binding, as circumstances may change, yet they help our leaders establish a budget for our ministry and mission.  A Prayer of Consecration will be offered in worship for these Estimates of Giving as we collect the offering.  Thanks for your faithfulness!

Also, today you will receive two gifts to aid in spiritual formation.  First, in your bulletin are bookmarks with a Thanksgiving Prayer that were made by Eastminster preschoolers.  This prayer may be used at Thanksgiving and at other occasions.  The background of the bookmark is from artwork that the preschoolers made as they gathered on our chancel and painted their impressions of Eastminster’s stained glass windows while Director of Music Ministry, Robert McBride, played music for them to be inspired.

Finally, you will receive a “Prayer Square” from Eastminster’s Prayer Shawl ministry.  These squares have been hand knitted during many hours of prayer, fellowship and crafting spent in the parlor of our church.  They are intended as an aid to your prayers and thanksgiving over the holiday season.  May you rest assured in good times and tough times that God is present as a “Refuge and Strength.”  There are caring pastors, elders, and members trained to come alongside you in prayer as well.  Do not hesitate to contact the church office or one of the pastors with any need or opportunity for which to pray.

May all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

 Pastor Tim

11-12-17

Today we will consecrate our “Estimates of Giving” in worship.  There are Estimate of Giving Cards and envelopes in the pew racks if you need one.  These Estimates of Giving are “good faith” estimates of what we will return to God through Eastminster Presbyterian Church in 2018.  They are private between you and God.  Our Church Business Administrator will total them and give the total to the Finance Committee so that Eastminster leaders may prayerfully and prudently budget to fulfill our mission and ministry commitments and goals.  As all giving is between the giver and God, this is not a contract but a faithful expression of intent.

As you prayerfully consider what you will return to the Lord, I encourage you to consider “taking a step up” in giving by creating “margin” in what is spent and saved so that a tithe is set aside for return to God in thanksgiving.  As we all join in, I believe we will joyfully experience God’s pleasure, mature in faith, and “let our light shine” as commanded and empowered by Jesus.

Part of giving is thanksgiving.  After Sunday worship there will be a Celebration Luncheon.  Please plan to be present.  It will be an old fashioned “Sunday Dinner” complete with roast, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and a delicious dessert whose recipe goes back generations.  At lunch, we will celebrate God’s goodness, recognize those who have joined the church in the last year, those who are long term members, and those who are 90 years old and above.  It will be a meaningful time as all members unite to celebrate, even as we prepare to serve in significant ways in the coming year.

As my heart turns to thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for all who have served so willingly and faithfully in various capacities of church life.  Eastminster is known for its “can do” attitude and willingness of highly competent people.  The Rummage Sale last week, the Kirkin o’ th’ Tartans, Day of Hope, Vacation Bible School, special musicals, mission trips, education and spiritual formation events, children and youth activities, facilities improvements and fellowship events have been led and run by myriads of volunteers in ministry who overcome obstacles such as Hurricane Irma to shine light in our community and beyond.  Way to Go!

I am also grateful for our Church and preschool staff who dedicate heart and soul to serving and see Eastminster as a ministry and not a “job.”  Their joy and yours are contagious and inspiring!  As we consecrate our gifts and our lives, may Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16 ring true:

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

In our giving and our living, may we bear light!  
Pastor Tim

11-05-17

“If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.”  -- Martin Luther

 

What a wonderful weekend we just celebrated with the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans, the 95 Theses for Today, and the excellent drama on Martin Luther written by Pastor Kristy Ray.  Thanks to the scores of members and friends who served to make it possible for well over 500 people from church and community to be inspired from “Light from the Past” that gives hope for tomorrow.

 

Christians are a people of endless hope rather than a people of a hopeless end.  Martin Luther lived in a time of plague, persecution, political change, intellectual discovery, and spiritual turmoil.  The people of his day literally thought the world was about to end.  Nevertheless, they lived by faith in God, assurance of the grace of Jesus Christ and confident in the power of the Holy Spirit.  God accomplished mighty things through them!

 

We face many challenges in the world and in the church today, just like in the Reformation.  Faced with the challenges of his time, Martin Luther affirmed his faith saying, “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.” Good thing… as the trees Luther planted 500 years ago are still bearing fruit.  May we, like Martin Luther, be hopeful and courageous in our service to God! 

 

Next weekend, November 11-12, you and I will consecrate our Estimates of Giving for 2018 to the Lord in the context of worship.  This we do in hope, faith, and generosity knowing that God does great and enduring things through faithful people.  This will be our time of planting, of investing in God’s work as you and I consecrate our money, time and talents for the ministry and mission of the kingdom.  You will receive a brochure and an Estimate of Giving Card in the mail in the next few days.  The emphasis will be to “Step Up” as able in the spiritual discipline of tithing. 

 

As giving to God is both a discipline and joy, Eastminster will have an all-church Celebration Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Sunday November 12.  This is a time to celebrate in Thanksgiving for all that God has provided and to enjoy being together in fellowship.  A “Home Cooked Sunday Dinner” will be served around tables as we celebrate God’s goodness, grace and love.  All are encouraged to attend.  No reservations are necessary.  What a joy it is to be in a congregation that has a sweet spirit and enjoys fellowship together!

It is said that humans can count the seeds in an apple, but only God knows how many trees those seeds will bear.  I am grateful for those in the past who planted so that we might enjoy fruit today, and humbled at what God will do as we “plant trees” today through obeying God’s commands and enjoying the “fruit” of generosity.

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Tim

10-29-17

Whether a first-time guest, returning seasonal resident, or regular worshiper, welcome to Kirkin’ O’ th’ Tartans!  Today is a day where we appreciate our heritage and also look to the future with hope.  The Hebrews used to “tell time” by looking backwards and recounting God’s faithfulness and then looking ahead reassured that God’s love, grace and provision would be with them in the future.

 

Likewise, we have much to rejoice about today.  We inherit a rich tradition of faith at Eastminster, and we are open and excited about the new things God calls us to do.  God is alive here, and based on past faithfulness and grace from above, we go forward with the fruit of faithfulness, knowing God will inspire and guide. 

 

Please plan on staying a bit after the service and enjoying shortbread and a beverage out on the breezeway.  One of the hallmarks of Eastminster is that there are incredibly interesting people here to get to know and with whom to share.  Or you can speak with me… just joking, I hope!

 

Hope to see you next Sunday as we welcome confirmands and remember those “saints” that died this year. By all means plan to attend Eastminster’s Annual Celebration Luncheon on November 12 at 11 a.m. 

 

May we all “Live by the Spirit” this week!  May we be gifted, inspired and open to love those God puts in our paths!

 

 Blessings,               

Pastor Tim

10-15-17

Today we start a new Sermon Series, “Let Your Light Shine!”  It is based on Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:14-15:

 

 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

 

When I first read these verses, I thought they leaned toward “works righteousness.” I focused on “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works.  Yet are we called to let our “light” … that which is brightest and best in our souls and our works … shine so others might praise us and say what good people and what a good church we are?  Tempting perhaps, but not true.

 

Jesus calls us to live for God and in so doing, “Let your light shine” so that others are led to praise God and give God glory.

 

Has anyone ever called you God’s angel when you showed them love?  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone broken down in tears of joy for assistance received and said, “Thank you Jesus!”  Chances are they saw your light shine.  Has anyone benefitted by an anonymous gift or deed and given glory to God.  Chances are your light shined.

 

We are created to shine God’s love.  It’s a good feeling and a challenge at the same time.  Over the next several weeks we will explore how Christians “Let Your Light Shine” and how Eastminster might be a “Lighthouse” in the community and world.

 

Today we start with the Old Testament book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 58:10-11 we read:

If you offer your food to the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be like the noonday.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
    and satisfy your needs in parched places,
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters never fail.

As you hear testimony of what is going on through Eastminster at Daily Bread, praise God for shining Light through Godly members and friends.  Then pray:

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.  Use me today and each day to shine your Light and to bring you glory.  Amen

 

In what ways are you called to shine?

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

10-01-17

Tim’s Tidings

The feeding of the 5000… was it a miracle of God, a miracle of sharing… or both?

In some ways, the worst of Hurricane Irma brought out the best in us.

At a recent meeting of our spiritual and administrative board, the Session, elders shared some “bright spots” they encountered recently.  Believe me there were many!  The story I shared happened as Julie and I came back from evacuating to her parents’ home and it is a story of kindness that lead to a feast.

 

 As we were coming back, her stepfather gave us a 6-gallon gas can.  It turned out we needed some of that gas to make it because of the shortages and lack of power.  Once home, I started cleaning up and cleaned my neighbor’s yard too (we live in a condo so no big deal).  The neighbor came over and said thanks.  He asked if we would like to plug our refrigerator into his generator.  That meant food!  We were very grateful and gave our neighbor the rest of our gas.  Later, the neighbor came over and said he had some steak and hamburger but no grill and asked if I could cook it.  Soon thereafter, several neighbors came together bringing their “loaves and fishes,” and we had a feast.  Grilled steak, burgers, chicken, and seafood… pasta, sides, and even cheesecake for dessert materialized.  We sat together between homes where there was a cool (for Florida in September), gentle breeze grateful and full.

 

Who could have imagined this? 

 

Likewise, who could have imagined Jesus taking 5 loaves and 2 fish and feeding the multitudes?  Somewhere I suspect, was someone who was generous and offered the Lord what he had.  Scripture hints that it was a small child.  The rest is a multiplication miracle of epic proportions—5,000 men fed, plus women and children!  I believe that God had a big part in this miracle, but I have a hunch people responded to generosity in a way that begat more generosity, just like happened in my neighborhood after Irma.

 

Today is World Communion Sunday.  It is a day that hundreds of millions of Christians will break bread and share it because God gave what God had… God’s Son Jesus Christ.  Just think of the chain reaction of “bright spots” circling the globe that is happening right now.  Bread and cup are shared, and in that sharing, Christians gain strength to let our lights shine with generosity as well.  And the miracle in this is that it is in giving, we receive!

May the Circle be Unbroken,

Pastor Tim

 

09-24-17

Tim’s Tidings

Can Good come from Bad?  That is the hope as we clean up and make sense of the destruction of Harvey and Irma, as we adjust to life changing circumstances such as job loss, changes of location, recovery from illness and even grief.

Can Good come from Bad?

Today we look at the story of Joseph found in Genesis 37-50.  Joseph was one of the sons of Jacob who was specially loved by his father and specially gifted by God.  He had the ability to dream and interpret dreams.  His father made him a special “coat of many colors” which caused the jealousy of his brothers to mount and they plotted to kill him.  Instead they sold him into slavery, drenched his coat in animal blood and told Jacob that he was killed by a wild beast.  Joseph meanwhile rose to a high position in Egypt because of his ability to interpret dreams and his administrative skill.  He prepared the country successfully for a famine.  The famine brought his brother begging for food.  Joseph withheld his identity until he could no longer contain himself.  When the brothers found out that they, who plotted evil against him were at his mercy they were terrified.  But Joseph said, “do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…. So then it was not you who sent me here but God.”

Can Good come from Bad?

Think of a time in which a disappointment or setback in your life lead to something greater in the end? Share your story with a friend or two this week.

How might God be using the events that have happened in your life lately to benefit others?

What might you do to bring God glory this week?

Spend some time in silent prayer listening for God’s voice and direction.  God pieces us together in a puzzle where we are important to others.

Dear God,

Thank you for the grace to go on amid the storms of life.  Grant me to wisdom to discern your hand and to act according to your will in what I do and in what I don’t do this week.  May I have vision to see beyond the present to how “all things work for the glory of God in Christ Jesus.”

Be with those who suffer today from mental, spiritual, emotional or physical distress.  Use me to be an anchor during the storms of others until we experience the fair skies of your divine design.  Make me an instrument of your peace and understanding.  Amen.

May God use, guide and bless you to be a blessing,

 

Tim

08-27-17

Today we are encountering what I consider one of the most beautiful and challenging Scriptures in the New Testament, Romans 12:9-21.  After calling for us to submit our will and our lives as an offering to God’s pleasure, and after emphasizing that every person is given gifts to use for the good of Christ’s body, Paul says to practice “genuine love”:

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

These verses are exhortations, commandments made in love for us all.  They call us to be thoughtful, discerning, connected, genuinely loving Christians.  And they tell us how:

1.       Know the difference between good and evil.

2.       Love and honor one another, thinking more of others than ourselves.

3.       Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

4.       Practice “radical” generosity and hospitality.

5.       Bless those who attack you, don’t belittle or condemn them.

6.       Be empathetic, understand the feelings of others and emotionally journey with them.

7.       Practice humility and honor all people.

8.       Take the “high road” in disputes.

9.       Value peaceful relations.

10.   Let God deal with resentments and “payback.”

11.   Be kind, even to enemies.

12.   Overcome evil with good.

This is a tall order for living!  If we focus on these exhortations, we have little time to point fingers at others because it is a full time job to live up to Christ’s call to discipleship.  God is calling us to “be the love” the world needs, living as examples of God’s Word.  Far from denying the evil in the world or ignoring it, we are called to practice genuine love.

May we grow together as we love God and others in worship, word and deed!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

08-20-17

One of the hallmarks of the Presbyterian Church is that the congregation elects its leaders.  Everyone who is a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church votes for those who serve as pastors and elders.

 

This spring members of Eastminster elected five elders to serve as part the spiritual and administrative leadership team of the church, the Session.  Over the summer they engaged in training culminating in an officer staff retreat, where they were examined and approved to serve.  This weekend five elders-elect will be introduced, ordained, and/or installed to serve.

 

The elders coming on Session include Grant Dearborn (Personnel and Administration), Mary Larson (Congregational Care), Jim Morris (Facilities), Barbara Ray (Children, Youth and Family), and Sunny Rudloff (Congregational Care).  They have already formed good rapport with the pastors, the Clerk of Session and each other and were welcomed to sit in on a session meeting last Tuesday.  The gifts and skills they bring to the leadership of Eastminster are immense!  Welcome to this important ministry!

 

Rotating off Session are Steve Adams, Gene Davis, Don Dawson, and Nancy Marshall.  They have served with heart, soul, mind and strength… and above all passion and love for God and others.  Steve is a mainstay of our Facilities Ministry.  He kept us cool, even when our air conditioning needed replacing.  He has kept us dry, even with the numerous leaks church roofs tend to attract. He has added to the safety and beauty and good functioning of our buildings and grounds, devoting countless hours to the cause.

 

Gene Davis came on board and has continued the fine work of the Personnel and Administration Committee.  Under Gene’s leadership the Personnel and Administration brought the Rev. Kristy Ray as Associate Pastor and Robert McBride as Director of Music Ministry and Organist, among other fine placements.  They sharpened our procedures and policies to increase the efficiency of operations the, safety of our facility, and the support Eastminster’s staff.

 

Don Dawson served as Outreach elder in a time this new committee was formed.  He is instrumental in the technological advances such as the upgrade of our audio-visual capabilities (and also serving as an technician), our outreach to visitors, the provision of special events, and the initiation of ministry endeavors such as Table Talk Theology and Eastminster’s designation as an Earthcare Congregation.  Don and his wife, the Rev. Darice Dawson, have also supported our youth and young adult ministry in meaningful ways.

 

Nancy Marshall served as the chair of Congregational Care Committee, a widespread ministry that provides nourishment for the body (fellowship, potlucks etc.), mind (adult discipleship, special educational events) and soul (spiritual formation and pastoral care).  Her leadership streamlined operations and produced many joyful, vital occasions for congregational health and growth.  Nancy is a leader of leaders and was able to have many strong members serve well under her care.

 

So welcome new elders and thank you Steve, Gene, Don and Nancy.  Well done good and faithful servants!  Please plan to add your welcome and thanks following the Saturday and Sunday night services as we have receptions both days in the Fellowship Hall in honor of these fine leaders.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

08-13-17

Tim’s Tidings

What a joy it was to welcome the children, families and the faculty of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church Preschool to a new year of school last week.  Many kids ran with joy to their teachers, others were shy and tentative.  In the end, there were smiles on all faces and a new year of learning, growth and wonder has begun!

 

Director Eleni Yiapis will present a Mission update on the Eastminster Preschool during both worship services this weekend.  I hope you enjoy seeing the pictures of kids who are nurtured lovingly so the seeds of faith and thought that God plants in them might grow as love is applied.

 

Please pray for our elders and staff as they go on retreat August 19.  This retreat will involve four classes of elders, who are the spiritual and administrative leaders of Eastminster.  We will be examining five elders who the congregation has elected to serve on Session and will say goodbye to four elders who have served with distinction.  Those who are coming on session by ordination and installation include Grant Dearborn, Mary Larson, Jim Morris, Barbara Ray, and Sunny Rudloff. Those who have served “with energy intelligence, imagination and love” include Steve Adams, Don Dawson, Gene Davis and Nancy Marshall.  Receptions to honor our elders will be held after both services next weekend.

 

On another front, I am saddened to report that our Kitchen Manager, Daphne Stacey, has had to resign.  Daphne was on a leave of absence for cancer treatments and hoped to be back later this month.  The doctors at Shands Hospital in Gainesville have revised her treatment schedule and extended her stay several months.  Please pray for health for Daphne.  She spread love and joy here as she helped a wonderful team of members continue to make our kitchen the “heart and soul” of the church. Her duties will temporarily be assumed by the Director of Church Operations and a great team of cookie bakers under the direction of Susan Vallette, so plan to continue to linger after worship for refreshments and relationships!

 

May these days be days of wonderful new beginnings as we “cruise into the new year.”

 

Blessings,
Pastor Tim

07-09-2017

A Spectacular 4^th of July “Salute to America!” was held last week.  Great ministry Eastminster, Melbourne Municipal Band and combined choir!  This event was the result of community cooperation and lots of helping hands that set up our buildings and grounds, served 800 people and launched technology where an overflow audience was able to view the “Salute to America!” event in Eastminster’s Fellowship Hall.  Special thanks to the Worship and Music, Outreach, and Facilities teams, youth and staff who set the stage for this event, and to Robert McBride, Staci Cleveland, and David and Teresa Fleenor for their musical leadership.  The band and choir outdid themselves!

My favorite part of the whole event was the goodwill and enthusiasm of the gathered community.  We are blessed to live, worship and minister in a wonderful area of a wonderful country.  Praise God!  … and that’s what we do and will keep doing here at Eastminster!

See you in church,

 

Pastor Tim

06-25-17

Tim’s Tidings

This week Eastminster’s Session met to study scripture, to pray and to preside over the business of the church.  The meeting was special for me for several reasons.  First, there was an excellent devotion on waiting and depending on God.  God is a God who loves, cares, and protects.  Immediately following the devotion, we heard an exciting report from the Prayer Shawl ministry as they are expanding not only to offer shawls to those at the end of life, but prayer squares for all who have need, and “octopi” for prematurely born infants.  Your Elders laid hands on the work of the Prayer Shawl ministry and consecrated it before God.  Finally, your Session deliberated about how we might reach out with love in the community and voted to conduct some municipal and mission partner conversations to better be prepared to be a good Christian influence right here in our neighborhood.  This will build on the excellent ministry Compassion in Action is doing.  We serve the God who loves, cares and protects by loving, caring and protecting too!
 

Today we start a new sermon series, “Psalms for all Seasons.”  You will receive a bookmark with Psalms appropriate for reading in different seasons of your life which will be covered in worship in the following weeks.  Today we will look at God’s love, care and protection as conveyed in Psalm 91.  As I read this Psalm, the following image comes to mind: 
 

Hear these words:  “You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4)

God loves, cares for and protects you and me!

Blessings,

Tim