05-07-17

As we enter May, it is good to take a deep breath and to say, “Thank you God for your grace and provision over all of our days.”  God has been present and guiding Eastminster since its inception in 1950 to be a “Lighthouse” here in the South Indian River region.  In the last few weeks, I’ve had occasion to meet with residents and members who have been here since the 1950s and 1960s and they tell of God’s faithfulness and Eastminster’s life-changing ministry through time.  The stories are encouraging and inspiring.

In like manner, I’ve witnessed Eastminster’s recent ministry and growth.  I see growth among the children who presented the musical “Not So Terrible Parable” last weekend.  I witness growth among the youth who presented their vision of ministry to the community through a Café that gives spiritual haven to all and growth opportunities to those with special needs at the “Shark Tank” event this week.  I experience growth as adults write me or stop by to tell of their faith strengthening through various channels such worship, choir, spiritual formation, knitting, education, care of members and staff, and engaging in hands on mission.  God has been and is working in our midst.

Today we are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Roy McCormick present to help honor the faithful and diligent ministry of the Rev. Ralph Bronkema upon the occasion of his retirement.  Roy served this church as its pastor from 1980-1999.  He was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Christian Ministry Center here, which was our last major capital project.  Together their ministries have spanned 37 of Eastminster’s 67 years of existence!  Please plan to stay after church for a reception in Pastor Ralph’s honor to greet and thank them both.

Today we also are honored to have four exceptional candidates to come before the church to be elected to serve as elders.  Elders are the spiritual and administrative leaders of our church.  We are governed by twelve elders who serve three year terms.  We elect four elders per year so there are always elders with experience and elders that are newly coming on board in an orderly succession.  The elder-nominees are Grant Dearborn, Mary Larson, Barbara Ray, and Sunny Rudloff.  You may read their bios in a separate insert in your worship guide.

Finally today, we gather around the Communion table.  This table focuses us on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  It ties our past, present and future together.  As you hold the bread and drink the cup, do so in remembrance of what God has done, in thanksgiving of what God is doing, and in anticipation of what God will do as faithful Christians worship, learn and serve around the world and right here at Eastminster.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim