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