06-30-19

June was a great month in a great first half of the year at Eastminster. The day of Pentecost, where we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, was accompanied by beauty in art, music, and song.  The effects of Pentecost in the early church were growth of members, adherence to teaching, regular worship and meeting in homes and prayer.   All these things are happening at Eastminster.  For instance…

 

Worship attendance is increasing in both services at a rate of 10-15% year over year and new members are making faith commitments to God through Eastminster.  See inside for pictures and bios of some of our new members.  Also note that Vacation Bible School was wonderful as many kids came closer to the Lord.  Thanks for teachers and aids who made such a huge impact upon the kids in our community!  Fellowship events such as the Outreach Dessert at the McCall’s, the Trivia Potluck Night at the Church and the Primetimes luncheon and numerous Bible Studies and prayer groups are being held around our community.  Works of service are done in Jesus name, many of them very quietly and humbly.  We also finished off the month by electing new elders to guide our church and hearing a report on church finances at a Congregational Meeting.  Welcome Nancy Fowler, Rick Schuette, Todd Uebele, and Brooke Wheeler!  The bottom line:  Your efforts are making a difference through transforming lives as the Holy Spirit works in our midst!

 

More great news as we head into July is that pastor Kristy has been cleared to return to ministry part-time!  Pray for her as she makes this key transition and as she increases in health and strength even as she attends to her growing family. Give thanks for a great staff who flexed with different demands to maintain excellence. Staff pictures and bios are included in this month’s newsletter.

 

As we go into July, I encourage you to take time for prayer and reflection, worship and study of scripture.  In the rhythm of life at Eastminster, July is a time to “double down” on spiritual disciples.  We do this by “creating margin” in other areas of life.  For instance, regularly scheduled ministry team meetings will be cancelled in July and committees will meet only as needed.  Short term Koinonia groups are beginning to help others who can’t commit to yearlong study to have a special time of growth in the summer.  Our youth will retreat to Montreat, a Presbyterian camp in North Carolina, which has proven to be “holy ground.”  There are guides to reading the Bible in 90 days for those who want to use this time to get broad sweep of God’s love and saving activity.  See the website and bulletins for more details.

 

Thanks for your generosity of time, talent and treasure without which the ministry of Eastminster would not happen.  You are a light to the world!  I look forward to growing with you in worship this summer as we encounter Jesus’ teachings and celebrating our freedom to worship and serve in a free country at the July 4^th Musical Celebration.  Well done Eastminster.  Pray for God’s continued provision and guidance as we head into the second half of 2019.

See You in Church,

Pastor Tim

06-23-19

Tim's Tidings

Do you know how to spell Presbyterian much less say it? 

Eastminster is a church belonging to the Presbyterian Church (USA).  This is a denomination which traces its origins back to the time of the founding of this country.  In fact, the founding of the United States was influenced by Presbyterians, and much of our form of government in America derived from Presbyterian practice.

 

The word Presbyterian literally means “ruled by elders.”  Elders are elected leaders who serve to oversee the spiritual and temporal mission and ministry of the church.   At Eastminster, elders serve three-year terms which are staggered into three classes.  This Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastminster members will elect to the class of 2022. 

 

In the Presbyterian denomination, elders are elected by the people through a process of nomination and vote.  Eastminster has a Nominating Committee, headed by elder Ed Bowers, which is placing four persons before Eastminster as elder nominees.  Elder nominees include Nancy Fowler, Rick Scheutte, Todd Uebele, and Brooke Wheeler.  Their biographies are included in your worship guide.

 

At 11:00 Sunday, I will call the meeting to order Clerk of Session Melissa Ketterman will declare aquorum and elder Bowers will bring a motion to elect these nominees.  After a second, nominees may be suggested from the floor by any member, provided they have received the consent of the nominee to serve if elected.  After nominations are closed, a vote will be taken, electing new elders to serve on the Eastminster board, which is called the “Session.”

 

Confused?  Interested in learning more?  If you are not a member, please stay and watch the Congregational Meeting.  It will show you Eastminster Presbyterian Church in action and enable you to appreciate the excellent management of “time, talent and treasure” exercised here. 

 

You may also learn more about Presbyterianism and Eastminster in a “First Impressions Gathering” where members and guests alike learn more about the mission and ministry of Eastminster.  They are held about 6 times per year.  Finally, this October will be heritage month.  We will start with a Missions Expo the weekend of October 5-6.  The following three weeks will feature gatherings on the Protestant Reformation, the formation of Presbyterianism, and the mission and ministry of Eastminster today.  A highlight will be the traditional “Kirkin’ of the Tartans” service on October 27.

 

Eastminster has much to be proud of in its heritage and its current ministry and mission.  A strength of Eastminster, perhaps the key source of its renewal, is the outstanding leadership of our members.  Thanks to our current Session, which are listed on the back of your worship guide, as well as those who faithfully have served and will serve in the years to come.  May we rightly discern the call of God into the future and be guided by wise, spiritually discerning leaders as we journey forward in faith and service.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

06-16-19

Tim’s Tidings

How would you answer if someone asks, “What would you be delighted in experiencing at Eastminster this summer?”

 

I believe my one-word answer would be “growth.” 

The number one thing that impresses me right now is that many people are growing spiritually and relationally.  Vacation Bible School bonded our community and made a real impact for God in the lives of the children, youth and adults who participated.  Worship is God exalting and God is at work forming a spiritual community of worshippers in and through the choir that spreads to us all.  Children’s camps are open all summer and spreading the Good News of Jesus in word, worship and deed.  Teens are going to camp for life changing experiences.  Koinonia groups are starting for adults, while others are reading the Bible through in 90 days.  Members are having others in their homes for fellowship and food, prayer, study and spiritual growth.  Eastminster is working on mission projects such as the Day of Hope, Master’s Workshop, Daily Bread, Habitat for Humanity and more.  New members are joining. Children, youth and adults are being baptized.

 

I believe the “spiritual soil” at Eastminster is fertile for growth at the moment, Lord willing.  Consequently, next weekend we will begin a worship series on Saturday nights at 6 p.m. and Sunday Mornings at 10 a.m. entitled, “Parables of Growth.”

 

This series will talk about good growth and bad growth, about the growth of the kingdom of God in our midst, about how we might bear “good fruit” as followers of Jesus and as members of the human race. Please keep up with worship services via internet when you travel and/or by picking up sermon transcripts at the information stations.  Summer is a real “opportunity time” for spiritual and personal growth for many.

 

What would you be delighted in experiencing at Eastminster this summer… and beyond for that matter?  I’m interested in finding out.  Let’s share!

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Tim