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 4th 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
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