May 17, 2015

Tim’s Tidings Today is a big day in the life of Eastminster. First, it is Joining Day. It is a day in which those who desire to become members of Eastminster may do so at the end of the service. Becoming a member of Eastminster is an expression that Jesus is Lord and that you desire to serve God through participating in the worship and mission of the church. Both full time and seasonal residents of the area may do so. Becoming a member is a “yes” to God and God’s family that often results in deeper personal devotion. It also allows one to elect church officers as we will do at the conclusion of Sunday’s worship. Presbyterian literally means “ruled by elders.” Today we elect Elders who serve as the officers of our church. There are twelve Elders who serve terms of three years each. We elect four Elders each year. Your Nominating Committee is presenting Dick Dunn, Nancy Fowler, Jill Hoffman, and Timothy Leech to serve three year terms. In addition they are presenting Stacy Reeder to serve a one year term due to the death of beloved Judy Roach. Biographies of these elders are found on an insert to your worship guide. Today we also commission Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers are an essential part of the care offered to members of Eastminster. They come alongside persons who are in grief, illness, relational difficulty or other times of trial as trained caregivers. The Stephen Ministers we commission today have completed a rigorous course of training facilitated by many persons who have expertise. Stephen Ministers include Melinda Miller, Kate Crook, Barbara Allen, Donna Hildebrand, Esther Chinnery, Tom Sylvester, Ginny Leslie and Kendra Ro. These persons are highly qualified, spirit-filled individuals who I commend to you as “the hands and feet of Christ,” called and present to serve as you have need. If you would like to know more about receiving care form a Stephen minister, please contact me! A special thanks in the development of this class of Stephen Ministers goes out to the Rev. Dr. George Lashley. The strength of this church is the Holy Spirit working through passionate, caring members. Together we worship, learn, serve, give and grow as we seek to share Christ’s love with the world. What an honor it is to be united together, doing together what none of us could do alone. It is a joy to be your pastor! May God bless you in every time and season, Tim

May 10, 2015

Lately we’ve experienced some wonderful weeks of worship. Thanks for all who coordinated the events of Easter, for Gibby Gibson for guest preaching (pray for him as he enters seminary this month), for beautiful music from bluegrass bands, to bells, to flautists, to bagpipes at Law Enforcement Sunday, and our very wonderful choirs, including the Children’s Choir who, under the direction of June Leech, participated in the world premiere of Kyle Jones’ musical, Soul Train, to the praise bands at contemporary worship and Praise and Pizza II. There is a lot of great talent used to glorify God in this place. As one who is spiritually affected by music, thanks be to God! Today we continue in our exploration of the Beatitudes, from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7. The focus text today is Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This text seems germane to me on many levels. One is the persecution of Christians worldwide. Many today are suffering and dying for their faith, even as we enjoy relative freedom to express ours. I remember speaking with Avo Bonerian who is president of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut Lebanon, when he was a Ph.D. student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Avo had just come to the United States. The fighting was so great and so constant in Beirut that he could not sleep for four nights in a row when he came to Princeton Seminary because the silence was so eerie. The lack of conflict was literally “disquieting” to him. Here is the USA our persecution is increasingly taking the form of “uncivil discourse.” From politics to homeowners’ associations to blogs and chat rooms people’s characters are assaulted and reputations are being ruined, often with absolutely no regard for the truth. In many cases there seems to be little regret in doing so. This is disquieting to me. In the face of persecution, issues of rightness, of justice and relationship come up. For many years I’ve questioned, “Is it better to be right or to be in relationship?” as I’ve dealt with others in conflict situations. Today we will go a step further and look at “Is it better to be right or righteous?” Jesus has a lot of practical wisdom to bear on this in the Sermon on the Mount! Finally, I want to give a shout out to women today, particularly mothers. One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry is how he valued and treated women. It was much more honoring than the society of his day and perhaps ours as well. May you always be respected and honored, and may that respect and honor encourage and inspire you as you give your best to the Lord and to others! Blessings, Tim

May 3, 2015

Tims Tidings What a joy it is to have the Eastminster children lead us in worship today! They are teaming with me in the Beatitudes series as they present “Soul Train.” Soul Train is a musical written by Director of Music and Organist, Kyle Jones. Kyle started working on this musical when his kids were toddlers. They liked the Jim Henson show, Dinosaur Train. Kyle wrote Soul Train in a similar style to teach kids the message of Jesus in the Beatitudes so that they might grow in faith in a fun and creative way. Kyle is excited to serve with Children’s Music Director, June Leach, who is bringing this musical to life. This is Kyle’s first children’s musical. It is exciting to be at its premiere! Today we also celebrate the ministry of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church Preschool. This will be Director Elizabeth DesChenes’ last year with the Preschool, and we are extremely grateful for her leadership, as well as that of the preschool faculty. These teachers and staff have done an incredible ministry to benefit the families of our community, some of which also worship here. Their nurture and guidance is a bright light in our midst. Elizabeth will certainly be missed! As I have told her, she leaves a legacy in the lives of hundreds of families as well as here in our school and church. Thank you Elizabeth! Thank you teachers! Finally this Friday May 8 at 7 p.m. will be our second Praise and Pizza. This is an event that is sponsored by our Outreach Committee and is a time in which the community can come together for Pizza and wholesome Christian music suitable for persons of all ages. There is no charge for food or entertainment, though donations are welcome so that we can continue to reach out in the name of Jesus. Please attend and bring friends! As I look back at the wonderful events of Lent and Easter, the successful Art Auction and Women’s Tea which together raised over $7,000 for worthy causes such as Vacation Bible School and the Master’s Workshop, as I continue to be blessed by the meaningful worship and fellowship of Law Enforcement Sunday last week, I am filled with energy for the journey ahead. May God bless you and use you as “salt and light” this week! Blessings, Tim

April 26, 2015

Today we welcome Law Enforcement Officers and their families to worship. It is an honor to have you in attendance and get to say a deep and sincere “thanks” for your courageous stands to make our communities safer. Words are not enough. We hope to show you our thanks, even as you so graciously honor Eastminster Presbyterian Church by your presence. Law Enforcement and Christianity have both been under attack in contemporary society. It is a shame that these two strong threads of physical and spiritual freedom face stress. Yet these are chords that will not be broken. Today we will give medals to all Law Enforcement Officers. On the Medals are written the words of Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” We believe that there are forces of evil in the world against which both Law Enforcement and Christians take a stand. Sometimes our mission seems hopeless. But today we remember that God is stronger than evil, that right will triumph, and that we are equipped to minister in the world with Power under control. Power under control. This is the essence of meekness. God does not call Christians or Law Enforcement Officers to be wimps! We are to be strong like powerful horses, yet bridled by the Holy Spirit to express that strength in the service of truth and goodness. This is a God sized task! I love the way that II Timothy 1:7 puts it: “God’s Spirit does not make us timid: instead his Spirit fills us with power, love and self control.” May we all be filled by that Spirit and express love, even tough love, to the ends that goodness and light prevail! Again, welcome Law Enforcement Officers. We are proud of you and support your mission as kindred spirits! Blessings, Tim

April 19, 2015

Matthew 5:4 Last week Julie and I enjoyed a wonderful week of vacationing in Sarasota and on Cedar Key. We learned how to alter plans to dodge rain, kayak around sharks rather than bother them, and ride bicycles to take in adventures. We were truly blessed. And being blessed is what we will consider in worship over the next several weeks. Today we start a sermon series on the “Beatitudes.” Some have heard that word, some not. A beatitude is a blessing. Jesus opens his most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7, with a series of blessings called the Beatitudes. Jesus takes these blessings from familiar Old Testament concepts and reinterprets them in the wisdom he brings from God. The concept of blessing in the Beatitudes may run counter to cultural ideas of happiness and well being. They point to deeper God-given contentment, health and well being—even in the tougher times of our lives. The reality here is that God is in control, and that God will help us overcome any hardship… and even help us find deep lasting joy from those places we hurt, struggle, or are challenged. The Beatitudes point to the reality that God is doing a new thing, and that we may get the best view of God’s work by being “surprised by joy” in the midst of our darker times. The Beatitudes also call for certain behaviors from us—behaviors that are spiritually deep. They call for us to develop the capacity to let God do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God is a God who gives glimpses of the kingdom when we are weak, who comforts us when we mourn, who blesses the humble who are directed by God, who grants mercy even as we grant others mercy, who gives us experiences of God’s power and compassion when we seek purity, who calls us children even as we reconcile with our neighbors, and who grants us God’s very presence when we are persecuted for being faithful. The picture that forms from the Beatitudes is a blessed life in this world… even in the midst of tough times. Many of you have experienced this, and I’d love to hear your stories! This is a spiritually maturing congregation. Young and older persons here have experienced trials and tribulations and have stories of how God has not only seen you through, but has deepened your lives in the process. One of the blessings we have as a community is that as we share our stories of God’s faithfulness, we encourage one another and grow. And as we grow and share, our lives are seasoned and our light shines beyond us. This is God’s desire! May our commitment to Christ and to one another pour out like a fountain. As we learn and live the concepts in the Beatitudes, may Christ’s very Spirit be our Teacher, Comforter and Guide! Blessings, Tim

March 29, 2015

Today is Palm Sunday. It is a day we celebrate Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and begin what is commonly referred to as “Holy Week” which extends from today through Easter. During this week we will celebrate baptisms and receive new members, continue our Wednesday Lenten Music, Worship and Lunch Series, commemorate Good Friday, hold a Saturday “Eggstravaganza” where the Good News of Jesus will be proclaimed, participate in an evening Eater Vigil, and Celebrate Easter beginning at Sunrise. We will also celebrate the life and bear witness to the resurrection of Harry Villhardt, husband of Terry and father of Susan Vallette, this Tuesday at 11 a.m. In one week the Good News of Jesus will be proclaimed meaningfully in many ways. It is a week that shapes our identity and community together. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem Palm Sunday people sold him short. They thought he would be an earthly leader of a revolt that would throw off the yoke of Roman domination. Little did anyone know, despite his teachings that Jesus was to lead a cosmic revolution that would overthrow sin and death and bring us close to the loving reign of God Almighty. It was just too huge for even his disciples to grasp. It’s huge for us today! As we baptize Jonah Earp on Palm Sunday we claim his participation in God’s love, life and redemption by an action of God, not us. We promise to nurture Jonah until the point that he claims Jesus as his Lord and Savior. We will do the same for Malakai Hausmann next Saturday as he is baptized during the Saturday Easter Vigil. The fulfillment of such promises result in the attention we give to ministry to children and youth. EPC’s efforts such as Sunday School, Children’s Church, choirs, youth group, VBS, youth camps and confirmation are led by faithful members that are engaging in ministry to nurture believers and so fulfill the promises we make at baptism. On Palm Sunday we welcome Ann Hearin, Sharon Bowman, Betsy Marvin, and Rick Schuette into membership of EPC. These new members claim Jesus as Lord and Savior. They renounce evil and claim dependence on the grace of God. They promise to be faithful members of this church, giving of their time, talents and treasure to further the mission of Christ. We promise to nurture and support these members in their journeys of faith, to comfort them when afflicted and strengthen them in all of life. Some new members are seasonal residents who will affiliate here and with another congregation. Such affiliation creates strong bonds of community wherever they may be. Having a church home, or homes, is a powerful statement of belonging to God and intending to serve and grow in concert with others. I highly encourage membership as a means of being faithful to God and to God’s mission. The next opportunity for membership at Eastminster will be a “Discover Eastminster” experience beginning at 8:45 and concluding at noon on Sunday April 19. I’d love to speak with those contemplating next steps of faith at any time! So, I look forward to this week and to the years ahead with all the comings and goings that are involved. Wistfully, we will say “so long till next year” to many wonderful seasonal residents. Your participation here has surely touched the lives of many! Make sure the church office has your contact information so we can keep up to date and encourage one another from afar. You are an important part of the fabric of faith God is weaving at EPC. At the same time we will seek to be faithful, strong and vibrant as led by the God’s Spirit this Holy Week and beyond. Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter all!

Tims Tidings March 15 2015

Today we will explore the text of a woman who “gives God what she had.” Last week we observed a woman that “did what she could.” It is noteworthy to me that the subjects of these two Scriptures are not rich, powerful or famous. We don’t even know their names. Yet their devotion to their Lord resounds through history. Like these women, we are called to have hearts that care and to give gifts that cost in the name of the Lord who provides. We are called to prayerfully listen for God’s guidance and to follow it in our daily living. We can reliably discern God’s will as we reflect on scripture, listen to the counsel of Christian friends, hear the voice of God’s Spirit in our hearts, and pay attention to circumstances. Many of you do just that and God is blessing your lives and ministries in good times and tough times alike. Sunday after the 10 a.m. worship service we will have an Irish Potluck that reminds many of Saint Patrick. Protestants don’t believe that saints have any special powers; they are examples. People like you and me that God uses in extraordinary ways. Here is part of his story: Patrick grew up in England son of well to do parents. In the early 400’s AD, when Patrick was about sixteen, he was captured and carried off as a slave to Ireland. Patrick worked as a herdsman, remaining a captive for six years. He writes that his faith grew in captivity, and that he prayed daily. After six years he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home. Fleeing his master, he travelled to a port, two hundred miles away, where he found a ship and, after various adventures, returned home to his family. But that’s not all… Patrick recounts that he had a vision a few years after returning home: “I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them. I read the heading: "The Voice of the Irish". As I began the letter, I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood of Folcut, which is beside the western sea—and they cried out, as with one voice: "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us." Patrick left the good life he had, and he returned to Ireland, the country of his captivity. There he served as a powerful evangelist and led thousands and thousands to faith in Jesus Christ. Like the women in our scripture, we see Patrick having a heart that cares and a gift that costs. God used him powerfully. May God do the same with us today!