September 20

Welcome to Back to Church Weekend! This is a time of rejoicing in the life of Eastminster. God has blessed us and it is great to come and return our praise and have fun in community. Welcome to all! My hope is that what you find here is connection with God. Life is busy, confusing and stressful. We need God to guide us. We need to lift up prayers and know they are heard and answered. We need others around us to support us. And we need to give of ourselves to a ministry greater than ourselves to be complete. So today is a day of new beginnings. The Bible says, “Great is God’s faithfulness, God’s mercies are new every morning.” We will talk about new beginnings today and live into new beginnings in the weeks ahead through worship, friendship, and service to others. Saturday after worship the congregation will celebrate with a good old fashioned ice cream social. I find it hard to find anything wrong with ice cream! Sunday after worship, we will enjoy the sounds of bluegrass during a Ministry Fair. Over twenty different ministries of the church will have information tables with members present to help us understand some of the avenues of enrichment and service that Eastminster offers. It is a great way to get a glance of many of the “parts of this body” that offer support, healing, enrichment and joy at Eastminster. Lunch will be served in Fellowship Hall, where there will also be a magic show. Later Sunday, at 3 p.m., there will be a Festival of Hymns which will be a highlight of the fall musical season. Hope to see you there! Finally, this is “Joining Weekend.” Those that desire to become a member of Eastminster may meet up front by the pulpit after the service to be received as members. To become a member of Eastminster one professes that Jesus is Lord and that you intend to live for in community with other believers. Whether you are here for the first time or have been here for a long time… My prayer is that you experience closeness to God and others here. Welcome! Let’s celebrate! Blessings, Tim

September 13

Today we conclude our series on the Book of Hebrews, entitled “Following Jesus No Matter What.” As I reflect upon where our study has led, I get a picture of a God that loves and redeems us, desiring that we be “at one” with God and others. The writer says that Jesus was “at one” with us, facing temptation and adversity in a world similar to ours. Jesus’ love led him to the cross to begin a work of reconciliation that continues even today. The final chapter of Hebrews, chapter 13, begins with the command, “Let mutual love continue.” What might that mean? The writer explains as follows: • Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. • Remember those who are in prison. • Let marriage be held in honor by all. • Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have. • Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. • Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. • Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. • Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. “Let mutual love continue.” That is a relational command, a vision of God’s desires for this community. In a week which we remember the tragedy of 9/11, continue to experience the horrors of people being displaced from their homes (over four million in Syria alone!), and know that kids in our community are going to school hungry, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” In a time when mental illness forces many into the streets, prisons are full, law enforcement under attack, and marriages challenged, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” In a time when loneliness is rampant, materialism is manifest, and public discourse is often uncivil, there remains a great need for “letting mutual love continue.” The Good News is that as Christians and as worshippers at Eastminster we have a rich tradition of love and generosity to draw upon. We have the model of Jesus to follow. We have a community of faith to encourage us and to lift us up when we are low. We follow a God who takes the “fish and loaves” of our hospitality and blesses in abundance. In a world of adversity and temptation, sometimes it is best to keep it simple. Follow Jesus no matter what. Let mutual love continue. I look forward to sharing that love today … and next week with those who are invited to “Back to Church Sunday.” Blessings,

September 6

We express deep appreciation to the congregation for hosting the September 1, 2015 quarterly meeting of the Central Florida Presbytery. Central Florida Presbytery is composed of over 18,000 Presbyterians from about 80 churches in a 10 county region. Each church sends delegates to a quarterly meeting. We hosted about 200 of those delegates this past Tuesday at the meeting. The delegates were highly complimentary of the way they were greeted at Eastminster by elder Steve Adams and his able crew of parking attendants. They entered grounds made beautiful by many members, including several ladies that adopted a bed near our Christian Ministry Center and made it spotless. The registration process ran smoothly as coordinated by elder Nancy Sorensen and a host of volunteers. Members of the Finance Committee turned out and were more than happy to take donations for lunch. The Congregational Care Committee, led by Nancy Marshall recruited 30 volunteers who set up and decorated our fellowship hall and prepared a continental breakfast, a snack and a superb lunch for the delegates. Special thanks go out to Chef Anthony and Susan Vallette who were central to the food preparation. One of the many touches that made the meeting special were the unique floral arrangements prepared every table by a host of volunteers led by Midge Dunn. Not everything runs like it is supposed to, and that's when leadership really kicks in. A video from Colorado that was to be shown as a centerpiece of the meeting was not in a good compatibility format. Given mere minutes to work with it, our own "Geek Squad" led by Don Dawson was able to save the day and show the major part of the video. This was a key "save" as the producers of the film, Thom and Joan Schultz, were present. Great Job! Others who did a wonderful job include our church staff, elder Nancy Fowler who was in charge of displays, Steve Adams who arranged for ushers, and the Children, Youth and Family Ministry team that provided an excellent nursery that was much appreciated by parents. In a word, the Presbytery was inspired! Many people commented on the exceptional spirit, teamwork, beauty of the facilities and the hospitality they received. God is doing some amazing things here through competent, growing Christians. This meeting is one marker of how we are moving along exceptionally well. Let's enjoy it, even as we still have a long journey ahead!

August 30

This weekend is a time of thanksgiving for those who God raises up as elders in our church. A Presbyterian church is, by definition, a church that is ruled by “elders.” Elders are those who the congregation nominates and elects to be the spiritual leaders of our affairs from setting vision and direction, to encouraging the members, worshippers and staff in their spiritual growth, to maintaining the finances, programs, property and policies of the church. It is a huge responsibility which cannot be undertaken without energy, intelligence, imagination and love all tempered by spiritual discernment and teamwork. The body on which the elders serve is called the “session.” Elders serve three year rotating terms on the session. I say with all sincerity that the renewal Eastminster is experiencing is a direct result of the call to service and the competencies of these leaders. Dr. Harry Daniel, the Nominating Committee and the congregation were inspired in the selection of those who were originally called to serve in the class of elders that is rotating off this week. God has since raised up excellent men and women to continue to lead well, six of which we are ordaining and installing today. Elders who are rotating off session include Amy Blake, Kelly Dunn, Sunny Rudloff, and David Wilfong. Elder Amy Blake ably and with great dedication served as chair of the Nominating Committee. She led the Committee to discern nominees for the Nominating Committee, which in turn proposed nominees to the congregation not only for several classes of elders, but also for the Pastoral Nominating Committee. Her diligence and discernment equipped a “leader rich” church to serve with strength. Elder Kelly Dunn served as the only member of Eastminster on an Administrative Committee that led to reconstituting of our session and also as chair of the Personnel and Administration Committee. She led her team to oversee necessary redesign of our staff organization and recruitment of excellent personnel. Her Committee suggested to session solid policies to guide our church including Personnel, Membership, Child Protection and Technology policies and carefully vetted a sound Finance Policy. Elder Sunny Rudloff served as chair of our Mission Committee. In a season when many churches might turn inward, this Committee maintained our concern for the people and the world around us. They strengthened our ties with over a dozen local missions such as the Children’s Hunger Project, the Community of Hope, Daily Bread, the Salvation Army and the Seafarer’s Ministry. Sunny’s encouraging spirit and positive attitude led us to be nimble in response to needs, even as we expanded our impact. Elder David Wilfong chaired the Finance Committee and later turned his attention to our Facilities Committee. David led these teams to be productive, practical and prudent in their affairs. He maintains an attitude of confidence and a “can-do” spirit which inspires both leaders and members. Leaders have influence. David influences us to humbly, yet confidently, go forward as God guides us. In addition, we honor the ministries of Elders Judy Roach and Karen Delos Santos. Judy served as co-chair of our Worship Committee until her death earlier this year. She was an effervescent spark, source of knowledge, encourager, free thinker, wise woman, and inspiring leader who shared a countenance full of beauty. Tears are in my eyes as I write, remember the love she freely gave. I know heaven will be a blast because she is there! Karen continues to serve on the Children Youth and Family Ministry Team but had to resign from session due to family concerns as wife of a law enforcement officer who also works as a social worker and nurtures four young kids. Excellent leaders show wisdom in what they don’t do as well as what they undertake. Her decision was a prayerfully made good decision as Karen is giving her best and growing rather than being stretched thin. These elders helped initiate and develop a “new chapter” in the life of EPC in their tenures. They serve faithfully and fruitfully in our continuing revitalization. As I reflect, I see that it is their Christian character and the conviction with which they serve that shines brightly. Elders, thank you! You have taught that if we give God our heart, soul, mind and strength, great things will follow. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for leading the way! Blessings, Tim

August 23, 2015

This Sunday is Rally Day… a day in which we celebrate the advent of a new program year in the life of the church. At this time I want to thank all who engage in serving as volunteers in the church! At a recent session meeting, elders shared “Bright Spots” in the life of our congregation. One elder said our “Bright Spot” is our congregation. So true! We all make up this church. The gifts, talents and time that members share make Eastminster a place of abundant joy, impactful service, deepening fellowship and worship which brings glory to God. The good news is that our congregation is a Bright Spot because God is at work in our lives. It is God who changes us for the better. It is God that enables us to do together what we could never do alone. It is God who sends the Spirit to make the words and deeds of Jesus come alive in us, his followers. So this weekend as we gather and celebrate, take a moment to count your blessings, to name your Bright Spots. Enjoy the festive nature of kids playing with Rally Day Balloons. Savor the meal that we eat together on Sunday. Give thanks to God for all that is good, and be an instrument of God’s blessings as you go forth this week. I am convinced that Eastminster will make a real difference in the community in the coming days. I’m convinced… because of the nature, talents, and heart of those who gather. Praise God! Blessings, Tim

July 26

Today we have the privilege of hearing from the youth who went to the Montreat Youth Conference. Going to Montreat is a tradition recently revived at Eastminster. The Rev. Jennifer McGee, herself a youth of the church, has gone to Montreat for 30 years in a row. When she was serving on staff here she worked with Julie Rogers-Martin and the Children Youth and Family Ministries Committee to enable five youth to attend Montreat in 2014. This year the number grew to fourteen youth and two adult sponsors, in large part due to the generosity of the EPC congregation which helped make their attendance possible. Attending camps and conferences are important, life changing events, as you will probably hear from the testimonies today. Statistics bear it out. Over 40% of pastors point to camps and conferences as being formative in their “call” to ministry. I’m sure the number is very significant in the “calls” of church officers as well. Supporting such activities with our time, talents and treasures is good stewardship. I was pleased to attend Montreat this year. As I look over the schedule, we spent well over 50 hours engaged directly in worship and spiritual formation activities such as small groups, Bible studies, and journaling. That’s a year of Sunday School with no absences all in one week, all with excellent preachers, teachers and youth from around the country. Add to that exploring the beauty of nature, artistic activities such as pottery making and group-building activities and it is no wonder that lives are changed… and that we all come back a bit tired… yet with stories that have shaped our lives. For me, I was pleased to see the ways in which our youth group handled adversity together. We had a van break down causing a six hour delay on the way up to camp. There was little whining and a lot of good support. The group set a good example when stuck in a fast food restaurant during that time. We remained welcome there. The Youth Council worked with adult leaders to make decisions, maintain the spiritual, and disciplinary climate, and to encourage all. I am very impressed with the leaders of the youth group. One activity was to climb Lookout Mountain. It was not an easy climb, but with encouragement of one another, all kids (and advisors) made it! As a church in an often hostile world, we will have “mountains” to climb as well. I pray that we too support each other and allow God to equip us with that which will allow us to shine the light of Christ in the world. For it is support and teamwork, being the body of Christ, which makes an often meaningless existence become “meaning-full.” Colossians 3:12-17 will be a theme scripture as the youth go forward this year. I commend it to us all for meditation and action: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Thanks for supporting our youth! Blessings, Tim

July 12, 2015

By the time you read this, I will be off with 30 youth from Eastminster and First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach as we caravan to the Montreat Youth Conference. I trust this will be a life changing experience for us all! Thank you, Eastminster, for the support of the children and youth of our community! Most decisions of faith are made before the age of 17, so this is “prime time” for spiritual growth. Also, 40% of Presbyterian pastors relate that youth camps were formative in experiencing their call to ministry. Please pray for the youth and leaders attending, even as you continue to develop regular patterns of prayer. Speaking of prayer, last week I forwarded a good prayer for times of spiritual attack in Tim’s Tidings and preached on setting aside time, preferably early in the morning, to be still before God. Many of you have a “routine” for doing this, many do not. Here is one that promises to be helpful. You might want to jot down a couple of notes or names by each step to make them your own… and to be ready to see where prayers are answered! (1) In preparation each day find a quiet place where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Read at least a few verses of scripture. The Psalms are excellent for helping us center on God. (2) Close your eyes and give thanks for three personal blessings in your life. (3) Ask God to forgive your mistakes and sins and to give you the strength to forgive others. Name those failings. (4) Ask God to help some person you find it hard to like. (5) Ask for help with your personal problems and needs. Tell God what they are. God knows, but it will help you to verbalize them. (6) Ask God to make you sensitive to at least one person today with whom you can share God's love in word or deed. (7) Ask God for a 24-hour supply of the Holy Spirit so that God’s power and wisdom will fill you. (8) Pray for Christ’s Church in the world and here at Eastminster. (9) Finally, and very importantly, conclude by listening silently for at least three minutes. I am convinced that God still works miracles in our personal lives and through our church. Try this prayer experience. If you need a tenth step to complement the nine above—or to get you started on the steps above—pray for willingness to be available for God and others. Try this exercise in prayer this week. Let me know how it is going next Sunday. May God bless you and guide you until then. See You in Church,