May 1, 2016

The Book of Acts is incredible!  The more I read it, the more I see how God is in charge of the spread of the Gospel.  Over and over God’s people seem to hit barriers.  Over and over God’s Spirit overcomes them.  The Book of Acts shows how God overcomes barriers of culture, economics, politics, and religion to bring healing and hope.

In Acts Chapter 1 God uses the faith of Jesus followers and prayer to prepare a people to spread the Good News.  Ordinary men and women, people we might even think are “beneath us” are used to form a community of life change (Acts 2) and healing (Acts 3).  These ordinary people proclaim the good news to leaders (Acts 4), care for the underprivileged (Acts 6), and share how the God of creation works through history, even to the risen Christ and outpouring of God’s Spirit (Acts 7).  We see how God makes enemies friends (Acts 9) and breaks cultural boundaries (Acts 11) and leads us out into new territory (Acts 13).  And this is just the first half of Acts!

As you consider what God would have you do with your life and what mission God leads Eastminster to embrace, take a minute to read Acts and reflect on the great things that God does through prayerful, faithful people open to the Holy Spirit.  As we humble ourselves before God in prayer and worship, God will lift us up and guide us.  God will strengthen us send us out in service.  God will use ordinary acts done in Jesus’ name to heal, to encourage and to change lives.

The early believers faced barriers like we do.  They suffer like we do.  They endure hardships like we do.  Yet as they are faithful God, is glorified.  As they are faithful, that is intended for evil is used for good.

Sounds real to me.  Looks like Good News.  And it begins in prayer.

We have several occasions to join in prayer together this month.  Today as we take communion pray that God makes us one in the Spirit.  This Thursday pray for our country at one of the National Day of Prayer sights.  After church sign up to be part of the Prayer Vigil here May 12-15.

God does extraordinary things through ordinary people … who gather in faith and … prayer!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

April 17, 2016

Today we continue the series “Breaking Barriers through the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  This series is based on the book of Acts.  Acts is the book of the New Testament that immediately follows the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  It is written in excellent Greek by the Gospel writer, Luke.  Acts is the history of the early church and shows how the Holy Spirit gave life and direction to the Christian Church and how it expanded from a small group of believers to about 2 billion believers today.

One of the most important verses of the bible is Acts 2:42.  It reads:  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. “  We will look at this verse in depth on May 22.  Until then, I recommend that you read the book of Acts and prayerfully ask that same Spirit to enliven our lives and lead us forward.  We can do amazing things through the power of God’s Spirit!

There are many ways to devote ourselves “to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. “  The announcements today list many such opportunities.  There are new Bible studies going on many days of the week, habitat Builds where we reach out in fellowship and concrete assistance of others, choir practices where scripture is sung and the teachings of the church ring true, fellowship meals such as the Pot Luck this Wednesday at 5:30 to gather in fellowship, and soon there will be a three day prayer vigil (May 12-15) which leads to Pentecost, the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.  I hope each of us engages in at least two activities of choice outside of worship for personal enrichment.  As we grow, the life of our church body will be much richer as well.

Today, we will receive new members at the conclusion of our services of worship.  I look forward to getting to know those God sends to Eastminster!  This is a very exciting place to be as God calls others to worship, grow and serve here.  Welcome!

Next week the children will present their musical, “Legends of Camp Garner Creek.”  They are having excellent practices under the direction of Mrs. June Leech and have a real message to share.  Pray for them as they add “life to our body” as well.

One of the roles of a pastor is to pray for and counsel members.  Know that I am up for a visit and a cup of coffee as any have desire.  May God work with and through us to “Break Barriers by the Power of the Holy Spirit.”

 Blessings,

Tim

 

April 10, 2016

Names are powerful.  In Biblical times it was widely believed that if you knew a person’s name, you had some control over that person or power.

Names also identify.  Many times in the Bible God is identified as “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  The quality, conduct and histories of these men and their families said a lot about the God they worshipped and served.

In the account of Moses being told by God to liberate the Israelites from Egypt, Moses says to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ And they ask me what is his name?  Then what do I tell them?”  God replies to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”  In this God is expressing that God is the Name above all Names, the ultimate Power.  Importantly, God makes a promise then and through all the generations, even now, In Exodus 3:12 God says, “I will be with you.” 

“I will be with you.”  This is the very character of God and promise to us now.  God is and will be with us.  We can bank on that.  We can draw comfort and support and strength from that.  God is with us!

Jesus fleshed out the nature of “I AM” through seven statements in the Gospel of John.  He says I AM:  The Bread of Life (John 6), The Light of the World (John 8), The Gate (John 10), The Good Shepherd (John 10), The Resurrection and the Life (John 11), The Way, The Truth and The Life (John 14), and The Vine (John 15).  Jesus is present for us now.  He says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

The way I read this is that when we prayerfully request that which is accordance to who Jesus is and when we align our wills with God’s, powerful things happen.  In our scripture for this morning in Acts 3 Peter and John heal a crippled beggar.  Peter says, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  We will see the result in this passage in worship.

The takeaway for us today is that God’s name, God’s being, is powerful and present.  As we journey forward together, the best we can do is to seek to align our wills with the will of God revealed in Christ, asking boldly in prayer and proclamation.  As we do that, Amazing things are possible!

Blessings,

Tim

 

 

March 27, 2016

Welcome to worship with Eastminster on Easter morning!  A special welcome goes out to those who are visiting for the first time or returning to worship after an absence.  May you find joy, hospitality, faith and love as you encounter the risen Lord and relate with God’s community here.

Eastminster exists to glorify God, to know God more deeply and to serve God in the world.  Our mission statement is “Led by the Holy Spirit, Eastminster exists to invite into Fellowship, Equip for Service, Reach out in Support and Serve our World for Jesus Christ.”  It is our expectation that the web of caring relationships will continue to grow as new visitors, friends and members bring life to this community and to the world.  Let me know how Eastminster might enrich life with you.  Welcome again!

Easter is the most important day of the year.  It is a day when life conquers death, love overcomes fear, and faith grows from doubt.  The event of Jesus’ resurrection opens the pathway to God now and forever.  That event, two thousand years ago, is still being worked out in history.

The early visitors to Jesus’ tomb and his disciples were fearful and doubtful.  Many of us have been or are the same way.  We are in good company.  God’s love flows to us in different times and seasons.  That’s why community is important.  When we gather together, we remember together and we grow together… all in God’s design.

Amidst doubt and fear the question, “What if what they say is true?” arose.  It is a legitimate question.  If Jesus is God’s Son and the resurrection a validation of his divinity, what does that mean for my life?  Your life? Our lives together?

There are a lot of barriers to coming to Jesus Christ and a lot of power unleashed when the barriers are broken.  The women encountered a physical barrier that first Easter morning.  Mark 16:3 says “They asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb?’”  As we look at life, there are large “stones” ahead of us too.  Stones of health issues, job/financial security, social inequality, safety, mental stability, relationships, meaning and purpose in life.  We see that a Power much greater than the women rolled the stone away on Easter.  In the coming weeks, your pastors will be preaching on “Overcoming Barriers by the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  We will observe how God is a “stone mover,” a barrier breaker, a leader into New Life.  I hope everyone here today comes back next week, perhaps with a friend or family member facing a barrier who needs some hope, courage, inspiration, and a supportive community as it is faced and overcome.

He is Risen.  He is Risen Indeed!  Because He lives, we claim life, love and the faith that it all works out in the end.  That’s the Truth!

Blessings,

 Tim

March 20

Sunday 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 receive new members, continue our Wednesday Lenten Music, Meditation and Lunch Series, commemorate Good Friday, hold a Saturday “Eggstravaganza” where the Good News of Jesus will be proclaimed, participate in a Saturday evening “Easter at EPiC” Worship Event, and Celebrate Easter beginning at Sunrise.   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.  Check the announcements for details and service times.

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 that Jesus came to 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!  Today and through this week we will learn from the Gospel of Mark.  I urge you to read Mark 11-16 as part of your Holy Week devotions.  One chapter a day will prepare you for Easter.

Many thanks are in order for those who have prepared for this time.  Thanks to Nancy Marshall, Sharon Bowman and the many volunteers who prepared, served and cleaned up Lenten Lunches,  thanks to Nancy Fowler and the Worship Committee for the beautiful decorations throughout this season, thanks to Stuart Ballantyne for bringing his animals for the petting zoo and the Palm Sunday Parade, thanks to Mary Warnick for handcrafting gifts for all children who attend on Easter,  thanks to the Facilities Committee and their volunteers for sprucing up our grounds,  thanks to the choirs for preparing special music that will bring us closer to God, thanks the Children, Youth and Family Ministries Team for planning this Saturday’s Eggstravaganza among many other activities, thanks to the Mission Team for allowing us to participate in the habitat build and other projects during this season, thanks to the Outreach committee for advertising the many activities.

We are ready to celebrate a great week!  I encourage you to invite friends, neighbors and acquaintances to celebrate Holy Week at Eastminster.  Of special interest to adults is the 7 p.m. Good Friday presentation of the “Seven Last Words of Christ.”  There will be orchestration and full choirs bringing the musical message as well as communion and candlelighting to physically draw us to remembrance of Christ and loved ones.  For inviting young families I suggest the Saturday Easter Eggstravaganza which meets in the sanctuary at 10 a.m.  Invite all to Easter!  Sunrise service will be outdoors overlooking the Indian River Lagoon at 6:45 a.m.  Classic Easter worship will be at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m.  If both times are good for you and your friends, may I suggest coming at 8:45 to help balance parking and attendance?

May All have a Blessed Holy Week!

Tim

March 13

Today we continue our series on the Gospel of Mark with the account of the “widow’s offering” which takes place in the Jerusalem Temple in the area of the treasury.  Jesus uses this account to contrast the rich who give out of their wealth and the widow, who is literally “all in” giving everything out of her “poverty.”

The concept of giving out of our “poverty” is especially important in the season of Lent.  It is a season when we realize, along with centuries of those chosen by God, that God desires we offer all we have and are including:

·         Our sins and shortcomings,

·         Our feelings of anxiety and unworthiness,

·         Our hurts as well as our hopes.

The reason, as we will see in the next several weeks, is that God gives “wealth” at our areas of need:

·         Forgiveness and completeness,

·         Peace and worth,

·         Healing and a future.

Eastminster is indeed a generous church when we offer up to God not only our time, talent and treasure, but also the poverty of our souls which only Christ can make whole.

It’s two weeks until Easter.  Take time to pray daily, offering God all you have… good, bad and ugly.  Be silent in listening prayer.  Read the Gospel of Mark one more time before Easter preparing for all of God’s good gifts to you.  The account of Holy Week begins in Mark 11 with Palm Sunday, which we celebrate next week with a processional. 

May this be a time of renewal and transformation… in the places of our lives and church where we need it the most!

See you in Church,
Tim

 

February 21, 2016

Who is Jesus … To You?

Over many years of life, one question has remained central:  “Who is Jesus?”

There is not a time I remember when I did not know of Jesus or of God’s love for me.  I was raised in a Christian home.  My father was a pastor and my mother the daughter of a pastor.  Both my parents were very thoughtful Christians.  They taught our family and their congregations to consider who Jesus is prayerfully, from the witness of Scripture, from the witness of the Holy Spirit working in our lives and in the life of the communities in which we worshipped and served.

My answer to the question, “Who is Jesus?” has changed over time.  I always felt comfortable having the “Sunday School” Jesus, graphically pictured as the Good Shepherd, looking over me.  I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior when I was 11 years old after a powerful experience of God’s Spirit conferred during a youth musical.  The Jesus I understood at this age was rather moralistic.  Jesus would not want me to cheat or argue while playing “Foursqare” at recess, so I didn’t.  By the time I was fourteen, I hid from this Jesus as I knew my life could never live up to God’s perfect standards.  Guilt drove me further and further away from Christian practice, but like Jonah, I could not escape the presence of God.  At about 17, I got in some trouble early in the morning on a Sunday.  I ran home, hid under my covers, and prayed, “God, I know I haven’t followed you, but if you can help me out of this jam…”  I got in trouble still but there was a distinct presence of Christ during the ordeal and I knew that God answered my prayer, even when I didn’t deserve it.  In other words, I experienced God’s grace, God unconditional love.  This didn’t instantaneously “convert” me to right living, but it was powerful and unforgettable.  Jesus was and is a present help in times of trouble.

During college my life tanked for awhile.  I became depressed and quit going to work and school. I stayed in my dorm and wrote poetry and felt sorry for myself.  I become angry and I even envisioned myself kicking and hitting the foot of a being that represented Christ.  I wanted Jesus to leave me alone.  What I felt flowing down from a face I could not fully see was love.  Everlasting Love.  I surrendered to that love that I knew would never go away.  Again, I wish I could say my life changed immediately, but the reality is that I am still surrendering … and taking my life back… and surrendering again.  Yet the Jesus I understand today is rich, satisfying, complex.  To me, Jesus is a Shepherd, Healer, and Comforter.  He is Lord of my life, my Savior, who has moral claims on my behavior, yet is gracious and accepting. Jesus frees me from the ultimate consequences of sin and desires my growth, as I surrender and we take steps together on the journey of life.

Who is Jesus … to You?  I can’t wait to hear your story … and perhaps tell you more of mine!

Blessings,

Tim