08-25-19

Tim's Tidings

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 which 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 has and is experiencing is a direct result of the call to service and the competencies of your elders.  Elders who rotate off Session at this time include Bryan Becker, Ed Bowers, Melissa Ketterman, and Bill McCaslin.  We thank them for their service!

 

Bryan Becker served as the chair of our Missions Committee.  During his tenure our Missions giving has increased in both dollars given and time invested on the part of our congregation in mission beyond the local church. He also oversaw the recent “Mission Match” where our congregation raised $25,000 for relief to Madagascar and $25,000 for local mission relief over and above our budgeted giving. He has chaired a great committee on which he will continue to serve.

 

Ed Bowers served as the chair of the Nominating Committee and co-chair of Personnel and Administration.  Ed coordinated the congregation’s nomination of excellent leaders to guide our church, he ensured staff stability and excellence through the recruitment and care of staff members, and he helped shape and administer policies which give our church direction yet ability to be flexible to address the opportunities and challenges of ministry during this time.

 

Melissa Ketterman served as Clerk of Session, a role which coordinates the affairs of the church from setting the agenda for the board meetings, to keeping track of membership, baptismal and other rolls, to writing minutes of all proceedings, to making sure we do things “decently and in order.”  This is a huge role in which she served with excellence, thus maximizing the effectiveness of all our elders.  Melissa also serves on the Pastoral Relations Team, a team which provides me with invaluable wisdom and guidance.

 

Bill McCaslin served as chair of the Outreach Committee.  Bill first suggested the church form an Outreach Committee five years ago.  The Outreach Committee has led efforts to include the community in the life of the church, to welcome all persons genuinely, to practice hospitality, and to grow the church.  Their efforts are bearing fruit as Eastminster is recognized as a church of excellence in these areas, and Eastminster realized the highest net membership growth of the 60+ churches of our presbytery last year.

 

This Sunday we ordain and install elders for service in the class of 2022 and welcome a new Clerk of Session.  Elders being ordained and/or installed include Nancy Fowler, Richard Schuette, Todd Uebele, and Brooke Wheeler. Claire Gibbs will serve as our Clerk of Session.  In the process, we have broadened our committee roles, adding committees which relate specifically to Adult Education and Spiritual Formation and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  These committees will lead us to grow deeper in faith and ability to reach new generations for Jesus.  See the back of your worship guide for the roles of this year’s Session and the contact information for your elders.  Thank you, God, for those you call to serve as elders!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

08-18-19

Tim’s Tidings

 

 

Jesus has a special call to whom some describe as the “least, lost, lonely and last.”  I believe Jesus’ parables we are considering this summer bear that out.

 

As you remember from last week’s Scripture, Jesus says in effect: “Don’t mess with the kids (least) and don’t mess with those who are newer believers.”  He says: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:3-5)

 

The “littlest” have room to grow.  “Humble yourselves and receive the kingdom like one of these, be welcoming and hospitable to all” is the message.  Jesus goes on to say:

 

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. ¹² What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? ¹³ And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. ¹⁴ So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (Matthew 18:10-14).

 

Are you feeling least, lost, lonely, last or little today?  Know you matter to God.  You matter to God!

 

God desires to be in relationship with us all.  God desires our worship and service.  God desires to forgive, love, heal and send us in ministry in every facet of life.  God desires that we who once were lost are now found.

 

Our purpose is to be found, filled and then fulfilled in community as we worship and serve God in Spirit and truth.  If you have been searching for God, keep it up.  Know that God is a God who wants to be found, and even searches and finds you and me.  That’s a great feeling, to know that angels watch over us night and day.  To know that God loves each of us “sheep” as if there were only one of us.  That we need never feel abandoned or afraid, but humble ourselves and be open to the God of love who cares for the least, last, lost, lonely and little.  God cares and all heaven rejoices when the lost are found!  Even you and me!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

 

07-14-2019

Summer is in full swing and Eastminster is ministering in may ways.  The July 4 "Salute to America" involved over 550 people for the concert, including 60 singers and the Melbourne Municipal Band.  Eastminster engaged in hospitality with many more members of the community, providing restrooms, water and serving 900 ice cream cones!  Our alternative viewing space in the fellowship hall accommodated over 100 people with excellent sound and video quality.  Way to go techies!

Thanks to Teresa Fleenor for overseeing the music and helping to coordinate the big picture, which involved scores of persons in providing security, hospitality, children's activities, food, and facilities readiness. I continue to receive kind words and notes about the event.

Please pray for our children and youth as summer is a key time for spiritual growth.  Our senior highs are at Montreat as I write and the middle schoolers just returned from Massanetta.  Over 50 children are in summer camp at Eastminster each week as directed by Eleni Yiapis.  Camps and conferences are a big part of the growth of children and youth.  Your generosity is enabling God to touch and be a part of their lives!

It is exciting to be part of Eastminster as it impacts people of all ages as we practice love of God and one another.  May you too experience renewal this summer!

07-07-19

Tim’s Tidings

 

In the rhythm of life at Eastminster July is “opportunity time.”  It is a time in which we seek to use the slowed down pace to develop ourselves spiritually and to get to projects that have been “left on the shelf” during the year.

 

What is it that you have always wondered about, dreamed about, said you were going to do?  Perhaps this is the month for you!  Who have you said, “I’d love to have coffee/a meal with her/him/them?” Maybe now is the time to get together.

 

July is also a good time to reflect.  Who are those persons in your life you would like to thank for influencing you, helping you in a time of need, inspiring you?  Maybe send a note or email, give a call, visit.  Expressing gratitude is healthy for the giver as well as the receiver and opens new doors to the soul.

 

What book (including the Bible) have you meant to pick up and read?  July might be the month to do it … or at least start.

 

When you have a moment of reflection, allow time to listen for God’s voice.  Jesus begins and ends the Parable of the Sower (Mark 20:1-20) with the word “listen.”  Being quiet and open can produce great direction and praying, as well as meditating, lifts up the needs of others even as it opens one to receive abundant blessings from God. 

 

Some people structure their prayer through the acronym, “ACTS.”  They take time in Adoration of God and God’s work, Confession of personal shortcomings of self and society, Thanksgiving for God’s goodness and gratitude for the blessings God brings, and Supplication, which is asking for the needs of self and others.

 

Another way to pray is through reading scripture such as the Parable of the Sheep and Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46.  Here we see Jesus’ concern for the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, those that need life’s basics such as good clothes and homes, those who are sick and those who are imprisoned.  As we read Scripture and see who are close to the heart of God, it’s good to pray for those people, circumstances and things, and act as able, so that “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

 

In this time of opportunity, I want to say thanks for the Eastminster family!  Your love, care, example, outreach, and the way you use your gifts of time, talent and treasure are inspiring.  The 4^th of July Concert was a great gift to the community.  This weekend you send youth to camp even as others come back.  We also baptize a youth by profession of faith, run a busy summer Christian preschool program, host interfaith dinners, and read Scripture, worship and pray together.  None of this could happen if God did not put us together.  So, enjoy July, take time to see and do things a bit differently, but do not neglect the habit of worshipping the God in Jesus who makes all things possible!

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Tim

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