October 25

Whether a first-time guest, returning seasonal resident, or regular worshiper, welcome to Kirkin’ O’ th’ Tartans.  Today is a day where we appreciate our heritage and also look into the future with hope.  The Hebrews used to “tell time” by looking backwards and recounting God’s faithfulness and then looking ahead reassured that God’s love, grace and provision would be with them in the future.

Likewise, we have much to rejoice about today.  I hope that there will be time for you to reflect and make a mental or written list of the blessings for which you rejoice and respond by giving God thanks.  Many of us here today are facing future challenges, and we like the Hebrews, can benefit by “telling time” by looking back at God’s grace before looking ahead.  Then we go forward, knowing God will comfort and guide.  Also know that you have a staff and rich community of faith here at Eastminster to depend upon.

One of the best ways to know what’s going on at Eastminster and contribute your input to its future is to attend a Stewardship Home Gathering.   These Home Gatherings are designed for visitors and members alike.  They are a time to meet other people and share in rejoicing; hear about the church’s mission, programs, ministries and finances; and to shape Eastminster’s future by sharing hopes and concerns.  These Gatherings are free. No money will be solicited.  You may register for a gathering in your using the bulletin insert, email Nancy Sorensen at nsorensen@epcfl.or, or by calling the church office (321) 723-8371.

I hope to see you at one of the Home Gatherings, get to know you better, and hear more about your hopes and concerns for the future.

Blessings,

Tim

 

 

 

October 18

Today is “Children’s Sabbath,” and we are blessed to have children and youth assist in worship.  It is also the start of an emphasis on stewardship, which is the care we exercise over all God has given us. 

As I think of the blessings of children and youth and think of Eastminster’s call to be good stewards of all God has given us, I am delighted that there is an obvious care for children and youth here!

I think of the joy the congregation has in sponsoring the Eastminster preschool, in staffing a high quality nursery, in refurbishing the children’s area so growing numbers of kids in the community such as two new girl scout troops and a young persons’ Alcoholics Anonymous can use our facilities, as well as our church choirs, Sunday School, children’s church and youth groups.  I think of the joy of Mrs. June’s group of kids that led worship for over 100 kids daily in Vacation Bible School.  I think of the youth who were cared for by loving adult and parent advisors during a recent lock in, where yet other adults taught them to praise God in new ways.  I think of the many people who provide dinners for the youth and snacks for the kids’ choirs and make special offerings that our ministry to kids may flourish.  There is an obvious care for children and youth here.  This is good stewardship.

Today the kids give back.  We will see how one family practices stewardship over three generations, including the testimony of a five year old, Jonah, who was baptized here.  We will be led in worship by the children’s choir, even as they practice hard to present their best for Eastminster at their Christmas musical.  Our offertory prayer will be led by a Logan, a boy who like King David, “gets God,” even at a very young age.  Three teens, Jenna, Tyler and Ethan will read our scripture.  Please pray for our youth as they have many trials, even at early ages, yet God sees them through.  Especially pray for Taylor, a seventeen year old in our youth group, whose mother died this week.  May God comfort, guide and support her and her family!

I look forward to sharing more about Eastminster’s ministry with you in the Stewardship Home Gatherings which start this afternoon… and listening to your stories!   Please sign up for one of the Home Gatherings using the insert found in your bulletin or by stopping by a table in the courtyard as you exit.

Today we receive new members and recognize those members who have joined during 2015 with a special reception in Fellowship Hall following Sunday morning worship.  If you confess Jesus as Lord and desire to join Eastminster, you are invited to meet at the front of the church following worship.  All other folks are urged to attend the New Member Reception immediately following the benediction.  An added delight is you will be able to welcome Chris Ford as our Kitchen Manager and meet his daughter, Olivia.  Chris is a Godsend to this congregation and will help ensure consistent excellence in the fellowship life of our community!  As we are good stewards, exercising care and rejoicing in God’s blessings, let’s not forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17)

Blessings,

Tim

Rejoice and Respond

There are many reasons to rejoice at Eastminster as we move toward the fall.  We rejoice that Eastminster celebrates a rich life of worship and music. We rejoice that we nurture growing numbers of persons of all ages in mission, fellowship and education.  We rejoice that we minister to persons in life crisis whether it be at birth, youth and young adulthood, in “prime time,” or in times of loss and grief.  What a privilege!

God blesses us richly, even as scripture says “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).  And God calls us not only to rejoice but to continue to respond to Jesus Christ so that all may know him and make him known.

“Rejoice and Respond” is the theme for this year’s emphasis on Stewardship—the time we prepare to offer to God our time, talents and treasure to further the mission of Jesus Christ through Eastminster Presbyterian Church. 

As we focus on doing our parts to ensure God’s ministry through Eastminster will be glorifying and effective, Eastminster’s Stewardship Team challenges all of us to be regular in prayer.  As we pray, God will respond with power.  We are in a period of revitalization, and the basic “fuel” for the fire of revival is prayer.  Please pray!

Second, every visitor, regular worshipper, and member is urged to sign up for one “Home Group” today using the insert in your bulletin, going to the information table outside the sanctuary, or contacting the church office.  Beginning next Sunday there will be sixteen “Home Groups” that will meet in members’ home for ninety minutes where leaders will convey the state of the church as we head into 2016.  These gatherings will have time for fellowship and refreshment, for information sharing, for conversation and listening to the perceived “hopes and concerns” of the body as we move forward.  There will be no requests for money.

Finally, we pray that every worshipper, member and friend of the church will respond generously as we together offer a portion of what we receive to God.  The generosity of the church has been outstanding historically, and last year was no exception.  Yet, we are experiencing a season when we are relying on the reserves of the church provided by generous persons in the past to minister in the present.  Now we are at a point where members of EPC are giving more and the church is spending less than in previous years.  We have the chance, with God’s help and everyone’s generosity, to “move into the black.”  We are turning a corner.  This is huge! 

Elder Dick Dunn will give an update of our progress financially through the first three quarters of the year this weekend.  At Home Group gathering your sense of God’s call for the future will help inform the church’s direction.  Then, on November 15 Eastminster will unite in a Consecration Sunday where we will worship, offer our Estimates of Giving—good faith estimates of what God leads us to offer the church to support it financially, and we will celebrate with a church-wide Celebration Lunch.

Please be in prayer for our mutual ministry, attend a Home Group, rejoice in the Lord, and prepare to respond generously and cheerfully as the Lord leads.

Blessings,

Your Stewardship Team:  Sunny Rudloff, Chairperson, Barbara Allen, Dick Dunn,  Pete Lazaredes, June Leech, Chappie Maxwell, Bill McCaslin, Susan Wailes, Michelle Toms, Tim Rogers-Martin.  Ian Falconer and Walt Fredrickson, advisors

 

 

October 4

We celebrate World Communion Weekend. This weekend over 2 billion Christians from around the world will celebrate communion as act of unity in Christ. That’s over 25% of the world’s population! As we gather around the table today, plan to “rejoice and respond.” Make a mental list of those things for which you rejoice. Offer them to God as “thank you” prayers. In the quietness of the moments, as the bread and cup are shared, ask God how God would have you respond to the blessings you receive. We will be looking at the dynamic of “rejoice and respond” over the next several weeks. In the fall season, traditionally associated with harvest, Eastminster emphasizes the practice of good stewardship as returning to the Lord a portion of what we have received for the promotion of Christ’s mission in the world. First, we will rejoice as we meet in home groups and get to know one another and discern God’s will for Eastminster’s ministry in the years ahead. In your bulletin today is a flyer listing 16 home groups. Every worshipper is asked to pick one to attend a 90 minute gathering to enjoy simple refreshments, share, be informed, and help shape the ministry path of the church. This is a time to celebrate and be informed about Eastminster’s direction. No one will be asked for money at any of these events. You may sign up by returning the flyer in the offering plate, using the sign up table outside the sanctuary, or signing up online. Second, we will look at the theme of rejoicing and responding in scripture in relation to Children (October 17-18), Heritage (October 25, Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans), Worship (Nov. 1) and Mission (Nov.7- 8). During this time the financial needs and ministry opportunities of the church during 2016 will be highlighted. Third, on November 14-15 we will celebrate “Consecration Sunday” and return during worship our Estimates of Giving for 2016. Estimates of Giving are good will statements by worshippers of what they will give to God through the church during 2016. This helps Eastminster’s leaders plan well. We will celebrate in good Presbyterian fashion with good food and fellowship over this weekend. Finally on November 21-22 we will give thanks to God in traditional and contemporary services of worship. Stay posted for more details concerning all the above. Know that I rejoice here in my ministry with you. It is a high honor to be selected as your installed pastor last Sunday. Your affirmation is awesome, and I respond with my pledge to serve you well in dependence as God’s Spirit gifts and guides. I am convinced that although we have a long road ahead of us, God will be faithful and God’s blessings bountiful as we “rejoice and respond” together! Blessings, Tim

September 27

Last weekend’s “Back to Church” events were a true example of a community in action. It took “all hands on deck,” members and staff alike, to create the wonderful atmosphere of worship, fellowship, ministry opportunities, and community outreach that was enjoyed. Significantly, the “Concerts at Eastminster” series kicked off which will bring great choral and instrumental music to the community throughout the year. Dr. John Lowe was guest organist and led an organ recital and hymn sing that involved our choirs as part of a larger “Festival Chorus” that was a truly amazing concert of praise! Thanks Kyle Jones, Worship Committee, head usher Steve Adams and many willing hands for bringing this to be. The Concert Series continues this Sunday at 3 p.m. with “An Afternoon of Chamber Music” featuring a stellar cast from the Florida Metropolitan Orchestra. It’s a good reason to continue to invite friends “Back to Church.” It is featured in the “Best Events” in Wednesday’s Florida Today. The Saturday evening 6 p.m. EPiC service featured great contemporary music, interactive worship, and an Ice Cream Social at Sunset. Trevor Garvey, our new worship leader, has his “sea legs” and is establishing a great team to lead music. Elder Nancy Fowler and her team of helpers created a wonderful environment of hospitality as they do each week. Spread the word about this Saturday alternative and come check it out if you haven’t yet! Sunday’s worship featured wonderful music by Dr. Lowe and singing by our Chancel Choir. It was a moving service after which we received new members Grant and Laura Dearborn and Winnie Schuster. Look for their bios in the Eastminster Light newsletter which will be coming out next week and be sure to greet them. After worship over 240 people were served what a 40 year member termed “the best meal she’s ever eaten at church.” Kudos to Nancy Marshall, Susan Vallette, Pam Dunn and scores of helpers that spent three days cooking from scratch, decorating and enjoying each other’s company as they made our church a place of “heart and soul” as well as excellent food! They will be involved in a reception for new members on October 18, a “Trunk or Treat” on October 30 and our Stewardship “Celebration Luncheon” on November 15 if you want to join in or come for great food and fellowship… or both! It was the Outreach Committee, led by elder Bill McCaslin and supported by the Rev. Juliann Whipple, that made the whole weekend work. Bill and team arranged for publicity, motivated all ministry groups to prepare information for a Ministry Fair after church, booked a bluegrass band to entertain outside and a magician to perform inside, and most importantly, encouraged us to invite friends, relatives and acquaintances to come “back to church.” The Outreach Team has come alive this year, fueled by generous gifts in memory of Betty Coleman and anonymous donors, to provide contexts for us to invite others into the community even as we reach outward. My hope is that we continue to be an invitational church… a church of New Beginnings … a church that spreads God’s love and grace, even as we experience it. I hope that we continue to grow in our faith so that what we give others reflects God’s best. The Back to Church Weekend was a significant step in the journey. May we continue to follow God’s lead! Blessings,

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,