Andrew T. Barton, Pastor
In the practice of spiritual direction, the director’s role is to assist another in their attentiveness to God. The spiritual director does not set the agenda for the person’s life, but rather helps the other discern God’s purposes for his or her own life. One seasoned spiritual writer reminds directors that their task is to join the ‘directee’ in their spiritual journey realizing that God has been a part of that journey in the past and will continue into the future. The spiritual guide does not bring God into the relationship, but instead listens and watches for God who is already active in the person’s life.
As your new pastor/spiritual director I plan to begin not by suddenly interjecting my bright ideas or spiritual agenda into the life of the church, but by listening and watching for the movement of God already happening. God has been at work in this congregation for generations and I will be of little help to you if I do not first become attuned to that spiritual history as well as God’s present activity. So, over the next few months I will seek to do more listening than talking—not an easy task for one who is usually up front babbling away!
A recurring question asked by spiritual directors is this: Where have you seen God in your life? It comes with several variations: How has God been moving in the church? Where have you seen spiritual fruit in this fellowship? How have you personally experienced the presence of God lately? What is God’s will for you or for the church? The intent of these questions is not to test one’s faith or to measure your spirituality. We don’t keep score in the church or award prizes to the one with the highest religious grades. The purpose is to help you and/or the church to be attentive to God and to discern God’s will. So, in addition to learning your names, where you work, or what you do in the church or community, I also want to hear about God in your life.
This is not to say that my initial days will be passive. In addition to active listening, I will initiate team building for our staff, elders, and deacons as way of getting to know one another and for learning how to best work together. And, of course, there will be sermons to preach, worship services to lead, pastoral visits to make, prayers to pray, and other ministries to perform. I ask for your prayers as we make this new beginning.
Andrew T. Barton, Pastor
I have been busy with my to-do list as your new pastor. Prepare sermons. Learn names. Attend meetings. Visit shut-ins. Learn names. Conduct staff meetings. Lead worship. Learn names. etc. etc. This got me to wondering about your church to do list—things you can be doing to help the congregation in this time of new beginnings. So, I have written a ‘to do’ list for your consideration. How many will you do?
___ PRAY for me, the church staff, officers, and members.
___ Attend the Pastor’s Installation Service on June 24 at 4:00 P.M.
___ Invite two or three other members to ‘come back’ and join our new beginning.
___ Give me a few seconds to recall your name and if I don’t remember, gently remind me.
___ PRAY for the church staff, officers, members, and me.
___ Support the ministry and mission of the church with your faithful financial gifts, including through the summer months.
___ Invite a friend to church over the summer introducing them to our wonderful church family.
___ Host a ‘meet-the-pastor’ gathering in your home over the summer. Read about this elsewhere in the newsletter. (Call Lisa Losey 426-4347 or 213-4418 to volunteer).
___ Sign up to attend a ‘meet-the-pastor’ gathering. Read about this in the same article elsewhere in the newsletter.
___ PRAY for the church staff, officers, members, and me.
Try Something New - August 2007
Andrew T. Barton, Pastor
I assume the cycle at First Presbyterian is similar to many churches. While the liturgical church year begins with Advent, we typically think of the church program year as beginning in September. Mostly that’s because many programs such as Sunday School or Circles mirror the public school calendar. So, as summer wanes, it’s now start-up time again.
Usually this means getting back to our ‘normal’ activities. Choir members begin rehearsal again. Christian Education classes start anew. Worship attendance tends to swell. Thus, church members get back involved in their respective organizations, classes, services and activities. It’s great to see people active in the life of the church, so September typically brings renewed energy in the church. The summer ‘slump’ ends and new life begins. It’s exciting!
My challenge to our members is this:
I challenge active members to consider prayerfully what God is calling them to be involved in. The point is not to so immerse ourselves that we feel like we’re treading water. Instead, we are to discern God’s leading for our involvement. Sometimes I think it stimulating to find one new thing in which to engage. A new class, a different church group, or a change in committee can keep us from getting stuck in a rut. It keeps us fresh.
I challenge those who are less involved in the church to find one new thing to do in the church. Here the point is not to feel you have to get involved in everything, but to find one new program, class, or group to join. This makes it doable and not too overwhelming. Yet, it makes us intentional about our church life.
I believe church members do well to engage in something that relates to each of five key areas of church ministry—1. Worship. 2. Christian nurture/spiritual development. 3. Fellowship. 4. Evangelism. 5. Mission/service. Thus all members can periodically assess their involvement by considering which areas they are fulfilling and which need their attention. If you’re consistent in Bible study, perhaps your new thing can be more service oriented. Those who enjoy several fellowship opportunities might consider an outreach venture. September is a great time to do this assessment and to follow through by engaging in one new thing that will help you be more broadly involved as a member.
So what will it be? Join a choir? Take a C.E. class? Worship weekly? Serve on a committee? Volunteer at the soup kitchen? Help in the nursery? What will it be?
At our first full staff meeting back in June I used the metaphor of teamwork to express my desire for the church staff to work together in our service to Christ and the church. As musicians, secretary, and pastors we are each to ‘play our position’ to the best of our ability and to encourage and help one another to do the same. It’s about teamwork.
This same thing can be said to the whole church—we are all on the same team working toward the same goal, honoring and serving Jesus Christ. We have many gifted members—in fact Scripture says that each of has spiritual gifts to use for the good of the body—and we are to ensure that all gifts are being utilized in a way to help the church thrive. This congregation has great gifts of lay leadership, genuine fellowship, joyful hearts, and a desire to serve. We have people with talents in music, organization, education, and technology; there are members who are good at teaching, giving, caring, helping, fixing, and encouraging. One of my roles, along with the Session and church staff, is to coordinate the work of the team. Among other things I am a coach.
Coaches do not play all the positions, but work to ensure that those who play the various roles are equipped to do so. The coach also works to get the various positions to play together as a team. In football, a team can have a great running back but if the quarterback doesn’t give him the ball or if the offensive linemen don’t block properly the running back will fail, in fact the team will likely fail. (An illustration from a dance team would also work, but I don’t know anything about dance teams!) So, as pastor, I work with the staff and Session, and together we work with the congregation striving for teamwork.
This may be pushing the metaphor a bit, but can we say that God is the owner of the team and his Son is the general manager? Well you get the point. It’s not our church. Individually and collectively we serve Christ. Our teamwork reflects on Christ and that’s why we want to perform well together. So, as the preacher in Hebrews 10 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
By Pastor Andrew
Perhaps you’ve heard the old joke,
“How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?”
“Change?! What’s change?”
It’s a new year and we already know it will bring change...
In early 2008, if the way be clear, Doug Cornelius will become Pastor Doug. On January 8, our request to create the ordained position of Minister of Education and Youth will be acted upon by the Presbytery. At the same meeting, Doug will be examined for ordination as our candidate for this new position. If all goes well he will be ordained in February ready to start in this new role in March or April. While many of his responsibilities will remain the same, his ordination will enhance his role.
On or near June 1, 2008 Pastor Jan will once again be full time as Major Kozcera, Chaplain in the Army National Guard. As previously announced, Jan will be deployed to Iraq. This obviously creates another change for our church. We will miss Jan’s pastoral presence, but certainly support him in this recurring role. Jan is clear that this is an important and clear call of God. Over the next month or so, the Personnel Committee and Session will be making plans for Jan’s year-long absence. We will review his responsibilities and make plans to ensure that they are picked up by others. Who will these others be? While nothing has been discussed yet, my guess is the ‘others’ may include, lay persons, Doug and I, and perhaps outside pastoral help.
In January we will install our new officers. While this does not alter things as much as the staff changes, new people in new roles does bring different ideas, personalities, and approaches to our Session and Deacons. This month the Session will be developing an action plan for 2008. I doubt the plan will take us in a new direction, but it could bring new dimensions toward fulfilling our mission.
These are some of the changes that are anticipated in 2008. Meanwhile, I am hardly a long-term fixture here at FPCHS. You and I are still making adjustments to me as a new pastor. Add to this changing reality the fact that, like every other year, there also will be the unanticipated changes during the year.
Change can be a fearful thing. People tend to like stability. We like doing things the same way. The familiar makes us feel comfortable and safe. Change can mean uncertainty. So, how do we live and serve in the midst of change? At our core we know that amidst change we build our faith and ministry on the firm foundation of Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We stand on solid ground and therefore can stand firm in the midst of change. Or to change the image, Scripture alludes to anchoring our lives in Christ. As the hymn writer reminds us:
When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
As we begin a new year with its inevitable changes, we can proceed with confidence, anchored in Christ. While the future is uncertain, what is certain is that Christ will be with us this year and every year.
Clapping…Not If, but When February 2008
By Pastor Andrew
Clapping in worship is biblical. Clapping can energize worship, expressing joy and adoration. Applause can be a welcome part of worship, if it is done at the appropriate time. However, folks clapping at inappropriate times detracts from worship. I want to advocate clapping, but how do we determine when it’s the right time for a round of applause?
Clapping is typically a spontaneous expression of approval, celebration, and joy. If we have to cue the congregation to clap it will feel contrived, like a TV studio audience clapping when the applause sign lights up. To print “applause” in the bulletin at certain points of the service would be foolish, just as it would be to say “no applause” please. Perhaps a few cues here in the newsletter can guide our clapping.
Typically clapping happens in response to music. We must take care not to treat anthems, solos, and instrumental pieces as performances. It could make worship into a concert. What’s more, clapping after every anthem can become contrived or perfunctory. Someone has said, “The one who sings prays twice,” which is to say music is worship, prayer, and/or praise. Thus, just as we do not typically clap after a prayer, we need not applaud after all music. I see applause as an extended expression of whatever has just taken place. Thus, if an anthem is joyful and upbeat, applause can be a timely expression of the anthem’s praise. In contrast, a quiet, prayerful anthem might more appropriately lead to silence rather than applause. Another example might be seasonal—a festive Christmas or Easter music piece is more likely to draw applause than a reflective Lenten choral work. Another hint is in style—gospel music typically leads to clapping more than something for the classical repertoire. Of course, it seems that anything sung by children rightly ends with applause.
Of course, music isn’t the only part of worship to prompt hand clapping. Affirming good news in the church and celebrating events such as baptisms, graduations, confirmation, and new members with hearty applause is certainly appropriate. It adds to the joy of the occasions.
To take a cue from Ecclesiastes, there’s a time to clap and a time to refrain from clapping. So, short of installing an applause sign behind the pulpit, can we simply be sensitive to the moment, refraining from applause when it’s reflective, prayerful, or somber; clapping enthusiastically when it’s upbeat, joy-filled, and celebrative.
Clap your hands, all you peoples;
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Psalm 47:1
By Pastor Andrew
In preaching on the phrase, “Thy kingdom come,” from the Lord’s Prayer I spoke of Kingdom activity. The prayer includes a call to action. When Jesus was asked about his identity as Messiah he answered by pointing to things that were being done--"Go and tell what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them." So too, as the Body of Christ, the Church is to be about kingdom activity—doing the work of the Christ. The Church is to be an active agent of Jesus Christ.
In January the Session approved an Action Plan for 2008. Primarily it grew out of the three year plan developed during the interim period. We reviewed what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done. We also added a new area of concern not mentioned in the original plan—Mission. The 2008 Action Plan is included in this newsletter.
While the Session takes the lead in fulfilling this plan, the breadth and depth of the plan requires the full participation of our members. So your job is to review the list objectives and to get involved.
In a church our size mobilizing the entire membership is a challenge. We communicate needs and opportunities as best we can, but the message doesn’t always get through. Thus, you may be sitting back waiting for someone to ask you to volunteer or serve, but meanwhile we may not know your specific interests, abilities, or availability. Thus we ask you to speak up and express your interests. For example, we have been pleased that in the last two new members’ classes, several new members quickly volunteered to serve on a committee. Please look over the Action Plan and discern how you might get involved. Like the Lord’s Prayer, it’s a call to action.
One more thing…While it is not specified in the Action Plan, prayer is a key component to fruitful church ministry. In a study of active, vital congregations research consultant, George Barna discovered that “these people understood the power of prayer. They actively and consistently included prayer in their services, their events, their meetings and their personal ministries. People in these churches were more likely than usual to view prayer as an opportunity to be in the presence of God, and to be filled with His mind. They were more likely than usual to insist that prayer be a central part of any decisions made by the church.” Thus, I urge you to pray for our church. Pray for our members, leaders, and staff. Pray for the various ministries of the church. Refer back to the annual report and use the table of contents as a prayer guide. Prayer too is a kingdom activity.
Churches Are Not All the Same April, 2008
By Pastor Andrew
My life has been connected with the Church. I grew up in the Hampton Presbyterian Church. In college I attended East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City, PA. In seminary I did my field education at Fort Square Presbyterian Church, Quincy, Massachusetts and a full year, full time internship at the Cedar Park Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA. As a pastor I have served four Presbyterian churches—Big Spring in Newville, PA; Fort Burd in Brownsville, PA; The Presbyterian Church at Woodbury, NJ; and now First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square. One would think that all of these Presbyterian congregations would be essentially the same; after all, they are all part of the same denomination and adhere to the same basic principles of governance, worship, and mission.
But all churches, even Presbyterian churches are not created the same. Each church I have had connections with has had its own unique traditions—or should we say idiosyncrasies, quirks, and oddities? At the Hampton church it was ham dinners whereas Hamilton Square has the lasagna dinner. I’m pretty sure one of the churches would never have had a “fund-raiser”… In addition to its morning service of worship on Sundays, the Fort Square church had an evening service with an expository sermon that meant the pastor had two messages a week to prepare. At Big Spring I led summer outdoor vesper services... One of the congregations always started its services late… The four Pennsylvania congregations had Sunday School before the services of worship in contrast to the New Jersey churches which had/have Sunday School at the same time as worship. (In Woodbury this was eventually changed.)… The Fort Burd sanctuary had the organ and choir loft in a balcony at the back of the sanctuary, but all the others had it in the front…Fort Burd and Hamilton Square have a unicameral board with the Session serving as Trustees, while the others have bicameral boards with Session and Trustees as two distinct boards… One of the churches did not have a Board of Deacons... As far as I can remember only the New Jersey churches had rummage sales, though Hamilton Square’s is significantly larger; however Woodbury used to also do a major Christmas bazaar/dinner… Most of these congregations used a Presbyterian hymnal, though of different vintage (the green, the red, or the blue), but a least two used a nondenominational hymn book. The variety of ministries is long—a summer day camp, small and large choirs, small groups, mission trips, nursing home services, bible studies, food pantry, VBS, women’s circles, men’s groups etc. The list of similarities might be long, but the list of differences is significant. Many of the differences have to do with the context and culture of a particular church. One size (style, tradition) does not fit all.
These variations on the theme of Presbyterian Church make life and work interesting for the pastor. It means I have had to adapt to the traditions (idiosyncrasies, quirks, and oddities) of each church. (Of course they have had to put up with mine.) Occasionally it has meant instituting some changes. The key for the pastor and really for the churches is to ask important questions. What is the history of a particular custom or program? What role does an activity play in the church? Does a particular tradition or manner of doing things further the mission of the church or does it hinder it? Do the idiosyncrasies of a congregation give it a unique character that welcomes and assimilates new members or do they exclude outsiders? How does a custom, function, or style match God’s purposes for the church? The answers to these and other probing questions lead a church to decide what things should continue, what needs to be scrapped, and what needs to be changed. Notice I said, “Lead a church.” While the pastor may have particular ideas about these matters, ultimately it is the church that decides via its Session. This means we all ought to be asking these questions about all that we do. This will ensure the church does the right thing in the best way to serve Jesus Christ.
Community by Pastor Andrew, May, 2008
Holy Community was the theme of our church retreat in April. I used the book Discovering Community by the Rev. Stephen Doughty to guide us into this relevant theme. In a culture that flaunts individualism and autonomy it is a challenge to build spiritual community, but it becomes a delight when we experience the hospitality, care, encouragement, love, forgiveness, prayers, burden-bearing, and many other blessings that come from our fellowship as Christian sisters and brothers. It is in community together that we discover and experience Christ; it is in community that we mature in faith and receive the support to live that faith in the world.
During the retreat we discussed a variety of things that hinder community—over-extended schedules, social diversions, personal problems, church disappointments, or a loss of foundational faith. We also considered practices which build community—active listening, prayer, encouragement, honest speaking, ‘being present’ for one another, Bible Study, being together in worship, in small groups, and in Christian service.
I hope you will discover the blessing of Christian fellowship and will endeavor to be an active part of the community we call First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square. At the conclusion of the retreat we read one of my favorite expressions of the church written by Ann Weems. It’s called I Celebrate the Church of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it will entice you into active participation. Here are a few excerpts:
I celebrate the church of Jesus Christ,
where two or three or thousands can gather together
in the Lord’s name and touch this world
with the amazing good news that somebody cares,
that God joins us in community so that someday
this world will be loved to wholeness.
I celebrate this community,
where the people say Yes in the face of No,
where they light candles in the darkest night,
where healing and compassion leave no time for self-righteousness,
and the life-sustaining love of Christ is evident in the life of the believers…
I celebrate the church,
where every child of God is hailed as unique and valuable,
where arms are opened to the world’s outcasts,
where the tired, beaten, disillusioned world is invited in
and surprised by the life-giving word
that Christ accepts the children, all the children of the world…
I celebrate the mercy and forgiveness
the tears wiped away, the hands held,
the gifts given, the children treasured and nurtured,
the races won, the failures met…
I celebrate the church of Jesus Christ, whose supportive community
holds me when I’m tempted to give up, enfolds me when I’m hurting,
affirms me, reaches out to me, gives to me, receives from me.
Summer means a change of routine in the church, but it does not mean we close for the summer! Our Sunday School program will take a hiatus beginning June 15, but plans are in the works for adult education and a children’s program throughout the summer. We are looking at options for our summer worship schedule (keep your eyes and ears open for our decision), but we will certainly have multiple worship opportunities with great music, deep prayer, and lively messages; plus we are adding a children’s message to the services. We’ll have a church picnic in August. Meanwhile our youth program, not only does not die down for the summer, it revs up with extra activities including the annual mission trip, retreats, as well as weekly options. Adults too, have an opportunity do participate in a mission trip to New Orleans. The list could go on.
Thus, as mentioned in last month’s
Flock, my encouragement is for individuals and families to stay engaged
in church life over the summer. Sure there will be vacations and
weekend getaways, but that does not mean being absent from mid-June to
September. Worship is at the heart of the Christian life and is
therefore a year-round endeavor. Discipleship is not seasonal. It’s an
ongoing commitment. Financial giving needs to step-up in the summer,
not be let go. So, plan now to keep active in your Christian life. 
Let’s Play
Of course the Christian Life does not just happen in the confines of the church building. All aspects of life come under the Lordship of Christ. This includes our recreation. Summer is traditionally a time to play. Rather than being a distraction from our Christian life play is part of it. Jerome Berryman has written on the subject. He says, “Play is recreation. The enormous range and depth of such re-creation, however is too often overlooked. Many see playing as a superficial or trivial act, but I see it as a life-giving act…Play. Play in a Godly way. Play with the Creator. Enter the existential game with imagination, wonder, and laughter if you want to become new without end.” (Check out the website http://www.godlyplay.org) Spiritual guide, Tilden Edwards, expresses it succinctly, “Play simply expresses who we are in God.”
As you plan your summer, instead of separating faith and play in your mind, try to notice their connection. Allow children to teach you how to play. Be spontaneous. Be joy-filled. Be playful. Be creative. And be sure to look for God in the midst of your fun.
Praise to the Creator by Pastor Andrew
The summer months typically give us opportunity to enjoy God’s creation. Whether it is sitting on the porch or hiking in the woods, sitting on the beach or driving a scenic route, we can see God’s handiwork—billowy white clouds or ominous dark ones; stately oak trees and delicate ferns; colorful butterflies and busy sparrows; a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or a chance encounter with a burly bear; a red rose.Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God the Creator and Provider. James Mays describes the psalm and its important perspective on nature: “Psalm 104 praises the Lord as the one who created the world and provides for all creatures that live in it. The psalm is a poetic vision of the world and of what we moderns call ‘nature’ as the work of the Lord. Contemporary people have a variety of ways of viewing and speaking about the world and the forms of life it sustains—scientific, economic, aesthetic, recreational. This psalm offers the view and language that is appropriate for faith. For those who live by faith, its view and language qualify and define the other ways of thinking and speaking. Indeed, when understood in its own culture, the psalm includes the scientific and economic and aesthetic—even the recreational; the word ‘play’ appears in verse 26 (NRSV=sport; NIV=frolic).” From Psalms by James L. Mays
The psalm invites
us to notice creation and to allow creation to point us to the Creator,
which leads to praise. So, take time when you are outside, or even just
looking out the window, to be attentive to the things you see in the
natural world. Richard Foster calls it reverent observation. Whether
it is a decaying, moss covered log or an ordinary maple tree there’s
something to see and discover. The sights and sounds of a stream or
waterfall can evoke wonder. One weekend Joyce and I were chuckling at
the playful antics of several chipmunks. Sure we’ve seen plenty of the
little critters before—even one in the house—but this time we took
special notice of them and enjoyed their show. 
I came across this comment from Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov: “Love all God’s creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day.”
Pastor Andrew
“Fail to plan, plan to fail.” There is truth in this axiom, much like the saying, “If we don’t know where we are going, how will we know when we get there.” Planning is vital to the future of the church. Such planning is more than setting a few arbitrary goals and then planning a few new programs to reach them. Planning involves discernment, specifically, discerning God’s particular will for our church. Thus, our planning is not simply deciding what members want or what cool programs we can offer. Our aim is to discern what God is calling us to be about and how we can fulfill that calling. In the book, Holy Conversations, the authors invite churches to consider three formative questions:
1. Who are we?
2. What has God called us to do or be?
3. Who is our neighbor?
The first question is about identity. The book states, “For congregations, self-knowledge reflects a maturity that allows for clear and purposeful decisions to navigate the future.” The second question focuses on purpose. “Based upon what we know of ourselves and our situation, what do we believe we are to do? How are we to develop or mature?” This discernment happens through prayer, study, reflection, discussion, and decision-making. The final question puts the planning in a context. The church does not exist in a vacuum. We are in a specific time and place, a particular community and culture. How do we minister in this location?
We have begun a new season of discernment and planning. The Session has appointed the following to serve as a Strategic Planning Team:
Cliff Burd, Julie Caiola, Melinda Gallo, Rob Hess, Trisha Muka, Paul Neu, Wendy Wintle, and Lorelei Zupp. I am serving as the facilitator.
The planning team’s job is to discern and develop a three-year plan (2009-2011) for the church, building upon the work of the Mission Self Study Report adopted in June, 2005. Thus, this process will not be as exhaustive as the previous one. The team has already begun reviewing the Mission Self Study Report. They are interviewing church leaders to gain a perspective of how we have done in fulfilling the plans adopted three years ago. Eventually they will broaden their exploration to consider areas of ministry not included in the previous plan. From there they will begin to prayerfully consider where God is leading us for the future. This fall they will involve the congregation in this discernment process. In the meantime please keep this planning team in your prayers.
Pastor Andrew
During children’s sermons, it has become so typical for ministers and others to ask the tykes leading questions for which the answer is Jesus, that it is now a standard line that the answer is always Jesus. This leads to funny incidents like the following: “A pastor was talking to a group of kids and, to illustrate a point, he asked, 'Does anybody know what's small, furry, has a bushy tail, and runs up trees looking for nuts?' All the kids were silent but, finally, one little boy said, 'Well, I know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!'" After so many lessons and sermons the children come to expect the answer to be Jesus.
When it comes to getting to the heart of church life that lesson really does apply—the answer is Jesus. If anyone asks who is in charge of our church the answer is clear: Jesus Christ is head of the church. Colossians 1:18 states this clearly and Ephesians 4:15f says the same thing—Christ is head of the body and we are members of Christ’s body, implying that we are organically connected to Jesus through his Spirit. It’s a great joy to be part of the Body of Christ, the Church. It’s important however to remember we are not the Head.
Sometimes we get the wrong idea. We think the church is about us—our preferences, our convenience, our style, our needs. Presbyterian pastor, Glenn McDonald likens the church to a cruise ship. He says that, unfortunately, many people on the boat have the wrong idea about the captain. “The captain has performed heroically, even sacrificially, to guarantee our safety. It is therefore appropriate that the passengers express gratitude and acknowledgement from time to time. Otherwise, we are free to maintain our own schedules. The captain’s job is to steer the boat. Ours is to enjoy the trip and stay out of trouble.” That sounds familiar—church members show up to express gratitude to Jesus, but they also assume the church exists for them to enjoy themselves and perhaps to help them stay out of trouble. But as McDonald explains, “It’s meant to be all about the Captain…We owe everything to the Captain (Jesus). Therefore we are called to surrender our own agendas and to orient our lives around the Captain’s concerns. Our true status is not that of guests. We are called to sign on as mates.”
“Jesus is Lord,” was the earliest confession of the church (see Romans 10:9 and Philippians 2:10-11). While the term “lord” began as a polite form of address, in the New Testament when it was attributed to Jesus it came to mean, Master or Ruler. So as my New Testament dictionary explains, “In every expression of its life the Christian community (church) stands before the Lord who has authority and exercises it over the community.” To profess Jesus as Lord is to surrender to his authority over us and the church.
It should be clear, therefore, that everything we do as congregation—worship services, church dinners, stewardship, Sunday School, choirs, fellowship groups, women’s circles, men’s groups, youth gatherings, mission trips etc—are about Christ. As Paul put in Colossians 3, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
Preparing to Vote as a Christian…
Pastor Andrew
I am not a political junkie. I don’t debate issues with friends or put bumper stickers on my car or signs in my yard. I rarely preach on politics. I can only handle a little political talk on television and I hit the mute button for election related commercials. Yet, despite my lack of enthusiasm for politics, I recognize the importance of taking part in the political process, especially in elections. Thus, I attempt to keep abreast of key political issues, learn more about candidates, and vote in elections.
Sojourners, a Christian group that advocates for social justice, believes, “Christians have a moral and civic responsibility to participate in the political life of society by prayerfully measuring the proposed policies of all candidates against Christian ethics and values.” They produce a guide entitled “Principles and Policies for Christian Voters.” The guide lists issues they believe ought to be considered as Christians prepare to vote. The following is a summary of their main points. To read further about each issue and to learn the biblical support for each I have posted a few copies on the “Pastor’s Corner” bulletin board or you can check out their website. http://www.sojo.net/Action/Alerts/VGP_Issues_Guide.pdf
Compassion and Economic Justice: Work must work and provide for family economic success and security. Children should not be poor. Extreme global poverty must end.
Peace and Restraint of Violence: Bring peace to Iraq. Eliminate nuclear weapons. Support security and freedom in the Middle East. Strengthen the United Nations and international law to fight terrorism.
Consistent Ethic of Life: Dramatically reduce abortion. End capital punishment. Stop genocide.
Racial Justice: Reverse racial disparities. End environmental racism.
Human Rights, Dignity, and Gender Justice: Establish humane and holistic immigration policies. End torture worldwide. Stop human trafficking, promote religious freedom, fight HIV/AIDS, and defend the rights of women.
Strengthen Families and Renew Culture: Strengthen marriage and families. Restore integrity to our civic and business practices. Prevent violence.
Good Stewardship of God’s Creation: Reverse global climate change. Prioritize clean air and water. Develop clean and renewable energy.
Praise to the
Creator
Pastor Andrew
Our Strategic Planning Team recently surveyed the congregation with regards to discerning our future. One of the questions asked, “How is the church important in your life, or what keeps you here?” A common theme among the responses was fellowship. It came across in statements like these:
As we read the surveys it was quite evident that our relationships with one another as Christians and as fellow members of First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square are integral to our spiritual life. It seems we take to heart the biblical admonition to love one another.
I have witnessed this love in a variety of contexts. When members show up at funerals and viewings; when members shower the sick and infirmed with cards and prayers love is evident. While it is behind the scenes and confidential, the care and compassion of our Stephen’s Ministers as they listen to individuals shows their love. In observing our youth on Sunday evenings or hearing their testimony of mission experiences it becomes evident that they look after one another and support one another; in other words they too love one another. Many other examples could be mentioned.
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Advent: Getting Ready, Making Room
Pastor Andrew
Getting ready for Christmas can generate excitement or at least a warm glow, however it can also make us anxious. We may be fretting over the nation’s economic woes and whether this will put a damper on gift buying. Or we may be wondering what the holiday will be like with the absence of a family member due to distance or death. These kinds of worries may overshadow the joy of the season.
It helps if we temper our Christmas expectations. Instead of buying into the commercial hype or trying to live up to the standards set by overzealous family or friends, we can set limits on how much money we will spend and how many activities we can reasonably participate in. We can ask ourselves, “What will make this season meaningful to me or to my family?” Rather than live up to the expectations of others we can set our own reasonable hopes. For some this might mean planning a few special events with friends and family or perhaps finding ways to help the needy; but for others the goal might be just getting through the holidays without an emotional crisis.
Key to Advent and Christmas is remembering what it is we celebrate. The watchword for Advent is prepare, but this is not a reference to the frenetic activity we associate with the season—baking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping, card-writing, decorating and all the rest. The true preparation of Advent has to do with readying ourselves inwardly, preparing the way of the Lord. This naturally includes prayer, Bible reading, worship, and devotions as part of our Advent observances. But we can also seek to notice God and provide space for Christ in our family rituals. Writing Christmas cards can become a spiritual act if done with care and prayer. Baking or decorating can be more than things on the ‘to do’ list as we allow them to connect us to special people and traditions of the past. For each tradition, remember the focus of the season: Jesus Christ.
Pastor Andrew
As we embark on a new year are feeling the futility heard in Ecclesiastes 1?
All things are wearisome;
more than one can express;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
or ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done;
there is nothing new under the sun.
2009 will bring the United States a new President; in church it will include some new officers and a new strategic plan. Maybe there is some new thing in your life for ’09 as well. Yet, the cynic in us may wonder, will anything really change? Isn’t life mostly the same old thing, maybe repackaged a bit, but nothing really new? The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see all is vanity and a chasing after wind.” Sometimes it appears to be true that “there is nothing new under the sun.”
A gloomy way to start the New Year, right? Perhaps we can look at life from a different perspective. When Ecclesiastes laments the futility of life it does so from the perspective “under the sun,” which means life on earth, life as human beings see it. But there’s another viewpoint—a God’s-eye-view! As the Apostle Paul advocates in Colossians 3, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on earthly things.” We need to look up, meaning look to God who makes all things new.
When life seems like a dead-end—
Look to God who is Life.
When routines lose their zip—
Look up to God who gives power to the faint.
When all appears meaningless—
Look toward God whose purposes rule the world.
Look up to God through the Risen Christ who proclaimed, “Behold I make all things new!” (Revelation 21:5)
Pastor Andrew
The Strategic Planning Team has reported to Session and the Session has acted by adopting their recommended Plan. You will find at outline of the Plan elsewhere in this newsletter. In addition the Session approved a broad statement of purpose with an accompanying Vision Statement. Together they chart the future direction of our congregation.
Statement of Purpose
The First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square New Jersey seeks to glorify and enjoy God through Prayer, Worship, Giving, Christian Education and Fellowship. We are a caring congregation called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to make disciples through Evangelism, Christian Education, Youth Ministry and Mission.
Vision Statement for 2009-2011
“Let’s grow!”
Grow in Faith.
Grow in Giving.
Grow in Members.
Grow in Mission.
We grow in faith through prayer, study, fellowship, and worship.
We grow in giving through generous offerings, active involvement in ministries, participation in caring ministries and mission support.
We grow in members through visibility in the community, personal witness, outreach efforts, and welcoming hospitality.
We grow in mission as God sends us out into the local community and beyond to minister to a needy world.
Without the support and participation of the whole congregation these statements and the strategic plan are only words on a page. Their intent is to spur members to active involvement by giving us clear direction. Our motivation is found in the call of Christ to make disciples. Please give prayerful consideration of how you will help us fulfill our plan. COME, GROW WITH US!!
2009-2011 Strategic Plan
The Plan begins with our strengths, ensuring the church continues to build upon its foundational ministries.
Foundations for Growth
Prayer/Worship
Goal: Deepen our connection to GOD through active prayer and inspiring worship.
Giving
Goal: Challenge increased financial giving and the offering of time and talent to support the growing ministries of the Church.
Fellowship
Goal: Celebrate our spirit of family and extend this fellowship to visitors, new members, and those in our communities.
Christian Education
Goal: Sustain and expand the strong Christian Education programs.
Youth
Goal: Build upon the outstanding youth ministries and keep them growing in size and depth.
Next, building upon this internal foundation the Plan identifies areas from growth as we move out beyond the local church.
Where We Want to Grow
MISSIONAL CHURCH
Goal: Develop a “missional” outlook and approach to ministry that permeates all aspects of church life.
Evangelism:
Goal: Promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our Community.
Local Mission and Community Service
Goal: Build on current involvement and projects to increase our commitment and participation in Local Mission.
Mission Beyond Local Community
Goal: Promote mission beyond the local church.
Each of the overarching goals for nine areas of ministry has a list of practical goals that are intended to move us forward in attaining. The Session has begun working on these plans and invites you to in active ministry.
Understanding LENT, March 2009
Pastor Andrew
Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest and writer, has a way with words and in a sermon called Lenten Discipline she has a unique way of explaining Lent. I hope it helps you understand the season and stimulates your thinking on how you will observe it.
Do not bother looking for Lent in your Bible dictionary, because there was no such thing back then. There is some evidence that early Christians fasted forty hours between Good Friday and Easter, but the custom of spending forty days in prayer and self-denial did not arise until later, when the initial rush of Christian adrenaline was over and believers had gotten very ho-hum about their faith.
When the world did not end as Jesus himself had said it would, his followers stopped expecting so much from God or themselves. They hung a wooden cross on the wall and settled back into their more or less comfortable routines...Little by little, Christians became devoted to their comforts instead: the soft couch, the flannel sheets, the leg of lamb roasted with rosemary. These things made them feel safe and cared for—if not by God, then by themselves. They decided there as no contradiction between being comfortable and being Christian and before long it was very hard to pick them out from the population at large. They no longer distinguished themselves by their bold love for one another. They did not get arrested for championing the poor. They blended in. They avoided extremes. They decided to be nice instead of holy and God moaned out loud.
Hearing that, someone suggested it was time to call Christians back to their senses, and the Bible offered some clues about how to do that. Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness learning to trust the Lord. Elijah spent 40 days there before hearing the still, small voice of God on the same mountain where Moses spent 40 days listening to God give the law. There was also Luke’s story about Jesus’ own 40 days in the wilderness—a period of preparation between his baptism and his ministry—during which he was sorely tested by the devil. It was hard. It was awful. It was necessary, if only for the story. Those of us who believe it have proof that it is humanly possible to remain loyal to God.
So the church announced a season of Lent—40 days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. 40 days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.
THE MEEK and MERCIFUL
May 2009
Pastor Andrew
By the time you read this, the most recent sensation of pop-culture may already be forgotten, but I hope we do not forget a lesson from her. I am writing about the unemployed, church volunteer, Susan Boyle from Blackburn, Scotland who wowed the judges and audience of Britain’s Got Talent with her rendition of the song, “Dreamed a Dream” and whose fame spread faster than wildfire via the internet. The world has been impressed with Susan Boyle’s magnificent voice, in part I suppose because she does not look like someone who could transfix an audience. She’s plain looking and awkward (at least until she sings). I too was knocked over when I saw the video clip. Susan should be applauded for her voice.
But in the midst of the sensationalism we may be missing something more important than a singing voice. As the story unfolded we learned that for many years Susan took care of her ailing mother who died recently. That hardly seems news worthy, but maybe we ought to be ‘wowed’ by such selfless service and love. In the midst of the Boyle sensation I performed a funeral for someone I did not know. Her obituary said simply, “Devoted mother and grandmother.” That’s not going to be broadcast over YouTube or make the latest news cycle, but to that family it meant everything; far more than a few minutes of fame could ever mean. That same week, I sat with Kay Mascherin and her three daughters as they ministered to Tony in his final days in a coronary care unit. Their love, compassion, care and devotion touched my heart. It would do our world good to witness such self-less service.
Jesus did not laud those who perform famously or those who make a name for themselves. He pronounced a blessing on the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and those who do what is right and good. Susan Boyle exemplified this truth. While, I hope she reaps some benefit from her music, I hope she can also be a witness to the world that it is the meek who inherit the earth and the pure in heart who will see God.
June 2009
On May 17 we welcomed a new child into the church through Baptism…In June we will once again welcome new members into our church…Each week we welcome visitors to our service of worship…Almost every day of the week we welcome various groups and organizations into our church facility as they conduct their meetings or rehearsals…
Hospitality is a vital ministry in the church and we should not leave it to happenstance. It’s our way of saying, “Welcome!” In the December, 2008 newsletter I included an article on hospitality with some tips on welcoming visitors on a Sunday morning—introducing ourselves, showing them around, having them sign a visitor card, inviting them to coffee hour etc. Another group that needs a special welcome is the children. This is especially true during the summer months when more children are present in worship because we do not offer Sunday School Classes (we offer the ‘helping hands’ activity during a portion of the service for younger children).
Sometimes children are overlooked—literally—being taller than them we look over them; we do not see them or acknowledge them. Hospitality to children begins by simply noticing them and acknowledging them with a simple smile or bending down to say hello—remembering, of course, to not frighten them or overwhelm them. At the worship service we can seek to ensure the children can see what’s going on up front; we can ask parents if they need some assistance; and we can find ways to involve older children in the various parts of the service. During the summer we include a children’s message and the Helping Program” each Sunday morning. One important kindness we can show is not getting upset when a child is fussy or noisy. As adults we can keep our focus on the service so as not to call attention to the problem or to embarrass the family.
Jesus told his disciples to let the children come to him. We continue that ministry by welcoming children into the church’s activities and especially into worship.
Pastor Andrew
PASTORAL CARE by Pastor Andrew
Pastoral care implies the care offered by a pastor. This care happens in a variety of contexts—nursing homes, funeral homes, hospitals, church, and member’s homes—and it involves a variety of levels of care—a caring presence, active listening, spiritual direction, prayer, pastoral counseling, bereavement care, and referral. Pastoral care is an important ministry of the pastor, though it is only one of many other duties. Hence, communication is a key to ensuring members receive the care they need or desire. This is to say that while pastors seek to be attentive to members, they cannot possibly sense the needs of everyone or check in with all the members. Sometimes members need to communicate their needs and this does happen—we receive a call that a member is in the hospital or someone calls to make an appointment to meet with the pastor. It is that simple. Rather than expecting the minister to take the initiative, members can initiate pastoral care. It is not unusual for members to chat with me on Sunday mornings offering me an update on their situation or to stop in the church to talk for a few minutes. Much as they do with a physician, instead of waiting for pastors to offer care, members can ask for help and pastoral care will be offered.
Of course, sometimes people are in such turmoil or crisis that they cannot ask for help. It is especially in such situations that pastors seek to offer pastoral care. When we become aware of these occasions, we aim to be immediately responsive. Pastoral care is not limited to pastors. Members care too! We have special ministries such as Deacons and Stephen’s Ministers who show care to homebound members, bereaved persons, or those with other ongoing needs. Members can listen, support, encourage, pray and befriend others and thus offer Christ-like care, sometimes in ways that supersede the pastor’s efforts. It’s not all up to ordained pastors. Instead pastoral ministry is a ministry of the church.
CALVIN turns 500 by Pastor Andrew
In case you missed the milestone, July 10 marked the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. What it wasn’t on your Hallmark calendar or your BlackBerry? As Presbyterians we ought to know that Calvin is one of the most important theologians of the Reformation and the churches that grew out of that Reformed Tradition, including Presbyterians. At age 27, about the age I was trying to pen my first few sermons, Calvin was writing hefty theology in his Institutes of the Christian Religion—a comprehensive (and long) statement of Christian belief. He went on to write influential biblical commentaries, sermons, and theological tracts.
Calvin’s thought and action impacted not only the church but society, government, democracy and more. It has been said that few theologians have had more influence on Western Christian thought and culture than Calvin.
There are those who represent Calvin as a cold and severe man who “got little enjoyment out of life and made sure no one else did either.” Many associate him with the often misunderstood doctrine of predestination and accuse him of focusing mainly on human depravity. However, Calvin exhibited deep devotion and a pastoral heart. His theology focused first and foremost on the greatness of God (Sovereignty). He also lifted up the high calling of the church to be Christ’s faithful disciples.
Reformed theology and Presbyterians owe a great deal to John Calvin. It’s not too late to celebrate this great Christian scholar and reformer. You can plow through the two volume Institutes, but perhaps a smaller introductory book may be a better beginning. Many books and articles have been written in honor of Calvin’s 500th. Check them out on the web. A complimentary copy of one, John Calvin, Reformer for the 21sth Century by William Stacy Johnson just arrived on my desk. I have read portions of another accessible little volume, Calvin for Armchair Theologians by Christopher Elwood. Perhaps interested persons could form a reading/discussion group to revisit Calvin’s life and thought. Or tell Pastor Doug and the C.E. committee you’d like a class on Calvin.
New and Improved
Pastor Andrew
After much discussion and debate, thought and prayer the Session has opted to make a change on Sunday mornings. We believe it is truly “New and Improved” otherwise we would not have made the shift to a new schedule. It will significantly improve the transition from service to service, but more importantly it will encourage children to worship with their families and advocate for adults to continue their Christian Education. It is a sad state of affairs in many churches that children seldom worship and few adults are involved in ongoing faith formation. Worship and Education needs to be a both/and not an either/or.
Alas, change can be challenging. We are well aware that we are asking most everyone to shift their Sunday morning routine in order to accommodate this new schedule—some will need to get to church earlier, others will need to stay later, and I’m sure many will be asking, “What time is my service again?” What’s more we’re asking families to adapt to having children in worship—not an easy transition, thus we will be offering classes on how to do so. And we’re inviting adults to do something they may have not done for a long time, attend a class. Change can be challenging, but it need not be negative. We can adopt a positive attitude believing it’s for the good of the church. We hope it creates a positive energy as we try new things and grow in new ways.
Meanwhile we have another challenge before us—generating additional funds to meet our current church expenses. As members have done in the past, I trust you will meet this challenge through your generous extra offerings. Be a part of this fun challenge as the various church groups seek to out do one another in giving.
When faced with challenges the Apostle Paul said things like, “Whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,” (COL 3:17) and “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (II COR 9:8)
Taking a Risk
Pastor Andrew
Guess what? Not everyone has been immediately supportive of our new Sunday Schedule. Surprised? I’m not. Change does not typically come without some resistance because it disrupts our equilibrium. We feel unsteady and it frightens us.
As the Session discussed the recommended schedule changes and again at the recent congregational forum on the matter, people worried about how members would respond. “What if we lose members?” someone asked. “What if people don’t like it?” worried another. To the Session’s credit, they did not base their decision on how people might react, but on principles they believe are important—in this case for children to worship with their families and for adults as well as children to participate in Christian education. They also saw the new system as an answer to some practical problems of teacher recruitment, sanctuary set up etc. The Session took a risk based upon their spiritual discernment that this is a beneficial change.
In his book on Christian community, Stephen Doughty reminds churches that in our commitment to follow Christ we will sometimes be stretched, much as biblical characters such Abraham and Sarah were when God called them to leave their comfortable life and go to a new land. Doughty allows that this ‘stretching’ will sometimes bring conflict. But he writes, “The more I see conflict in the church, the more I am moved by persons who allow conflict to become an occasion of their growth. And wherever several persons allow personal growth to happen, their collective growth may begin to reshape the community of which they are a part.” My hope and prayer is that we allow this recent change to challenge us to grow and to reshape our community of faith. I think then, the Session will see it was worth the risk.
The Unmentionable
Pastor Andrew
It’s an uncomfortable subject, not one we like to talk about with friends let alone strangers. It’s personal, no one else’s business. Growing up I rarely heard my parents discuss it and it was not something we were to ask about. Yet, as I became an adult, a Christian adult who read the Bible, I came to realize Jesus spoke rather plainly about this matter without embarrassment or apology. This has led me to believe we need to talk about it too. The subject is money.
This is not just a subtle way to increase our giving—though it may be an implication. I am talking about Christian financial stewardship that has to do with how we handle our money, how we spend money (or save it), as well as how we give. Being a “good steward” means managing our money—all of our assets—in a manner that honors God and serves Christ. For example, we might be generous givers, but if we also squander money on frivolous or useless things are we being good stewards? Of course, what can happen is that by being wise and prudent managers of all our finances, we may find that we have more to give than we realize.
Let us be good stewards by being managing our money in a God-honoring way as well as by being generous givers
…BEING A CHURCH VISITOR…
Joyce and I had the opportunity to visit two churches—in August a United Church of Christ near Hazleton, PA and in October a small town Presbyterian Church also in Pennsylvania. Here are some things we noticed and experienced.
At one church a few people greeted us warmly and one couple introduced themselves, inquired about us, and then walked out with us so they could personally introduce us to the pastor who was greeting at the door. It was a nice touch. At the other church a number of people meekly said hello, but no one took the step to introduce themselves. We felt more welcome at the first of these.
The Presbyterian Church had about 60-70 in attendance. About a dozen children went forward for a children’s message and we noticed another 10 or 12 youth in the congregation. This meant one quarter or more of the worshipping congregation were children/youth. The U.C.C. congregation also had children in their worship services. At both services the children blended right in with the adults, meaning they knew how to act in church, participated as they were able, and were very much a part of the church family.
One of the sanctuaries was quite traditional with stained glass windows and beautiful woodwork and the service itself was traditional; yet on the front wall on both sides of the chancel were high-definition TV monitors. Before the service, announcements scrolled across the screens. During the service all of the prayers, readings, and hymns were displayed on the screen so that while Joyce and I had our heads down as we read from our bulletins and sang from our hymnbooks, most everyone else in the congregation were looking up to read and sing. A modern touch in a traditional setting.
Pastor Andrew
Invite in Advent
Pastor Andrew
A devotional booklet included this heading: “Advent as Invitation”. The writer reflected, “We have received a personal invitation to eternity. In Jesus we catch a glimpse of God’s plan for the future. Each Advent is a reminder that we have a standing offer to come and join in a wonderful celebration of life.”
Advent is an invitation. Early in the gospels, shepherds and Magi are invited to meet the Savior. Later, Jesus invites his disciples to “come and follow me.” Jesus extends the invitation to everyone: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Advent is a time to respond to God’s invitation.
Advent is also an opportunity to extend the invitation to others. The Christmas Story and the Celebration of Life are not something to be hidden or hoarded. We are meant to share, proclaim, pass along, announce them. We are to be like the angels announcing the Good News. How will you invite others in Advent? Here are a few suggestions:
° Ask someone to your home during the holidays.
° Invite a friend to attend a worship service with you.
° Give a non-churched person a copy of the Advent Devotional.
° Send a Christmas card with a special message to those who probably won’t get many cards.
° Invite someone to the special observances in Advent and Christmas.
Somewhere along the line someone must have invited you to meet the Savior—a parent or grandparent who brought you to church; a friend or neighbor who invited you to a study or service; a church member who welcomed you to the church; or even the Holy Spirit who prompted you to faith. Now is the time for you to be the one invites others to “come and join in a wonderful celebration of life.”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 6:30 P.M.
Join us as Pastor Andrew and Seminarian Denise Welsh lead a time of quiet prayer—an opportunity for participants to connect with God in a deeper way. The focus is on contemplative prayer, listening for God—All are welcome.
DO MEN PRAY???
I find it interesting that no men have come to the Quiet Prayer gatherings. There were no men in the recent adult class on prayer. Typically it is women who participate in prayer related opportunities; if there are men present they are always outnumbered by females. Is it unmanly to pray? Is prayer “women’s work?” Of course we know that Abraham and Moses talked to God. King David prayed. Prophets prayed. Jesus prayed. I pray. So, this is an invitation to men. When prayer opportunities present themselves, please come and pray with us.
Pastor Andrew
Pastor Andrew
I have had poor eyesight most of my life. I wear contact lenses and need reading glasses to see clearly. Sometimes when I am tired or when my lenses need replacing my vision becomes blurry. Other times I wear glasses with progressive lenses which means consistently moving my eyes or head up and down to see through the proper portion of the lenses according to the distance I’m looking. Otherwise things are blurred once again.
Scripture intimates that without vision the people perish. We need God’s vision to point us in the way we should go. Sometimes that vision gets blurred. We become weary or distracted; we start looking another direction and take our eyes off the goal. At the outset of 2009 we presented a new vision and strategic plan for the church. Unfortunately that vision and plan were almost immediately blurred. We focused instead on our budget crunch. Perhaps individuals were also distracted with other matters.
The New Year is a good time to refocus. Let us renew the vision and keep our eyes on what God is calling us to. Please read and pray this vision statement in the coming weeks and months. Then review the Strategic Plan (elsewhere in this newsletter) and discern how you can help us accomplish it.
“Let’s grow!”
Grow in Faith.
Grow in Giving.
Grow in Members.
Grow in Mission.
V We grow in faith through prayer, study, fellowship, and worship.
V We grow in giving through generous offerings, active involvement in ministries, participation in caring ministries and mission support.
V We grow in members through visibility in the community, personal witness, outreach efforts, and welcoming hospitality.
V We grow in mission as God sends us out into the local community and beyond to minister to a needy world.
Pastor Andrew
Lent begins February 17, Ash Wednesday. I am not ready to think about Lent. My outdoor Christmas lights are still up. We still have a church budget that needs to be passed. The NFL playoffs are still going on. I’m enjoying the respite between church seasons. But, ready or not, Lent is coming.
Lent requires discipline, which may be why I am not ready for it. I like doing what I want and only when I feel like it. Yet, while discipline may have negative connotations—drudgery, boredom, sacrifice—it is meant to be positive. Spiritual disciplines are to be liberating, setting us free from slavery to self-interest, sin, or fear. But that means Lent involves looking more deeply at our inner life and that means possibly facing things about ourselves that we would rather ignore. Maybe that’s another reason I am not ready for Lent. Yet, much as it is foolish for someone to avoid the surgeon when surgery will save his life, so is it folly to avoid Lent’s inner journey. It could just save our life.
Lent is traditionally linked with what is called the wilderness or desert experience. Just as the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years and Jesus stayed in the wilderness for forty days, so we use the forty days of Lent as a desert sojourn—an intentional period of spiritual questioning, assessing, and searching. The wilderness exposes one’s true character and leads one back to God; so too our Lenten journey helps us face our inner issues and draws us back to God.
Lent challenges us, but its purpose is to help us develop spiritually; in a way it saves us. So I implore you to observe Lent and its disciplines. Set aside time for personal disciplines—prayer, silence, meditation, fasting, reading—and for public disciplines—worship, confession, study, and service. Let’s get ready for Lent.
Now that the New Year has begun, I’m inviting you to participate in a great variety of events. Please check them out, you won’t regret it!
Pastor Andrew
I have written and spoken on this topic a few times, but it bears repeating, in part because so far, some parents are not buying it. But I am persistent, so here we go…
Children can worship God and children need to worship God. For example, we witnessed this on February 21 when both the Cherub and Chapel choirs sang as part of the service. It was more than simply cute or nice, it was worship—children leading the congregation to praise God. What’s more, that Sunday (and many others) the little ones participated in a children’s message, one child helped with an announcement and with the offering. These children are participating in one of the most fundamental Christian acts: worship.
Sadly, many of our children are not getting the opportunity to participate in worship. I visited the middle school Sunday school class when they were discussing the sacraments. Several of the students indicated they had never taken Communion. I find it perplexing that parents are typically anxious to have their children baptized, but then do not take steps to be sure they participate in Communion. It would be like celebrating a child’s birthday and then excluding them from Christmas. They are part of the church family so let’s allow them to worship with us.
I urge all parents to include their children in worship on a regular basis. Will it take some adjustment? Yes. Will there be occasional disruptions? Probably. Are there some legitimate reasons for not having children in worship? A few, but very few. Please include your children in worship. And remember that children can also worship at special services during Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
Pastor Andrew
A poem by Wendell Berry concludes with the line: Practice resurrection. Another writer, Eugene Peterson picks up on the line and writes, “Maybe we spend too much time trying to describe the Resurrection or proving it, or debating it. The real goal ought to be to live the resurrection.”
A woman was teaching on the biblical account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. A skeptical student asked, “Have you ever brought someone back from the dead?” Surprisingly the teacher said, “Yes! Every time I bring hope into a situation, every time I bring joy that shatters despair, every time I forgive others and give back dignity and the possibility of la future with me and others in community, every time I listen to others and affirm them and their live, every time I speak the truth in public, every time I confront injustice—yes—I bring people back from the dead.” She was practicing resurrection.
An African-American congregation has the motto: “Resurrection is a lifestyle, live it!” The pastor preaches, “Every time I see a man put down his bottle, there’s a resurrection goin’ on. Every time a see a young person goin’ back to school, there’s a resurrection goin’ on.”
Every time we bring Jesus Christ into our relationships,
every time we bring Jesus Christ in our circumstances,
every time we bring Jesus Christ into our work,
every time we bring Jesus Christ into our activities,
every time we bring Jesus Christ into our problems,
we are practicing resurrection.
Let us enjoy Easter and celebrate the Resurrection. Then let us join the practice of living Resurrection.
S P I R I T U A L I T Y Pastor Andrew
It is common to talk about one’s spiritual life as if it is separate from other aspects of life—our physical, social, emotional, mental, and material life. In truth, the spiritual life is meant to include all dimensions of life.
Here’s a good definition of spirituality from The Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation: “The Christian life lived in and through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.” The writers later add, “As a lived experience, Christian spirituality is a way of living for God through Christ, in the presence and by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This relationship with the Triune God influences every part of life.
When we speak of spiritual formation, we mean the conscious effort to grow toward greater consonance with the Spirit; we are seeking to form our lives according to Christ and to develop our connection with the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual disciplines are the means to promote spiritual formation. These disciplines include personal ones such as prayer, meditation, Bible reading/study, and journaling. Other disciplines are practiced within the community of faith be that a small group or the whole congregation. These include worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and celebration. Practicing these disciplines takes intentional effort. Sometimes they are delightful experiences, but other times they may seem drudgery; they’re hard work. Either way, the aim is to draw near to God and to be formed in God’s way.
Given the meaning of spirituality, the importance of spiritual formation and the need for spiritual disciplines, the implication should be obvious. Much as the athlete’s prowess wanes when he or she does not work out or the musicians abilities decline when they do not practice, so with the Christian and spiritual formation. As a church we seek to provide a variety of programs and services that will promote spiritual growth. But, to use another metaphor, while we can lead you to the living water, we can’t make you drink. You have to take the time and give the effort to develop a rich spiritual life.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT Pastor Andrew
We are creatures of habit. We do the same things in the same way. My morning routine is just that, a routine—I do the same thing in the same way and I don’t like it when my routine is interrupted. People tend to drive the same routes to the usual places—our favorite super market, our regular eatery, the customary vacation spot. Church life is full of habits—we worship at the same service, sitting in the same pew, generally following the same order of service, visiting with the same people, and leaving by the same door. Some people are in the habit of attending Christian education classes and some are not. There are church members who have habitually served on the same committees or participated in the same organizations.
While, there can be bad habits and unhealthy routines, there is nothing inherently wrong with habits and routines; in fact good habits promote positive outcomes. Yet, could it be we are also lulled to sleep by doing the same old thing? Doing something new or different may cause anxiety and fear of the unknown; or it can take us out of our comfort zone. But it may also wake us up, make us more attentive, cause us to adopt healthier practices and bring new and enjoyable experiences.
I used to play in a church softball league and like most teams each player usually played the same position—I typically was pitcher or catcher. But one game, our coach realized the team was not playing well; we were lethargic. So, the next time we were about to take the field, he suddenly had everyone change positions! I moved to second base. An outfielder pitched. Instantly we came to life—maybe we panicked a little, but mainly we were attentive, concentrating on the game and our new position. We played with new energy. Eventually we went back to our routine spots, but the change energized our play.
I encourage you to occasionally try something different. Church-wise you might attend a different service one Sunday, sit in a different pew, introduce yourself to someone new, try a new or different class, participate in a program you would typically not attend, or volunteer in a new way. These changes do not have to be permanent, but they may make us more attentive in our spiritual routines and bring new energy to church life.
Summer Sightseeing... Pastor Andrew
I read that according to oral tradition, a celebrated Harvard biology professor returned to his classroom after summer vacation and told his students that he has spent the summer traveling and had made it halfway across his backyard. Evidently the professor was famous for paying close attention to nature’s wondrous detail. He presumably could get so immersed in the study of plant and animal life that he never made it out of his backyard.
In contrast to the professor, I think many of us take little notice of the natural world. Have we ever taken time to look closely at a squirrel—yes, that little thief who steals the bird seed! What an amazing tail. And what about the wild variety of insects found right outside our doors—or maybe even inside? Does anyone ever really gaze at clouds or stars? I’m afraid we rush past so much beauty and wonder without ever noticing.
Whether it’s traversing our backyard or traveling across a vast scenic landscape I hope you will take time to notice. Stop, look, and listen is valuable advice not only for a railroad crossing, but for visiting the shore, the mountains, or your front lawn. So far this summer, I’ve been enjoying the antics of chipmunks, checked out a lumbering turtle, reveled in the lush green of trees, and paid attention to a gentle breeze—in fact I tried my hand at a little poetry regarding that quiet wind; you can read it on the next page.
In addition to noticing or even studying the creation around us, we can take another step and ask what we might learn of God from this natural wonder. The psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God,” but barn swallows, dandelions, and a quiet stream may have something to say about the Creator as well. Try meditating on a maple leaf, a chickadee, or mountain lake and see what God may show you. A prayer in the Celtic tradition by Philip Newell provides an example. It begins…
Like light dappling through leaves of a tree
and wind stirring its branches,
like birdsong sounding from the heights of an orchard
and the scent of blossom after a rainfall,
so You dapple and sound in the human soul,
so You stir into motion all that lives.
Musical Wind
Tall trunks bow
Leaves are aflutter
The trees dance.
Cool soft air
Whispers Shhh, Shhhhh
I‘m at peace.
A.T.B.
Texas City Mission Pastor Andrew
How did it go? What did you do? The Texas City Mission Team has been answering these questions ever since we returned on July 24. A natural response is to tell you all that we accomplished—installing a floor, cabinets, doors and much more in a house that has been vacant for two years due to hurricane damage. However, a better answer is that we helped Rosalind Richardson get a few steps closer to returning home after Hurricane Ike forced her to find temporary living quarters elsewhere. Perhaps more important is that we were one team among many over the past year who reminded Rosalind that she has not been forgotten, that people care and that God cares.
We served under the auspices of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Our host, Ben Pawley explained that in response to Hurricane Ike, their aim has been to help those that others have not helped; to come to the aid of those who did not qualify for FEMA money or assistance, those who may not have lost their entire home, but who nonetheless needed help in fixing or reconstructing their houses. In other words PDA has been at work for two years helping the forgotten or those on the fringe. Given his teaching about the least and lost, I think Jesus approves.
We met two other families who had been helped by mission teams like ours through PDA. They each echoed that sentiment that while they were extremely grateful for the construction work, they were even more appreciative of the fellowship they experienced through the people who worked on their homes.
The question of cost effectiveness often comes up when assessing mission trips. Instead of using money for airfare etc., couldn’t we just send them the funds? Yes, but a check just doesn’t express care and concern the same way as a conversation and a hug.
September Start-Up Pastor Andrew
I am writing this little epistle in August before I take a two-week vacation, which is to say I am not quite ready for September and the restart of our church’s program year. But, if this proves to be like other years, when September rolls around I am usually ready to get back to the regular routine. While we like the change in schedules and the opportunities to alter our activities, many of us like getting back to a more structured schedule. It gets us back in a healthy rhythm, allows us to be productive, and keeps us on track.
Hopefully your Sunday routine come September will include attending one of our three services of worship and participating in one of our adult education classes; and if you have children, for them to attend Sunday School classes and maybe the youth program in the evening. These are life-giving, faith-building activities.
I also hope your routine will include participation in one or more of the large variety of church ministries—everything from serving on a committee to singing in a choir; from attending the church retreat to helping with an outreach project. Our active congregation depends on everyone pitching in and doing their part to ensure our many efforts at mission and ministry continue to thrive.
Even as I advocate your involvement in church worship and work, I encourage you to set apart time in your schedule for personal prayer and devotions. Such quiet time keeps us centered, so that when we are working or serving or volunteering we do so with Spirit-given purpose and power.
As we re-start our routines, I hope that you can find a healthy rhythm in your days—one that allows time for God to work in you and through you.
October Overload? Pastor Andrew
World Communion; Mission Fair; Church Retreat; Mission Dinner; Stewardship Campaign + the usual plethora of ongoing classes, meetings, and programs … Could it be we have too many church activities planned for October? I don’t think so. Instead, I believe it’s a good sign of a healthy, vital congregation.
Our aim is not to overload our members. While we’d love to have every member attending every activity, we cannot expect folks to participate in everything. We do hope for your involvement as prompted by God. Of course, special church-wide events will hopefully draw larger crowds because they are opportunities for us to be together as a whole church—to meet and fellowship with members whom we may not connect with on a Sunday morning. Otherwise we assume you will participate as you are able and led.
Ideally, every church member will participate in some activity, service, group, or event in each of the following categories: 1. Worship; 2. Christian Education/Nurture; 3. Fellowship; 4. Evangelism/Witness; 5. Service/Mission/Ministry; 6. Stewardship. I did not come up with this list myself; it originates from Acts 2:44-47, a description of the early church in action. Review your church involvement and decide which categories you are addressing and which need your attention. The categories outline the work of the whole church, so again, the idea isn’t to do everything, but to choose those things that will enable you to be a well-rounded active member doing your part in the church.
One further thought. Not all Christian ministries and mission occurs at the church facility. Some members are called to serve in the community and it is our responsibility to support them in these endeavors. For example: Coaching a soccer team can be a ministry to children; Volunteering with Special Olympics, the Diabetes Association, or Habitat for Humanity are a means of service to God; Caring for a sick neighbor or providing transportation for the elderly are viable ministries. We who serve ‘in’ the church should remember that many members serve ‘outside’ the church and that we are all serving Christ.
Our Generous God Pastor Andrew
I read the following statement: “Inside of every Christian is a God-inspired desire for the generous life—a life tailored around God’s example of selflessness and sacrifice.” Do you believe this? Do you have this hidden desire to be generous? How do we experience the joy of giving?
We could consider the extravagance of God’s generosity by looking at the gift of Creation or the multitude of ways God blesses us; but the most telling example of God’s generous spirit is seen in the gift of his Son. How much does God love the world? Enough to give his only Son who in turn offered himself as a sacrifice in order to offer another great gift—eternal life.
As we receive and accept these awesome gifts, something happens—we are filled with gratitude and we desire to express our thankfulness to God. We surrender our lives to the Lord and we seek to emulate God’s generosity. We give to God—not begrudgingly, not stingily, not occasionally—we give regularly with glad and generous hearts.
This is the season of stewardship when we ask church members and friends to make a financial pledge to the church. As you consider the amount you will pledge, or wrestle with whether or not to make a pledge, please consider the generosity of God and model your giving after Him.
Excerpts from Generosity by Gordon MacDonald
Church members may not like to hear this, but to be honest, as a pastor I have not always looked forward to Advent and Christmas. The season with its extra services and activities can add stress to an already full schedule in much the same way as the Xmas Rush multiplies anxiety in many homes. What’s more pastoral care often increases. The holidays can intensify grief, loneliness, or other deep needs and members seek additional pastoral counsel.* Another dynamic also happens at Christmas—those who try to create the perfect holiday at home expect a perfect Christmas at church too. And so, on December 26, I have often heaved a sigh of relief…It’s over. Perhaps you secretly have the same Advent-Christmas outlook.
However, over the years I have learned to face the Rush of December by keeping a few disciplines…Each year I try to find an Advent devotional that will keep me centered through the season. I look for something with significant content that will make me think and bring needed inspiration. Sometimes, I offer a class during Advent, inviting others to join me in seeking to be less stressful and more focused on the grand significance of the season. Lest this sounds overly spiritual I will also mention that it is my custom to watch a few Christmas related movies—A Christmas Carol (both the one with George C. Scott and the one with the Muppets), Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase and yes, White Christmas. While they do not overtly have anything to do with the biblical story of Jesus, they somehow relieve the stress and remind me that it’s Christmas.
Another tack for learning to enjoy the season has been to simplify Christmas observances—sometimes less is more: less decorations, less food, less activities; more silence, more time with family, more prayer, more rest. This is a counter-cultural move, so it takes considerable thought, intention, and perseverance. But it’s worth the effort because I find that come December 26 my sigh is not relief, but a little disappointment that it’s over so soon. So, enjoy your Advent and have a blessed Christmas.
*Please note: This should in no way discourage people from seeking pastoral counsel during the holidays. I always invite and encourage people to come to me (or other pastors) for pastoral care; it’s what we do and we are glad to offer assistance in any way possible.
“Behold I Make All Things New” REVELATION 21:5
Jesus Christ saves, transforms, renews. Thus, the Church is in the business of transformation. Each and every activity, service, group, and meeting ought to be a catalyst for spiritual transformation and growth. Our church leaders and officers seek to organize, administrate, and plan so as to optimize this goal.
In his book on the changing church, Kirk Hadaway argues that churches need to be open “to ideas that emerge from within—from their own people—as resolute action naturally leads to new possibilities…Openness does not mean mindless acceptance of new things. It means the willingness to consider new possibilities without immediately passing judgment.”
Our congregation has a good track record of trying new things for the good of the church—a huge building program that resulted in the much used ‘new addition’; new ventures in mission via work trips for adults; a lively contemporary service with a full praise band that attracts many new members; an ordained pastor leading our youth. These and other changes adopted by the congregation are a key reason that we remain a dynamic, active church in a time when many mainline churches are in decline.
Each time something ‘new’ is considered or a change is made, we do so with much thought and prayer. I have been impressed with our Session’s thorough, open, honest deliberations on a variety of issues over the past three years. This should instill trust in your leaders and encourage your openness to their recommendations.
This is an exciting congregation. The recent Stewardship DVD presentation highlighted the plethora of ministries that keep us growing in God’s work. At our Session meeting one of our elders similarly reviewed a number of recent events that showed the dynamism of our congregation. That energy and growth will continue as we share together in the work of transformation.
Telling Your Story Pastor Andrew
After the Nashville Mission Team came back from their work trip I had the opportunity to talk with several of the participants about their experience. They spoke of the work done, the team work, and fellowship of the group.
A similar thing happens in new member classes. Typically at the outset of the class the newcomers tell the group about what brings them to our church. It’s exciting to hear of their faith journey and how it is that God has drawn them into our midst.
Similar testimonies happen in Adult Education classes, women’s circles, men’s groups, youth retreats, worship and many other occasions in the life of the church. Individuals share with one another what’s been happening in their lives and speak of how God has been a part of that experience. It’s always uplifting to hear folks tell their story and to see God at work. Telling our faith story to one another is an important part of our fellowship together. Hearing the story of another builds our faith.
Of course, there are the dark times, when God seems absent. We feel deserted by God or believe God has refused to help us. Sometimes it’s hard to share those kinds of experiences among fellow Christians. We conclude that we shouldn’t say things like that because it seems to indicate a lack of faith. Many people were aghast when Mother Teresa’s journals were published because in them she expressed seasons of doubt, even despair of Christ’s presence.
However, sharing our doubts, talking about those times when we do not ‘feel’ God’s Presence can be helpful in re-establishing faith. The Psalms include many such expressions of doubt, fear, or abandonment; sometimes they’re angry expressions! Yet, what you will also notice in the Psalms, is how the writer, the one praying, returns to what is known of God—the truth of God, even when it has not been part of their recent experience.
I like the refrain of Psalm 42: Why are you cast down, O my soul…a statement of doubt followed by…Hope in God for I shall again praise him, my hope and my God…a testimony of faith.
I hope you have opportunity to tell your story and to listen to the stories of others—it’s a faith-growing experience.
Think About It…. Pastor Andrew
When someone asks us to do them a favor, when a teenager asks for permission to go somewhere, or when we are pushed to make a decision it’s common to say, “Let me think about it.” Then, we list the pros and cons, we consider consequences, we weigh options, we look at alternatives…we think things through.
There is another kind of thought process—negative thinking. It’s when we obsess over problems or worry about everything. Some of us wake up thinking about issues at work or family concerns. Others over-think illnesses studying every nuance of its symptoms, obsessing over aches and pains. Pessimists think mainly about the worse that might happen. Many people think only about themselves and their problems.
Philippians 4:8 advocates a positive approach to thinking:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
The Message renders the verse like this:
You'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
As we weigh options and consider consequences this verse offers valuable guidance. We ought to make choices and decisions by thinking about truth, rightness, and goodness, not out of spite, not based on falsehood, and not for selfish purposes. And when we’re trapped in negativity, we can change our thinking by looking at characteristics like loveliness, purity, and nobility.
The trick is to fill our minds with the characteristics outlined in Philippians 4 instead of those shouted at us by loud talk-show hosts, advocated by violent TV movies, or otherwise expressed in our crazy culture. Perhaps a valuable Lenten Discipline would be to take time to think about and meditate on that which is truthful, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable—meditate on art, read poetry, have meaningful conversations, walk out in nature, study Scripture. Think about it.
I recently had an eye examination. Each year I have a physical. I go to the dentist regularly for check ups. But have I examined my spiritual health lately. Just as we do things to maintain our physical health, and hopefully our mental and emotional health, so too do we need to do a spiritual health check and develop practices that keep our faith vital.
There are a variety of ways to examine one’s spiritual life. Ignatius provided us with a simple but power “Examen” wherein we reflect on the blessings and gifts God has given us; consider occasions when we have been obedient and faithful, then times when we have been disobedient and unfaithful; and finally to meditate on what God may be inviting us to for the future.
Another way to do a spiritual check up is to consider the marks of discipleship and to assess how we are doing in each area:
Ø A disciple prays daily.
Ø A disciple worships weekly.
Ø A disciple reads the Bible regularly.
Ø A disciple serves at and beyond the Church.
Ø A disciple encourages spiritual growth in others.
Ø A disciple gives time, talent, and resources.
We can add to our spiritual examination with deeper questions such as the following:
→ Is my view of myself enhanced by my faith? Does my faith give me a solid understanding of my nature, abilities, and purpose?
→ Have a developed a worldview based upon my beliefs and does that view of the world provide a positive framework for living?
→ Do my actions, choices, and lifestyle match my beliefs and values?
Other questions could easily be added, but I think these give a sample of how to do a thorough spiritual exam.
Just as we typically go to someone for our physical check-up—a physician, dentist or optometrist; so too it can be helpful to invite others to help us in our spiritual assessment; however it need not be a professional. A Christian friend, a small group, a family member, a pastor or elder, or a spiritual companion can provide valuable feedback and counsel.
As this Lenten season continues and moves toward Easter, it is a good time to do a spiritual health check.
Exuberant Faith in a Depressing Time
Pastor Andrew
“Life is difficult,” wrote Scott Peck a long time ago, and I don’t think it has gotten any easier. In these recessionary times it is easy to get discouraged; in these turbulent days it is natural for faith to wobble; in the midst of national and international discord and upheaval, it is common to be anxious and troubled. Is it possible to find joy when life is so difficult?
If we’re waiting for life to get better so that we can find some joy or peace, then we may have a long wait. Such happiness or contentment is circumstantial—our well-being is dependent on how life is going at the moment. When our hope and faith is rooted in Christ, our moods may vary, but we can find a deeper source for joy. As the quote on the cover of this newsletter reminds us, we have the life-changing reality of the indwelling Christ. In Galatians 2:20 the Apostle Paul writes, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Acts 13 describes the spreading of the Gospel by Paul and Barnabas. Near the end of the chapter it describes the persecution that breaks out against them. Not a happy time. Yet, the chapter concludes with this statement: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Quite a testimony to the difference Christ can make in our lives, even when times are discouraging.
Here’s another reminder from Maxie Dunnam, enjoy it!
God’s mercy is so abundant and his love for us is so great that while we were spiritually dead he brought us to life with Christ. We can’t squint at such promises. Eyes open! We can’t shuffle along this path. Somersaults are in order! This is not a quiet matter of conversation. Bring out a megaphone for shouting! This life is not a dream for the dying but resurrection for those now dead. A leap and a laugh. A spin and a swirl. A celebration and a song. Not a dream for the dying, a dance for the living!
Pastor Andrew
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), our denomination, has approved changes to a key paragraph in our Book of Order regarding ordination standards. A line that was added fourteen years ago primarily to disallow the ordination of gays and lesbians has now been omitted and a new description of those suitable for ministry has been added. Publicity about the change has focused on the reality that this now opens the door for the ordination of homosexuals; however there is more to the change than this one issue.
As one might expect there are those who laud the decision and those who lament it. Many people are simply confused about the recently approved changes because of misinformation or misunderstanding. In order to clarify the meaning and implications of the revisions to the ordination standards and to allow people to reflect on them, the pastors will be conducting a two session class on June 5 and 12 during the Sunday School hour.
In the first class I will give an overview of the newly adopted changes including a quick history of the debate, an explanation of the new wording, and an outline of some of the implications. In the second class Jan, Doug and I will share pastoral reflections and invite the personal reflections of those who attend.
This class is not meant to be a debate, but rather is an opportunity to understand the changes and to reflect on their implications.
Pastor Andrew
It’s time once again to be thinking and praying, “What’s next for the Church?” Approximately every three years, the Session sets a vision and goals for the upcoming three-year period. And so, even as we continue to meet the goals set in the 2009-2011 Strategic Plan, a new Strategic Planning Team has been appointed by Session. Their task is to discern and develop a church plan for 2012-2014.
The following are serving on this Planning Team:
Debbie Doolittle Alison Neu
Sue Breazeale Richard Waldron
Dave Fanders Tim Braddock, elder
Dave Loreti Debbie Krall, elder
Emily Hawes Andrew Barton, pastor
This team will be meeting throughout the summer and into the fall. They will use a variety of tools and methods to discern God’s will for our church. We will be seeking to figure out our next steps as a congregation, building on the present plan.
We need your prayers. Prayer undergirds all that we do as a church and this is especially true as we plan for the future. So pray for the Planning Team. Pray for the direction of our church. Pray for the ministries and mission of the church.
We need your input. From time to time the Planning Team may seek your feedback, ideas, assessments, or information. So, if someone from the Team contacts you for input or invites you to an event or activity related to Strategic Planning I hope you will participate.
We need your support. Planning can be hard work, sometimes stressful. It’s a big responsibility. So, I hope you will encourage our Team as they do their work.
A Divided Denomination Pastor Andrew
Our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has adopted new ordination standards which makes it possible for gay and lesbian persons to be ordained. As expected this has fueled the firestorm of controversy that has been swirling across the Church for several decades. Churches that oppose this change are considering their options—stay or leave. Individual members of churches, including ours are wrestling with the same question: Can I be a part of a denomination that is open to the ordination of homosexuals?
The issue is complex and I will not address the various opinions and interpretations here. But here’s what I find distressing as a so-called ‘evangelical’. When ‘our’ side was winning, when what evangelicals believed was in the majority, evangelicals weren’t too concerned about how those with different views struggled to be a part of our denomination. Evangelicals didn’t think too much about how painful or frustrating it was for the minority to be in community with those with whom they disagreed. While some of them left for more progressive denominations, many stayed in fellowship as part of the P.C. (U.S.A.) even when they disagreed with the ordination standards.
Now, as soon as evangelicals are in the minority, it seems many of them are ready to pack their bags. Where’s the sense of community in that? What about the admonition to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)? We’ve been disagreeing over this issue for thirty years; it’s just that now the majority has shifted. Can’t evangelicals stay in community with those whom they disagree, just as many progressives have done?
In the local church setting, I find it distressing to think that folks who are part of a ‘church family’, who have benefited from and shared in the worship and work of a congregation, and who have been cared for and helped by a church, can up and leave over one issue, an issue that in my view is not central to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My hope is that one’s love and commitment to a particular church can supersede a disagreement over this one issue. The reality is that many of us likely disagree over many issues and that we simply focus on our primary commitment to Christ.
Amidst this ongoing debate and division, my prayer is that all of us make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We don’t use the term much anymore. We call it Sunday or simply refer to the weekend. Hardly anyone says, “I am observing the Sabbath.” We have forgotten the Sabbath. Yet, Tilden Edwards, a respected spiritual guide asserts that a Sabbath is “The most distinctive, stabilizing, visible, and mutually supportive historical practice of the Christian Way.” In this restless, stressful, chaotic, busy, busy world we desperately need to recover the discipline of keeping the Sabbath—or if it’s impossible to keep the Sabbath, then at least keeping a Sabbath.
We are to keep the Sabbath holy—it’s meant to be a day different than the other six. Wayne Muller explains, “The creation of the world was like the life-quickening inhale; the Sabbath is the exhale… Thus, all creation moves with the rhythm of the inhale and the exhale. Without a Sabbath exhale, the life-giving inhale is impossible…”
Muller explains what happens in this weekly pause: “Within this sanctuary (of rest), we become available to the insights and blessings of deep mindfulness that arise only in stillness and time. When we act from a place of deep rest, we are more capable of cultivating what (some traditions) would call right understanding, right action, and right effort. In a complex and unstable world, if we do not rest, if we do not surrender into some kind of Sabbath, how can we find our way, how can we hear the voices that tell us the right thing to do?”
This leads him to conclude: “In Sabbath time we remember to celebrate what is beautiful and sacred…It is a time to let our work, our lands, and our animals lie fallow, to be nourished and refreshed”
Let us remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Quotations from Sabbath by Wayne Muller, Bantam Books 1999
Are you familiar with the second part of Christian financial stewardship?
The first part is giving; specifically giving to the work of the Spirit in and through the Church. I certainly hope you are aware of this first responsibility because the Church depends on the financial offerings of its members. Church programs, staff, property, and mission require the generous giving of the members. Our church budget is primarily supported by the pledges and offerings of the congregation and it is our expectation that our members (and friends) will give generously, perhaps even sacrificially. Please make a financial pledge for 2012.
But there is a second part to Christian financial stewardship. Do you know what it is?
Christian stewardship is also about how we handle the money we keep. Yes, God desires our giving, but God is also concerned about what we do with the rest of our financial resources. Do we spend and save in a manner that glorifies God? Is it good stewardship if we give a nice offering to the church but then squander our money on the frivolous or extravagant?
We believe God to be the source of all our blessings and further that we hold in trust all of God’s provisions. Therefore, good stewardship involves the good use and management of our income and assets as a witness to our faith. We are to be prayerful not only about what we will give to the church, but also of what we will do with the balance of our income.
Of course, being a wise manager of our money can lead to more generous giving. We discover that being a good steward of what we have enables us to have more money to share.
For the past year or more we have been wrestling with how to best staff the church within the parameters of our budget. The Session came to the conclusion that the best option would be reducing the Associate Pastor position to part-time. We lamented this option, but we were pleased that Pastor Jan wanted to stay and that he was willing to work part-time. Then, as you know, before the congregation could vote on this matter, Pastor Jan accepted another position. In other words, it would seem God had another plan. A rare opportunity to serve as a full-time chaplain at a veteran’s facility was presented to him and as Pastor Jan has reported, it was something he could not pass up. So, Pastor Jan will soon be leaving us.
While we celebrate Jan’s eleven years as Associate Pastor at Hamilton Square and congratulate him on the new call he has received, we also lament his leaving. There is grief because of the many relationships he will be ending—including my relationship with Jan as a trusted colleague—and the loss we will experience in his pastoral position. Over the next month I hope you will take the time to express your gratitude to Jan for his ministry here. With the Thanksgiving holiday, November is traditionally a time to count our blessings and to give thanks to God who is the source of these blessings. Thus, it seems fortuitous that we can express our gratitude to God for the blessing that Pastor Jan and Kathy have been to our church family.
This ending also raises the question, now what? The Session will be considering our options over the next few months. As mentioned above, we had come to the conclusion that what we need and what we can afford is a part-time pastor to focus on pastoral care and to serve as a welcoming presence to visitors and new members. So, the Session will review this thought and consider our options going forward. In the meantime I will pick up on some of Pastor Jan’s responsibilities. Pastor Doug will also help by co-supervising the seminary interns with me and by offering pastoral care when called upon. This, coupled with the ongoing ministry of our many lay leaders and volunteers, means the work and worship of the church should continue on unabated. Just as Pastor Jan is excited about his new opportunity, we too can anticipate what God has in store for our church.
Meanwhile, we say to Jan and Kathy, fare well good friends, farewell.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Short days and long nights, short tempers and long ‘to do’ lists;
Cold wind, cold rain, cold snow, cold neighbors, cold cashiers;
Extra activities, extra shopping, extra cleaning, extra baking;
Tired kids, tiring work, tired routines, tiring schedules;
Big expectations, little time, big expenses, little patience.
Is this really the most wonderful time of the year? Has our Christmas become more stressful than joyful? More harried than happy?
Of course there is the bright side of Christmas—
Festive fellowship Merry music
Happy homecomings Cheerful children
Pleasing presents Tinseled trees
But sometimes we miss all of this because of all the stress.
Those who engage in contemplative practices teach us an important lesson that may help this to be truly a wonderful time of year. We are to ‘be present’. We are to be fully alive, alert, and engaged in what we are doing, where we are doing it, and with whom we are doing it with.
For example, take a very common Christmas experience—standing in line! Typically I fret and fume as I wait in the long checkout line. “Why don’t they have more cashiers? How long is this going to take?” An alternative is to be fully present and engaged—taking notice of the place and the people; remembering my purpose in being there; and most importantly considering how I might be present to God in that moment—by conversing with the persons near me; offering a word of encouragement to the cashier; lifting up a silent prayer for those who have no one to buy a gift for… Suddenly the scene is transformed. What had been stressful becomes sacred.
This contemplative practice just might transform the many, many preparations and activities of the season. It can also help us move through the holiday when circumstances make it a painful ordeal—the recent loss of a loved ones, the absence of distant family members, unemployment, a difficult medical condition. The practice is the same—to be fully present to the situation (as opposed to trying to pretend it doesn’t exist); and seeking to be present to God in the midst of it. God who lived among us in Christ can transform even the most difficult of circumstances.
New Beginnings…Not Quite
Pastor Andrew
While growing up, January 1st meant the old linen calendar came down (it then became just another dish towel) and a brand new linen calendar was hung. I am not sure whether many folks use such year-long calendars anymore, but however you keep track of the days, months, and year, January 1st means a new beginning.
Our church is in the midst of new beginnings.
Pastor Jan is no longer on staff, so we’re sorting out what pastoral staff we need and then who will fill it. In other words, we’ve had an ending, but the new beginning isn’t quite here yet.
Our Strategic Planning Team is still in the process of developing a new plan, so while the previous plan was dated 2009-11, the 2012-14 plan isn’t quite ready yet.
Our church custodian resigned his position in mid-December—another ending. The Personnel Committee is considering our options for church cleaning and upkeep, so we’re not quite ready for a new custodian. In the meantime, we have hired two church members, Dave Nelson and Tony Loreti, as our temporary custodians.
Maybe your life is kind of like this—you’ve experienced an ending, but the new beginning isn’t quite here yet—you’re in between jobs, you’ve finished your education but are not yet employed, you’re expecting a baby, or the ‘nest’ is about to become empty. Whatever has brought about your ‘in-between’ state, it can be a challenging time. We have to deal with the ending while adjusting to an anticipated beginning.
Psalm 121 reassures us—The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. Whatever the past has been, whatever the future holds, and in the present in-between time we can depend on God to guide us and help us.
Just about the time I really felt ready for Christmas, I realized it was already time to take down the tree. Christmas had passed. As I write this I am getting ready for January, unfortunately the month is already half over and it’s time to be thinking about February and Lent and time to be planning for March and Holy Week and Easter. Ready or not, life moves forward, time marches on.
In talking about “being ready” I am not thinking so much about having a schedule planned or having home activities or church services organized as much as I am talking about an inner readiness; making sure my heart is centered and my mind is focused on what I am doing and who I am doing it with.
I could make excuses for my lack of readiness—too many responsibilities, too many unexpected situations. Recently it has been several funerals and added meetings amidst the full holiday schedule that would make good rationalizations. But being ready, being centered and focused happen not on the spur of the moment, but in preparations made long in advance, in spiritual practices observed on a regular basis. I have no good excuses.
Just as an athlete does not run a race without months of training and a pianist does not perform without hours of practice, so in the Christian life, we cannot expect to engage fully in life and ministry without adequate preparation. Readiness comes from consistent prayer and worship, regular Bible reading and study and other Christian practices. If I find myself unready, it means I need to renew these practices in a disciplined way.
Are you ready?
Faith journey, Christian walk, spiritual pilgrimage—these are common metaphors for the Christian life. They remind us that being a follower of Christ is not static, indeed the term ‘follower’ has the same implication. We often talk about making progress in the Christian life. We sing hymns with this motif: “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land.”
A practical question is, “where are we going?” The all-time best-selling Protestant devotional book, Pilgrim’s Progress, tells the story of Christian and his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. We over simplify this to mean we are trying to get into heaven, when it’s meant to be about our progression toward Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity.
In his letters, the Apostle Paul urges us to move forward in maturity, progressing toward the fullness of Christ. The Christian journey is not simply finding a path to salvation, but more a moving toward and growing in the One who has saved us. Thus, when we are baptized or when we first trust Jesus, it is only the first step in a life-long journey along the Way of Christ.
Sadly, we sometimes get sidetracked from the journey or even lost. We meet obstacles along the path. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian enters the Slough of Despond, the town of Vanity and later the Valley of Humiliation. We can make a long list of distractions, temptations, and hindrances we face in our Christian walk. So, how do we keep on the path and progress in our faith journey?
The main character in Pilgrim’s Progress finds help through fellow believers—they have great names in this allegory: Faithful. Hopeful. Charity. These fellow travelers guide Christian along the path helping him to grow in knowledge and faith. We need one another on this journey. That’s why we consistently offer education classes, small group experiences, fellowship opportunities, and congregational worship. We need not and should not journey alone lest we get sidetracked or lost.
© 2012 Pastor Andrew T. Barton and The First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square, New Jersey