April 2024 Newsletter
January 2024 newsletter
January 2024
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report for the congregation
Cantata – Song of Joy
Cantata – Song of Joy – Sunday, December 17, 10 a.m.
Our choir, band and guest musicians, under the direction of Dean Faulk, will offer their musical gift of the season in worship on Sunday, December 17 at 10a.m. We will have one worship service as we celebrate the season together. Join us for worship. Guests are welcome.
Newsletter – December 2023
Newsletter – December 2023
Newsletter July 2023
Newsletter July 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2022
Pentecost – by Pastor Kimby
Pentecost is celebrated as the birthday of the church. It marks the Biblical witness of the coming of the Holy Spirit in wind and fire. We remember the Spirit of God sweeping thru the disciples and sharing gifts, most notably the gift of language and understanding. Then the disciples pushed out into the street and witnessed to the good news of Jesus Christ, and thousands were converted to following Jesus in that one day.
The term Pentecost comes from the Greek meaning “fiftieth”. It was the Greek way of referring to the Jewish festival of Shavuot celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. It is also known as the “Feast of Weeks” and the “Feast of 50 days” in rabbinic tradition. That is the feast which was being shared by the disciples on the day when the Holy Spirit came upon them. In Jewish tradition the day celebrates the Torah, or the law as given to Moses in the 10 commandments. In Christian tradition we believe Jesus Christ fulfills all the law. The coming of the Holy Spirit signified a movement from law of God to Spirit of God.
Beyond the memory of the day, the church today celebrates the whole season of Pentecost with the challenge to share the good news of Jesus in the world. That is our primary call. Show others God’s love. Tell others about God’s grace. The season lasts for half the year, stretching out till the beginning of Advent in November. The season of Pentecost is about living our faith in ordinary days in ordinary ways, remaining faithful in the long journey of life.
This year We will celebrate Pentecost on June 5 in church by wearing red and praising God. Join us for worship and for the work of Pentecost in the following months.
Time for a Resurrection – by Pastor Kimby
This month we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. While particularly we are celebrating that Jesus conquered sin and death, that Jesus rose from the grave, and in so doing opened the door to eternal life for all, at the same time we are celebrating that new life Christ offers in all its forms. We do not wait for our final resurrection to recognize that God gives us new life here and now. Because of our union with Jesus, because of our belonging in Christ, we receive that breath of resurrection grace every single day. Jesus makes new life possible even now. We don’t have to wait for transformation until after death. We receive God’s miracle every single moment of every single day. Recognizing that, we look for signs of life all around us – in the coming spring, in the dawn each morning, in the new energy of a new project, in new relationships and possibilities, in the resurgence of life in all its forms. Your invitation this season is to see the signs of God’s grace all around you, claim those gifts as your own, and share
that new life wherever possible. Share the good news – Jesus Christ is risen, new life is God’s free gift, God loves you, rejoice!
At church, let us also welcome God’s resurrection. Look for signs of new life. Give thanks for God’s many gifts of grace in this congregation. Better yet, listen for God’s Spirit of inspiration. Imagine the new life God promises for our church. Dream about the possibilities. Let us live into that hope of a blessed new reality. If you have ideas to share, speak with me or anyone on session. We are looking ahead to long range planning. We are just beginning to dream. Share your thoughts and prayers as we move forward in faith. By God’s grace, may we live to God’s glory.
Ashes to Easter – by Pastor Kimby
The season of Lent is very complex. It falls at the end of winter and on the cusp of Spring, just as we see signs of new life approaching, as the days are lengthening and the temperatures warming. Days are unpredictable as weather, as are the many moods of Lent. Some days somber and serious, with thoughts of repentance and forgiveness. Some days light and hopeful, with themes of possibility and promise. God is with us through it all, pouring out grace, encouraging love.
The focus of Lent is Jesus Christ and drawing closer to God. We sometimes try to focus our days with intentional devotion, study, prayer and service. Some “give up” something for Lent. Others “add” for Lent. Both practices meant to inspire reminders of God’s presence throughout our ordinary days. That is really what it’s all about – God with us in the ordinary. Sometimes Lent is interrupted by Spring break, or work, or important family moments. Even these interruptions are part of the Lenten experience – God with us during all the moments of our lives, whatever happens. Always God is with us.
I invite you to be conscious of God’s presence with you during these forty days of Lent. Each day take time to notice that God is with you, to listen for God’s guidance for that moment, to see God’s grace surrounding you, and to respond to God’s love in any way that inspires you. As each day unfolds, look for God’s gift to you that day. Each day, if you are able, share God’s love in some concrete blessing for those around you. May you receive and share God’s grace this Lenten season.