If you really invest your spiritual energy in your church, which would include time on campus, it won’t be long before you realize that there are layers upon layers of life-giving and even life-altering aspects of First Presbyterian “church life.” Over time, the truth that’s borne on each sermon or Lenten lesson or small group study takes root and bears fruit. God’s Word discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts and draws us into God’s grace and life in his Beloved Son. Life flourishes. Lives are altered. One begins to recognize the subtleties of hallway embraces and the roar of Sunday worship greeting time and see how we love one another. It becomes evident in so many ways. We teach and care for kids and families in our community through Mother’s Day Out. We display the art of members who’ve been gifted to speak through charcoal and pastels and oils. We grace our place with seasonal decorations and care for this grand old structure to ensure it will live even into the 22nd century (God willing); the recent waterproofing and roofing project gives testimony. As the chill of a winter morning is cut by an outdoor fire on our multi-tiered terrace or as guests are welcomed into our Sanctuary for the annual Christmas pilgrimage or we welcome those who visit our campus to mourn the loss of friends or loved ones, Christ’s love is extended graciously. It comes, literally, as second nature to us as we live out new life in Christ Jesus.

 

And the not so apparent layers provide foundation for it all. Recent decisions of our Session to proactively provide an added layer of protection for our people has launched Security Response Teams that are present at each of our services and major events. Should there be a time of trouble or danger, they are equipped to respond. These same decisions ushered in an effort to improve the basic security of our campus, particularly enhancing the inner perimeter entrances, landscaping and fencing (similar to our playgrounds). All this while enhancing the beauty of this place at the same time. The final architectural rendering for these improvements will be reviewed next month. Work will begin in the spring. 

 

Layers upon layers of testimony and prayer, preaching and teaching, worship and the Table, attending to the work of missions abroad and ministries at home, our church is alive, living and active, unified in life and love so that the world may know that God sent his son to save us.

 

And then, there’s the budget. The reality of the western world. The cost of doing business. We maintain no inventory nor do we sell products or services. We don’t rely on fundraisers or benefactors. We rely on each other to recognize the financial reality of what’s required to be the church. We trust that the Lord will draw us into his economy to invest in his kingdom. We examine our blessings and resources and we know from whence they come. And then . . . we cheerfully give.

 

Our Stewardship this year has exceeded any before. Through you, God has provided for his church. Your estimates of giving for 2019 exceeds $3,000,000. It will provide full support for all the layers of mission and ministry God has called us to. We can look forward to the coming year with great expectation for what he is going to do in us and through us. Thank you for your faithfulness and cheerful giving. 

 

Grace,

Barry Phillips
Ministry Executive