Peacemakers,
After a red and Spirit-filled Pentecost Sunday, we also had a Spirited and meaningful Presbytery meeting yesterday in North Port. Our own Kim Adams was joyfully received as an Inquirer for Ministry. This is the first step, the second being Candidacy, and the third Ordination. Kim will begin seminary at McCormick in Chicago this fall. We will miss Kim, Jason, Emma, and Andrew very much, but we commit to support them financially and prayerfully as Kim studies for the ministry.
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the day we celebrate the mystery of God’s triune being. Richard will be preaching on portions of John 14 and 1 John 4. I am spending some time this week, preparing for service as commissioner to General Assembly, the national meeting of Presbyterians (USA) which happens every two years. You may learn more about what the denomination is discussing by going to www.pcusa.org and clicking on the General Assembly link.
If you have not experienced one of the Nooma classes with the senior highs and adults (Pneuma is Spirit in Greek), I think you are missing some provocative videos and discussions. Nooma and The Wired Word will continue into the summer, but after this week’s lively learning on the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, all the kids of Peace will be involved (in one way or another) in preparations for the summer musical, Scenes from Godspell. Experiences like this in childhood last a lifetime.
At Presbytery we heard the PC(USA) national coordinator for church growth, who reminded us that church growth depends primarily on two things:
1. Prayer and an openness to the new things the Spirit may be calling us to do
2. Congregation members building relationships with people beyond the church family.
Consider a dinner group or dessert night with a few neighbors or work colleagues this summer. Invite a couple of Peace friends to come along.
The epistle lesson for this week has been meaningful to me through the years. Here’s a nugget for you: “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:1-5) Meditate on this.
Peace to you,
Elizabeth
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
This Week at Peace - PEACE be with you
Hey,
Put on something red and come, celebrate Pentecost with Peace this Sunday! Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter, the day the Church (not A church, but THE Church) was born!
Happy Birthday Church! You’ve had some good years and some bad years, some good deeds and some bad ones, but you’re still here, thanks to the Holy Spirit of Christ who is relentlessly calling you again and again to faithfulness, despite your miss-steps.
The Spirit has been here from the beginning of time, as the breath in our souls, the wind of our wings, the creator and sustainer of all that is good and beautiful. The Spirit is the One interceding for us when we find it difficult to pray with “sighs too deep for words.” (see Romans 8:12-27)
Come, celebrate this nearer-than-your hands Spirit, this fiery, unpredictable Spirit. Come, be a little more filled with this quiet, renewing, indwelling Spirit of the Living God.
We worship at the State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch at 9:30, and we serve God everywhere Peace people are. Directions and more info at www.PEACEpcusa.com
Coming soon to Peace – “Godspell” the Broadway Musical, performed by Peace kids, youth, and even a few adults. Wanna be part of the fun? (all levels of talent welcome) Rehearsals at 11:00 June 6-August 15. Performance on August 22.
Friends, we are not perfect (who is?) but we are real. And we’re aiming to be more fully at peace with God, ourselves, and others. That’s the essence of living, we think. Hope you’ll consider joining us in this spirit-filled adventure.
Peace to you,
Elizabeth
Put on something red and come, celebrate Pentecost with Peace this Sunday! Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter, the day the Church (not A church, but THE Church) was born!
Happy Birthday Church! You’ve had some good years and some bad years, some good deeds and some bad ones, but you’re still here, thanks to the Holy Spirit of Christ who is relentlessly calling you again and again to faithfulness, despite your miss-steps.
The Spirit has been here from the beginning of time, as the breath in our souls, the wind of our wings, the creator and sustainer of all that is good and beautiful. The Spirit is the One interceding for us when we find it difficult to pray with “sighs too deep for words.” (see Romans 8:12-27)
Come, celebrate this nearer-than-your hands Spirit, this fiery, unpredictable Spirit. Come, be a little more filled with this quiet, renewing, indwelling Spirit of the Living God.
We worship at the State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch at 9:30, and we serve God everywhere Peace people are. Directions and more info at www.PEACEpcusa.com
Coming soon to Peace – “Godspell” the Broadway Musical, performed by Peace kids, youth, and even a few adults. Wanna be part of the fun? (all levels of talent welcome) Rehearsals at 11:00 June 6-August 15. Performance on August 22.
Friends, we are not perfect (who is?) but we are real. And we’re aiming to be more fully at peace with God, ourselves, and others. That’s the essence of living, we think. Hope you’ll consider joining us in this spirit-filled adventure.
Peace to you,
Elizabeth
Monday, May 17, 2010
This Week at Peace - May 14, 2010
Dear Peacemakers,
I am writing this week’s email from Westminster Presbyterian, where Richard and I are serving an overnight hosts for Family Promise. If you were in church Sunday, you heard Eirinn Camphire share her enthusiasm for this wonderful ministry. The current families in the program could not be any more courteous and appreciative. I just met a preschooler who reached out his hand and introduced himself with more poise than some teenagers I know. Peace’s portion of the PC(USA) Pentecost Offering on May 23rd will support this ministry to homeless families. The other 60% will go to the Presbyterian Church’s ministry with at-risk children, youth, and young adults.
You have received emails from Pastor Tricia regarding the exciting 5:00 Saturday evening Italian Dinner and Talent Show, which we await with eager anticipation. Yummy spaghetti and meatballs made by a real Italian chef, our own multi-talented Gia, will be worth the big bucks for our youth program! Northminster Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Lockwood Ridge Road and University Parkway. You are encouraged to bring your own plates to save the environment, but if you forget, the Fellowship Team has you covered.
As this night comes to an end, let me remind you that prayers are being offered by your church family for all of you going through difficult seasons of illness, grief, relational turmoil, transitions, financial strain or discouragement of any sort. You are not alone. Reach out to your Peace family and others who care. Pastor Tricia led a beautiful service of wholeness for teens and parents last Sunday night.
This Sunday’s text is the story of Paul and Silas, stuck in prison, but finding their way to freedom by singing God’s praise. The same is true for all of us – that we may find our truest freedom in the Spirit in the power of joyful and prayerful music.
Peace be with you,
Elizabeth
I am writing this week’s email from Westminster Presbyterian, where Richard and I are serving an overnight hosts for Family Promise. If you were in church Sunday, you heard Eirinn Camphire share her enthusiasm for this wonderful ministry. The current families in the program could not be any more courteous and appreciative. I just met a preschooler who reached out his hand and introduced himself with more poise than some teenagers I know. Peace’s portion of the PC(USA) Pentecost Offering on May 23rd will support this ministry to homeless families. The other 60% will go to the Presbyterian Church’s ministry with at-risk children, youth, and young adults.
You have received emails from Pastor Tricia regarding the exciting 5:00 Saturday evening Italian Dinner and Talent Show, which we await with eager anticipation. Yummy spaghetti and meatballs made by a real Italian chef, our own multi-talented Gia, will be worth the big bucks for our youth program! Northminster Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Lockwood Ridge Road and University Parkway. You are encouraged to bring your own plates to save the environment, but if you forget, the Fellowship Team has you covered.
As this night comes to an end, let me remind you that prayers are being offered by your church family for all of you going through difficult seasons of illness, grief, relational turmoil, transitions, financial strain or discouragement of any sort. You are not alone. Reach out to your Peace family and others who care. Pastor Tricia led a beautiful service of wholeness for teens and parents last Sunday night.
This Sunday’s text is the story of Paul and Silas, stuck in prison, but finding their way to freedom by singing God’s praise. The same is true for all of us – that we may find our truest freedom in the Spirit in the power of joyful and prayerful music.
Peace be with you,
Elizabeth
This Week at Peace - May 6, 2010
Peacemakers,
See this note of gratitude from Gretchen:
*Thank you doesn’t begin to express the humble gratitude I feel toward each person in the Peace family who wrote, spoke or thought a special message to me last week. Reading the ones collected in the book is an overwhelming experience. Praying for Peace Presbyterian Church at each step of the way has been a very important part of my own spiritual development and I thank you for the opportunity. I’ve loved greeting new people and finding out a little about them, and I thank you for taking over that very rewarding task now that I can no longer do it. Supporting John and me on this journey that we didn’t choose, but through which we have come to know God in a more intimate way, has kept us going in ways that you can’t imagine. Thank you for the tangible help, and thank you even more for your prayers.
You each have your own burdens, some of them very heavy. You each show courage and strength every day in the way you live your life. You each have something unique to offer to Peace and to one another. I appreciate what Peace has become, and I know that God will continue to work through our congregation. One of the most hopeful verses in the Bible to me is John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. I will continue to pray that Peace will keep the Christ-light shining in the darkness*.
This week’s text is Acts 16:4-15, the story of Lydia’s heart being opened by the Spirit of God.
Don’t forget that you have the opportunity this Sunday (Mother’s Day) to bring disposable diapers or other gifts for expectant mothers served by Beth-El in Arcadia.
Be sure to sign up for the May 15 5:00 Italian Dinner and Talent Show at Northminster Presbyterian (corner of Lockwood Ridge & University). Sign up your friends, who might come along for the fun! Proceeds are for our older teens who are attending the life-shaping Montreat Youth Conference. The Fellowship Team invites you to bring your own dishes from home (BYOD)to save the environment. Paper will be provided to those who forget. The Talent Show is looking VERY interesting.
Congrats, love, and prayers to our college graduate, Amanda!
Peace to you all,
Elizabeth
See this note of gratitude from Gretchen:
*Thank you doesn’t begin to express the humble gratitude I feel toward each person in the Peace family who wrote, spoke or thought a special message to me last week. Reading the ones collected in the book is an overwhelming experience. Praying for Peace Presbyterian Church at each step of the way has been a very important part of my own spiritual development and I thank you for the opportunity. I’ve loved greeting new people and finding out a little about them, and I thank you for taking over that very rewarding task now that I can no longer do it. Supporting John and me on this journey that we didn’t choose, but through which we have come to know God in a more intimate way, has kept us going in ways that you can’t imagine. Thank you for the tangible help, and thank you even more for your prayers.
You each have your own burdens, some of them very heavy. You each show courage and strength every day in the way you live your life. You each have something unique to offer to Peace and to one another. I appreciate what Peace has become, and I know that God will continue to work through our congregation. One of the most hopeful verses in the Bible to me is John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. I will continue to pray that Peace will keep the Christ-light shining in the darkness*.
This week’s text is Acts 16:4-15, the story of Lydia’s heart being opened by the Spirit of God.
Don’t forget that you have the opportunity this Sunday (Mother’s Day) to bring disposable diapers or other gifts for expectant mothers served by Beth-El in Arcadia.
Be sure to sign up for the May 15 5:00 Italian Dinner and Talent Show at Northminster Presbyterian (corner of Lockwood Ridge & University). Sign up your friends, who might come along for the fun! Proceeds are for our older teens who are attending the life-shaping Montreat Youth Conference. The Fellowship Team invites you to bring your own dishes from home (BYOD)to save the environment. Paper will be provided to those who forget. The Talent Show is looking VERY interesting.
Congrats, love, and prayers to our college graduate, Amanda!
Peace to you all,
Elizabeth
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