Pathfinder

  “Ultimately, it is impossible to separate word and deed ministry because human beings are integrated wholes — body and soul. It is both natural and necessary that ministers of mercy also minister the Word while they are in the process of meeting human needs, and that communicators of the gospel also show compassion with regard to the material needs of the people they are trying to reach. An integrative ministry means weaving together word and deed ministry as much as possible.” - Tim Keller           When we look at the life of Jesus in the gospels, we notice that he will spend his time both preaching and teaching (Matthew 5, Luke 15, etc) and healing and feeding (John 9, John 2, etc). One of Jesus miracles which is repeated in all 4 gospels is his feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6). Jesus performed both word and deed ministry. In attending to both our physical needs and our spiritual needs Jesus shows us t...

  As if to mimic the wonder and joy of Easter, spring continues the awakening of life all around us. Bare trees, shrubs and plants begin to sprout healthy new growth that will mature into beautiful flowers and broad, colorful leaves. Birds and other animals are busy building shelters and nests in which to birth and raise their young. Dark skies and stormy clouds give way to the warmth of the sun and gentle soothing breezes. Such is the rhythm of the earth. In chapter three of Ecclesiastes Solomon reminds us that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (3:1). His list includes: “A time to be born and a time to die.” (3:2) and “A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” (3:4). And such is the reality of our lives. As Deacons, each of these diametrically opposing “times” are part of the reality that beckons our attentions and drives our ministry. We have shared in the joy of welcoming newborns birthed into our cong...

  Spring continues to be busy for the Trustees and their trusted friends. Damage done to our lawns by winter weather and plowing has been cleaned up and new grass seed spread. Our tower floor received a cleaning and a new coat of sealer was applied. The outside of the kitchen door was scraped, primed and painted. New energy efficient lights were installed in the nursery, and new doorstops were put on upstairs doors. However, we still have a great deal to accomplish to finish our spring cleaning checklist. Our chores include dusting, appliance cleaning, washing windows and walls, etc. We could really use your help on our Spring Work Day on May 4… starting at 8:00 a. m. Please consider joining us … any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.                                         ...

  At our March Session meeting we opened our time studying Luke 19:28-40 which Bryan was preaching on for Palm Sunday. We spent time with the Trustees. The Trustees have met with our insurance representative. It generated lots of questions about a timeline on when projects were done around the church. Wes Clark and Eileen Jackson decided it was a good time to a history of the buildings, noting major renovations and repairs. Copies of this history are available in the lobby for anyone who is interested in that information. We met with Laurie McWhorter about the Woman’s Ministry Coordinator. We heard her ideas for continuing some programs and her vision for additional ministries. We voted unanimously to hire her for the job and look forward to what she will accomplish. We spent time discussing what we would like to see happen in our church in 2024. What sermon series we would like to hear, changes to worship and changes to both adult and children’s Sunday School. If you have idea...