+ The Good Life

Sharing the Call

     

Half way through my high school my father was transferred from Loring Air Base in Louisiana, to Camp Smith on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. I didn’t want to move, but I had no choice.  

I made many new friends in Hawaii and had a very positive experience in a religious prep school in Nuuanu.  After graduation I attended the University of Hawaii.  One of the big questions for me in my freshman year was what does God want me to do with my career.

I wanted whatever I did in my life and career to honor Jesus.  I thought for years that I would study political science and law,  probably join the military for a while, then work in government service of some sort,  probably in an American embassy or in domestic politics.  Then God started whispering to me in many different ways that he was calling me to pastoral ministry.

I didn’t really want to respond to this calling, because many of the ministers I had met were not the type people I wanted to be. But then while I was in college the sense of call became so intense I couldn’t resist it.  One night I took out the girl I was dating, who is now my wife.  I nervously told Cindy, I think God is calling me to ministry.  Cindy responded, “Yes I know.  I think you are right.”

After this conversation, it seemed so right to switch my career path and plan for ministry. On the next day I went to church at the chapel on Hickam Air Force Base.  We had a guest preacher.  It was Chaplain Lindal.  This was the same man that baptized me, and who showed up at my Spiritual awakening in Arkansas.  His presence on this third occasion was like a physical confirmation of what God was doing in my life. 

Thoughts for Confirmation Parents

We had such a meaningful and fun time at Café Worship with the dedication of our Confirmands.  The sharing of communion and the prayer for the teens near the end of the service was especially meaningful.

The goal of our Confirmation Program is for more than a ceremonial confirmation.  We want faith to become an integral part of the teenage life.  Chuck Gianakos and our Christian Education Commission of the Session have designed the confirmation program to encourage this.

One of the requirements of confirmation is that our youth attend worship regularly.  Many families find that attending Café Worship together at 11 am is a meaningful way to support their child's spiritual development.  We've worked hard to make the music and message meaningful and relevant for people of all ages, especially our children and youth.

I recently got this note from one of our parents:  Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful praise music you provide for us each Sunday at the 11am service.  Our family really looks forward to worship each week - we just love the whole service!  The selection of music is always perfect and speaks to our hearts.

A Parent is the most important person for encouraging their child's faith development.  Parents who worship, offering acts of service and sharing expressions of devotion in the home are speaking volumes about the importance of God in life.  I am encouraged by the many family who are worship together at FPCOM.

Three Favors and Three Commitments

I have three favors to ask of you and three commitments to make.  First the favors:

1.  Could you please offer a pledge to the church this coming year?   I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the ministry of the church in 2009 by filling this out and returning it to church on November 2nd.  You can go to the church website right now and pledge. 

2.  Are you in a position to offer an additional contribution in 2008?  We are facing a $50,000 deficit in this year's budget. If you are in a position to help, over and above your regular pledge, we would be very grateful.
 
3.  Would you keep me updated with your latest email?  We are seeking to save money on mailing and would like to stay in touch through the internet if this works for you.  You can contact me at [email protected].
 
Now for my commitment to you.
 
1.  Our session is committed to managing a church budget that is very efficient.  We are diligently combing through our line items and looking at all our accounts.  We are examining ways to save money in all areas.
 
2.  We are committed to developing the ministry of First Presbyterian to reflect a focus on our mission, excellence in programming, and the loving grace of Christ in all we do.
 
3.  Our staff and I work very diligently to provide meaningful and God honoring ministry.  If there is any way that we can provide special support to you, please let me know.
 
Thank you for supporting the ministry with your tithes and offerings.

Why Jesus

We are encouraging members at FPCOM to invite friends and neighbors to our fall series called WHY JESUS. Here are several resources people may use to invite others to church.

• Encourage people to join us at the Algonquin or Café Worship on Friendship Sunday, Oct 19th.

• Carry WHY JESUS calling cards in our wallets. Offer them to people that we meet.

• Provide WHY JESUS calling cards at our businesses.

• Pick up WHY JESUS posters at church and display at our retail businesses or that of a friends.

Children in Communion

As a parent I understand that sometimes my children are tired on Sunday mornings.  It’s a day after late-nights and sleep-overs.  Our children get up early for school five days a week and want a break from the grind on the weekend.  We modern Christian parents understand this, yet we also want our children to understand that faith is an important value in our families.

I am impressed with the families of First Presbyterian Church of Manasquan who make Godzone and Worship an important part of their weekly family activities.  By doing so they are communicating the priority of God.  Furthermore, I hear from so many parents and kids who tell me: It’s Fun to Go to Church.

World Communion Sunday provides a special opportunity for parents to communicate a priority on God in family life.  This Sunday we will meet in the Fellowship Hall for Communion at 11 am.  Here are a couple options for families:

FIRST OPTION:  Parents can attend the 9:30 Family Matters Class at the Manse.  New people are always welcome.  Parents can then join their children in the Fellowship Hall after the children’s Godzone and stay for a time of communion in Café Worship at 11 am.

SECOND OPTION:  Parents attending 9:30 Worship at the Algonquin Theatre can join their children in 11 am worship for communion in Fellowship Hall.

Whatever option people opt for, we strongly encourage all families to prepare their children for sharing in communion.  This is an important practice that reminds us of our baptism and serves to unite us in God’s purposes.