~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
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An Old But Faithful Word (September 24, 2003) There’s a moth-eaten old word in the Christian vocabulary that keeps showing up rather frequently in some of the literature I read. I thought this word had all but been forgotten, buried after a slow death; but now it may be here to stay for a while. “Disciple” and “discipleship” appear frequently in much of the writings about church growth and transformation of congregations. I, for one, am glad that old word has made a comeback. I was curious how frequently “disciple” appears in the four gospels and was quite surprised to learn there are over 230 instances of the term, about 90 per cent either are NOT limited to the Twelve at all, or else do not make clear whether these or some larger group is indicated. The Gospel of John is especially concerned to stress the inclusiveness of the term. From the beginning, we are told, Jesus had numerous disciples. Such are you and I: we are followers of Jesus. One of the things I like most about the current literature and emphasis on “discipleship” is that it’s not about numbers. There is a pervasive notion in much of the Christian church growth literature that growing a church is primarily about increasing the numbers. However, there is what I call a minority group of writers who seldom, if ever, speak of growing in numbers. Their primary emphasis is growing disciples. I have said it in the newsletter before in a different way. I would rather see us as a congregation who has members who count, rather than a congregation who counts members. In fact, I prefer the word “disciple” to “member.” You and I can be members of many organizations. You name your own but I know there are certain requirements to be a member of the service organizations in the Valley. But how many of these organizations designate you as a “disciple”? Not one I would guess. Disciples are a whole different type of follower and adherent to specific teachings. I love this old word. In the next year or so I hope you will hear it from my lips in various settings. If I have one vision for First Presbyterian Church it is for us to grow disciples. Stay tuned because there is more to come. I pray for the day when people will drive by this church and the one thing they will say is, “Yeah, that’s a church that takes ‘discipleship’ seriously and they want disciples who count.” May it be so for you and for me.
 It’s Time to Rally! (September 4, 2003) About this time of the year one of the major television networks runs a familiar phrase in its television advertisements to prep its listeners for another season of Monday night football. You know the line: “Are you ready?” It’s their slick way of inducing us to turn on the television each Monday night for the next few weeks. Well, I have no hesitation to use that little jingle to entice all of our members of First Presbyterian Church to get ready for the new church year of Christian Education and worship. Are you ready? Unlike Monday night football, where we can sit and mindlessly and passively “watch” a sporting event, the life of the church requires some preparation to get ready. I’m glad the church would have it no other way. Life in the church is not a spectator sport! Here’s what you need to do to prepare. The first thing is to be here this Sunday, September 7, 2003 at 9:00 am for Rally Day. We will have a hearty breakfast and you will have the opportunity to be introduced to our lineup of Christian Education opportunities for the fall. We are blessed in this congregation to have talented and dedicated members who will be serving as teachers and supporters of our education ministry. They willingly give their time and talent to serve our church each week. I’m asking that each member set aside each Sunday morning as a first offering to our God of their time and talent as well. Most of us like to think how much money we give to the church as a percentage of our income. Think about this. There are 168 hours in each week and if you are present for two hours of Christian Education and worship that is about 1.2% of your time as a pledge to God. Now think about this. How can I grow in my pledge of time and move at least to the 1.2% and then beyond? Monday night football is about three hours in a week, or 1.8% of our time. What value do you place on each? The second thing is to be present at our worship service at 10:30 am on Sunday, September 7, 2003. We will commission our teachers and recognize our new confirmands. This is an appropriate way to get the year started. Be present to worship and pledge your support of our teachers and confirmands. But that’s not all you can do. The year continues each week and I’m praying for the life of our church. I’m counting on each of you to do the same AND to commit your time (that 1.2%) each week to be present. It’s time to rally! As I’ve said before, the bold alternative in the 21st century is to do something that is outside the mainstream of our culture: to be active each week in the life of Christ’s church. Grace and peace to each of you.
What If God Wants the Whole House? (September 4, 2003) Imagine God standing on your front porch…. God knocks at my door….”Rent is cheap,” I say. “I don’t want to rent. I want to buy,” says God…. “I might let you have a room or two.” “Thanks,” says God. “I like what I see.” “I’d like to give you the whole house, but I’m not sure—“ “Think on it,” says God. “I wouldn’t put you out….You’d have more space than you’ve ever had.” “I don’t understand….” “I know,” says God, “but I can’t tell you about that. You’ll have to discover it for yourself. That can happen only if you let me have the whole house.” “A bit risky,” I say. “Yes,” says God, “but try me….” (Edited from a longer unpublished poem by Margaret Halaska.) I don’t know about you but these words speak to me at a deep, deep level about a God who wants our whole house, no matter what our house looks like. Isn’t that just like the God we come to know in Jesus Christ? So demanding and wants it all! As I thought about this poem from Margaret Halaska I put it in the context of Christian Education. As you know, on Sunday, September 7, 2003 we begin our new Christian Education year and will kick it off with a breakfast. I really would like to see a great year in the life of First Presbyterian Church when it comes to growing in discipleship and having God occupy the whole house, not just part. Your commitment and participation in education and worship is a primary way for God to occupy your house. Think about it. Our commitment to God is never something we “rent out.” God always wants to buy and have sole ownership. The paradox is that we are already God’s own possession. All of you have wonderful opportunities this year to participate in our Christian Education programs. From young children to adults—we have put together excellent entrees on the menu. So, come and taste not only breakfast on September 7 but also the other choices to feast on. After all, God wants the whole house!
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