Posted on Apr 30, 2021 in Devotions, HomePage, Uncategorized | 0
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me.
God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.”
Matthew 19:14
“Chapel Time”
On the last Thursday of every month I have the opportunity to have “chapel time” with the children at our church’s Children’s Center. It is a special time where I get to sing, pray and give a short talk with the kids and their teachers. I always love being able to share with them a little bit about what it means to love Jesus.
It is also fun throughout the rest of the month to see the children play on the playground and shout out to me “Hi Pastor Tim.” I love that I get to be their pastor.
I am not sure what impact these chapel times have. I suspect that the children don’t remember much of what I say but what I do want them to remember is that they have a pastor that loves them and wants them to love Jesus. When I see them playing, when we have our chapel times, I want them to know that there is a pastor and a church that loves them and wants them to know and love Jesus.
Our Time Together
It isn’t that different for all of you that are reading this email. I love that I get to be your pastor. I hope the times that we have together, whether it is on a Sunday morning in worship or at a Bible Study or at a meeting or on a walk or when we are having a cup of coffee, that you know I love being your pastor. More importantly, I want you to know and love Jesus. If I can point you in some small way to love Him more, I will feel that my role as a pastor is fulfilled.
Know that I love you and that I pray for you every day!
See you on Sunday.
Posted on Apr 24, 2021 in Uncategorized | 0
Installation
It was good to celebrate with you and my family and friends as the Presbytery of San Diego installed me as the pastor of Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church. In some ways it was anticlimactic since I have been the pastor here since November of 2020 but this final action by the Presbytery makes it official.
Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who helped in hosting the service and in serving at the taco lunch. Everything came together for the service and the tacos were delicious. (I know that some of you helped to pay for the taco lunch, which was especially generous of you.) So it is with much gratitude and appreciation that I say “thank you” to all of you who helped.
Together Working for God’s Kingdom
I also need to write that with more and more people getting vaccinated, the easing of the COVID restrictions, and church getting back to a “new normal,” I am energized and excited about what is in store for ministry in Lakeside. I see so much potential for ministry in Lakeside and what our church can do for God’s kingdom but this kingdom work is something that we will be doing together.
God’s work is always done in the context of community. We are not “Lone Rangers” as we follow Jesus. As we serve one another, as we build relationships, as we disciple one another, as we serve our community together, God is honored and His kingdom grows. We do this work together, so I am excited about what He will do through us.
New Sermon Series
This Sunday we start a new sermon series in the book of Philippians. This short book from the pen of Paul is one that is full of examples on how we are to live life. Paul’s words make life worth living and I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us as we learn from His Word.
Know that I pray for you daily.
See you on Sunday, whether it is in person or online.
Posted on Apr 16, 2021 in Devotions, HomePage, Uncategorized | 0
Special Occasions
Milestones and momentous occasions are important to celebrate. Most of us do this in our lives when we celebrate a birthday, gather for a wedding or celebrate the life of someone that has passed away. It is a way to “mark” that important event in a person’s life.
Ancient Israel used to do this by the placement of “standing stones” in certain geographical locations where they met God or an important event took place, like a victory over an adversary or the crossing of the Jordan River as the Hebrew people entered the Promise Land.
Pastor Installation Invitation
This Sunday marks an important occasion for our church. On Sunday, April 18, at 9:30am my Installation Service as the next pastor of Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church will take place. It may seem a bit anticlimactic since I have already been serving as the pastor since November, but it is one of those “standing stone” moments when we give thanks to God for His provision and guidance and ask for His blessing as we move forward together for His Kingdom.
It should be a grand celebration with pastors and elders from the Presbytery of San Diego participating along with many of my family and friends in attendance. We will be having a taco bar lunch after the service so come hungry and help celebrate this next chapter in the life of our church.
Blessings
Finally, let’s all give thanks to God for His guidance that led to this moment and pray for His blessings, as we move forward together.
Hope to see you this Sunday.