Letter to Congregation 08-12-2020
August 12, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he wanted to recognize this church’s faithfulness. There were a lot of churches that Paul either was integral in starting or felt, for various reasons, deep ministerial connections with. Several of those, as we see in some of his letters, caused him distress because of their lack of unity and faithfulness to the gospel message as Paul saw it. This is not the case with the Philippians. Instead, Paul wanted to encourage them to continue to be faithful. Part of what he believes constitutes faithfulness is “being of one mind” and “to press on towards the goal.” Can you imagine what Paul might have thought being of one mind and pressing towards the goal might look like for today’s church? Well I can say that I think Paul would have this congregation to look upon as an example like the Philippian’s were. Despite the difference of opinions when it comes to carrying out our mission and vision, there is surely one mind at play to press on towards the goal of being the hands and voice of God for those around us in our congregation, community and in the wider world.
This week we have an opportunity to once again come together as one mind and press on towards our goal. Our worship this week will be another parking lot service that allows us to socially distance easily and still offer the opportunity to be a part of one of the greatest gifts the church has been given, the sacrament of baptism. In this sacrament, we are agreeing to follow our mission to be the voice and hands of God for the newly baptized. I would invite you to worship with us this week, either by joining us for the parking lot service, or remotely through YouTube live or Facebook Live. We will have an opportunity to witness what being of one mind and pressing on towards our goal looks like even in a time of pandemic and civil unrest. Like Paul, I am confident in your faithfulness to support this newly baptized in all the ways you can.
Let us be who God has called us to be.
In Christ Peace,
Pastor Nicki
Some helpful links…
Click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/espresbyterian/
YouTube recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Additionally, bulletins and an online hymnal have been put on the website and can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/sunday-bulletin/
