What's new?

"What's new?" "Anything new with you?" "What new thing is going on in your life these days?" These are among the greetings I sometimes hear people say upon seeing someone they know that they might not have seen in awhile. Shopping around Christmastime, browsing at post-holiday bargains, going to the theater, visiting a museum, or maybe stopping by the gas station and/or convenience store, we may inevitably encounter friendly acquaintances with whom we've not caught up recently and utter a query along these lines.

 

Indeed, what is new with you? I'm interested to know. But why? I wonder... Is it natural curiosity? Am I being nosy for some reason? Is it interrogatory hubris, hidden arrogance under a façade of compassion on my part? Do I really care? I suppose some, if one were to probe inwardly, honestly, may not, really. It's just something to say for the moment in order to eventually pass the time on to the next thing that you're actually on the way to do. Each wants to only briefly acknowledge the momentary interruption, yielding instead, to the presiding purpose of our predetermined progression for the time at hand. And so we might humor one another with surface conversations for the sake of exchanging niceties and exercising customary manners.

 

Then again, what if there truly is something in us yearning to discover something fresh and new that would enliven things a bit? What if there was even a remote possibility that something radical, however small it may seem at first, was happening in another person's life that could come to mean the world to us? Could it be that some of us, if not all of us, deep down inside are looking to find a new event—a new experience—that brings fresh joy and fills our hearts anew to overflowing? Not merely a distraction, but a welcome intrusion is instead wanting, waiting to be embraced by us in our very presence. Is it just coincidence, or might there be an underlying theme—an ongoing current throughout humanity's existence which resonates with a deeper truth about who we are and who we are becoming along life's journey? Perhaps in the process, we are being given the opportunity to receive the very precious gift of having a companion along the way to share, if but for a moment, that we are not alone on the road of life and that we are blessed to be able to experience mutual encouragement on the way.

 

As we enter into and embark upon a new year of proclaiming hope, peace, joy, love and life in the light of Advent shining through the ages, our sensibilities and notions of living out our lives in faith are challenged once again to break forth from the drudgingly dreary doldrums, yet also beautifully cheery snows of winter, toward the ensuing, burgeoning brightness of spring. The experience of Revelation as relayed by John through his writing down of the last book in the Bible has one verse that echoes, in my mind, throughout time and space: "Behold, I AM making everything, all things new!" (Revelation 21:5)

 

Upon all of creation's history, these words from The Word reverberate with resounding resonance through the millennia, impacting our continuance and condition in the here and now of the new millennium. Our state of being, whether we are aware of it or not, is greatly affected by the truth of this continually occurring event in the perpetual providence of divinity. The apostle alludes to this in somewhat similar vein when the Pauline writer addresses the saints in Colossae regarding Christ's supremacy that in Him all things are being held together up to this very moment and beyond. (Colossians 1:17) Nothing happens apart from the goodness and steadfast faithfulness of the One Who is holding all of this and every one of us together. As Paul also wrote to the saints in Rome, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Likewise, the prophet in Isaiah (43:19a) tells us, "See, I AM doing a new thing! Now it springs up! Do you not perceive it?" Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is!

 

Ancient words, eternal words from the everlasting Word give us glimpse of eternity. Whether we are reading the daily news or encountering neighborly conversation, the normal, regular routines of our lives can afford us the opportunity to gaze upon the glory of God in Christ through our current circumstance or present situation. Cultivating an awareness of the very holy presence of God, even and maybe especially in seemingly ordinary, mundane activities can help us, like a little child, enter into the wonder of the heavenly realms. Thy will be done, Thy kingdom come, here on earth, as it is, in heaven.

 

The next time you come upon a friendly encounter in which you find yourself saying, "What's new?" you might consider, as you may be prompted in spirit, that you are in the midst of a holy occurrence—a precious moment in sacred space as you willingly engage in the gift of conversation with mutual encouragement for the journey ahead. Indeed, beloved ones, may you and yours experience such blessings upon Christmastide through Epiphany and beyond for the New Year at hand.

 

With the Wind of the Spirit,

Pastor Rex Espiritu

 

P.S. And, oh, say, by the way, what's new with you? :)

 

The Rev. Rex Espiritu serves as pastor at First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Indiana

A Feast for Souls on Occasions of Community Celebration in Spirit

Dear friends, it was wonderful to be part of celebrating a Thanksgiving meal in our family of faith as many in our congregation sat at tables together this past Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Indiana. We have such beloved folks with big hearts for serving one another in the Lord that I have to say, I am filled to overflowing…. My tendered heart is full from such magnanimous generosity poured out among and upon us that I feel remiss in not having more said about it.

 
 

Some may be familiar with The 5 Love Languages from the New York Times bestselling book by Dr. Gary Chapman that speaks to how we may have love shown, one to another. Among five key categories found from his research, Dr. Chapman espouses the following to be universal and comprehensive. We all may primarily identify with one of these: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

 
 

I have found that for me personally, at times, I seem to have differing love languages for showing as compared to receiving love. For example, I may tend to give gifts as a way of showing love to a loved one, but not necessarily experience it as much in receiving gifts for myself. What speaks love to one, may not be primarily taken as love by another. My late beloved wife, Melissa's primary love language was, without a doubt, Acts of Service. And if I didn't know any better, I would suggest another sub-category for our congregation to have as a primary love language to be that of Serving Meals.

 
 

Our recent efforts over the past year of providing meals as gifts to serve and enjoy being together with people in our larger community is telling and worth sharing. While ministers may converse regarding what they sometimes refer to as the discerning and development of one's pastoral identity, I might identify and relate this conversation piece as speaking to a particular church group's congregational identity. In this vein, I would name Serving Meals as evidenced fruit borne of an apparent, distinctive attribute of our identity in the body of Christ in Henry County. This, I believe, is part of our love language with, in, to, for and through community. It is certainly worthy of further exploration and possibly increased validation with words of affirmation as well as in quality time spent together in dialogue and conversation over meals served unto one another in love.

 
 

In such settings over meals together at table with others, with respect to and of one another's stories… There is power in the telling. There is comfort in the sharing. There is relief in the giving. There is healing in the receiving. These are among what I consider to be fundamental outflows of God's love made manifest in, through and among us in this fellowship of faith. Even as it's said that the family that prays together stays together, we could say the same of the church that serves and fellowships over meals together staying together.

 
 

Here I am reminded of a verse from the Psalms (68:6a) in which the Psalmist proclaims, "God sets the lonely in families..."

 
 

One tradition that Melissa encouraged us to adopt early on in our family life, which I must confess has not been observed as much in some recent times, was to seek intentionally to invite someone outside of our family into our home for a holiday meal. As I recall, we started this practice some time prior to one New Year's Eve early on in our marriage. We would pray to God for the Holy Spirit to lay upon our heart and place in our mind a person or persons whom the Lord would be pleased to have us celebrate and share a meal together with that might not necessarily, ordinarily have other plans at the time. We would always find our Lord faithful to answer that prayer with such affirmation and confirmation in the process that it became a hope-filled, mutually fulfilling endeavor for all present in the set apart occasion.

 
 

As we reflected upon the ministry, proclamation and celebration of Word and Sacrament with Holy Communion on Sunday prior, I am encouraged to exhort us, beloved, to renew our devotion in the Lord together concerning these things as we contemplate further the Lord's leading into the near and better future God has in mind for us. Might the Lord our God have you and me, our families in this season together celebrate along with others over a shared meal in our homes sometime during the holidays? Someone, or some ones, possibly outside our conventional circle of friends, whom the Lord may be pleased for us to share in the blessing of God's grace….

 
 

May the Lord add to our number those who are being drawn by His Spirit to fellowship with us and help us rediscover and grow in the knowledge of who we are and Whose we are, becoming ever more so

 
 

In Christ,

Pastor Rex

A Debt of Gratitude in the Light of God’s Grace

When something or someone dear and precious is taken from us, especially with regard to a significant and abiding relationship, a deep and profound sense of loss can be experienced that influences and affects the lens through which we see, perceive or comprehend our current circumstances. We cannot help but to not have any situation we might encounter from that point on become somehow understood in the wake of such an event as seminal as that in our life's journey.

Even, and maybe especially, events leading up to and prior to our experience of loss can be seen in a new light. It is as if blinders that we had not been aware of previously had been suddenly removed and the scales from one's eyes taken away. Not unlike Saul's experience on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, a "Come to Jesus" moment ensues upon us and we hear the Lord speaking to our heart and soul with renewed clarity and strength of conviction.

An opportunity for reflection and introspection occurs to us and, if welcomingly received, submitted and surrendered to, and taken advantage of by being given ample time to process through, can allow us to listen well to the voice of the spirit within us. Our interactions, focus and perspectives are then exposed to new light shed upon us in the Lord under the severe mercy and greater grace of a sovereign God.

Such has been my own experience over the past year. There has been at once a deeply profound remorse and regret at my own failings before the Lord and others such that at times in the recent past, I could not bear the weight of guilt, grief, shame, brokenness and sadness apart from sensing, knowing and experiencing the love, prayers, encouragement and support of many upholding us in the Spirit.

It is a terrible thing to face the Lord Who truly sees us and meets us in the presence of one another, speaking the truth in love, presenting an opportunity to fess up, be real, and come clean over and over again, and as the apostle Paul reminds us, to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." It can be, as one of my late, well-loved and much appreciated seminary professors might say, "a deeply humbling, transforming moment."

All this is to share a perspective with you that from this moment on, I am pursuing the Lord and seeking to serve God's people in this time and place with a passion and purpose that I am not sure I have ever experienced before. If the enemy of our souls had thought that by taking away my most precious beloved we would be deterred from rising above our situation and beholding the Lord sustaining and lifting us up further for God's glory, he's got another thing coming. Out of these ashes, beauty will indeed most assuredly arise! Watch out as the Lion of Judah moves us with a fresh fire in the fervor of the Spirit of the Lord. As it says in the Scriptures, the zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall accomplish this!

Thank you to all of you who are embarking on the journey together with one another anew as evidenced by many who attended this past Rally Day Sunday's activities. It is with a deep sense of gratitude and awe that I pledge to serve alongside with you as the Lord equips us to serve one another in love. May the joy of the Lord be our strength as we seek in partnership to rebuild our community through Christ, renew our fellowship in the Spirit, and transform people by God's grace. To this end, I remain and continue

Prayerfully yours, and His

Pastor Rex

Make way for connections

Subject	Make way for connections
From	Presbyterian News Service
Sent	Thursday, February 11, 2010 5:35 PM

 
 

Make way for connections

Young adults value relationships, dialogue in their church lives, APCE workshop teaches

by Janet Tuck

Special to Presbyterian News Service

NASHVILLE — The wave of the future is here. They are a generation called the Millennials, and the church better make room because business as usual isn't going to work. If the rest of us want them included, we'd better adapt.

This is according to a workshop at the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators' annual event here Jan. 27-30. "Young Adult Voices," led by Michael Harper, sought to help those attending better understand this generation, often called the Millennials. Harper is an associate for youth and young adult curriculum development in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Congregational Ministries Publishing.

Millennials were born somewhere between 1980 and 1995. They grew up on Nirvana and Pearl Jam, knowing how to use the Internet. Defined by 9/11, they don't know what it is to greet someone at the airport gate. They are multi-taskers who use technology to communicate and are used to constant stimulation.

As this generation enters the workforce, there is tension between them and their bosses. Former generations threw themselves into work. Not this one. They have little patience for investing themselves over the long term and want the promotion next week, even though they just started last week.

This generation has a different perspective on work. As one young person said, "My job doesn't define who I am. The boomers, their jobs defined them." These young people want a job that gives them meaning and purpose, but they aren't about to spend extra time at the office.

Impatience spills over into their attitude toward the church as well. As Harper put it, "Faith is a process — it gives meaning and purpose, yes, but it is a journey over the long haul." This isn't particularly to this generation's liking — they want the answers now.

So what does all this mean for how they fit into the church? They are interested in the Bible and faith traditions but it might be more in terms of a pub chat than Sunday school. They will be more about their relationships within the faith community (that search for meaning, again) than they will be about the church building.

These young people are looking for genuine community. They want to serve and are very interested in mission, but they want to serve after they have established a feeling of connection in the faith community. They aren't necessarily going to jump into the work of being the church until this sense of community is established.

As one young woman in the workshop said, "We have this idea that the church doesn't dictate what we believe. We want to be in dialogue and figure out these things for ourselves."

To skeptics who doubt the work ethic of this generation, Harper says "it's just a difference in values. The greatest generation won the war and built the 20th century economy through hard work. This generation values relationships and connections and family over work. It's not a 'this is good, that is bad' judgment call. It is simply a difference in what they value."

So how can the church connect and welcome? First, get to know them. These young people enjoy dialogue across generations. Ask an older member to invite a young person for coffee.

"They want to be listened to, and they want to listen. It really is all about making connections for them," Harper said.

Beyond programs or contemporary music in worship, this generation is about building relationships. And that is how the church can welcome them in: by getting to know them.

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2010/10132.htm

 
 

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | 100 Witherspoon Street | Louisville, Kentucky | 40202-1396 (888) 728-7228 | (502) 569-5000 | Web site | Email

 
 

Presbyterian Publishing Corporation announces new retreat planning guides, distribution options, and discounts

Subject		Presbyterian Publishing Corporation announces new retreat planning guides, distribution options, and discounts
From		Presbyterian News Service
Sent		Tuesday, February 16, 2010 6:43 PM

 
 

Presbyterian Publishing Corporation announces new retreat planning guides, distribution options, and discounts

Contact:

Jennifer Cox, (502) 569-5116

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation rolled out some exciting new resources at the 2010 Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Annual Event. PPC's popular Web site The Thoughtful Christian has now been expanded to offer comprehensive resources for retreat designs as well as direct sales of all Westminster John Knox Press and Geneva Press books at discounts of up to 35%.

This new collection of retreat guides was developed in consultation with Joel Winchip, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association, and Brian Frick, Associate for Camp and Conference Ministries, General Assembly Mission Council. New retreat designs will be added on a regular basis.

Winchip praised the new offerings, stating, "These resources are exactly what are needed by the planners of church retreats. [TTC] puts retreat designs and free planning resources at their fingertips. Retreats are important to the life of the church and we are deeply grateful to The Thoughtful Christian for their commitment to this valuable ministry tool."

Added Brian Frick, "The new retreat planning guides are just what leaders have been asking for. Well designed and easy to implement, they are a welcome guide for first time retreat planners and idea generators for experienced planners."

Nancy Ferguson, a skilled and highly respected retreat designer, contributed a number of informative essays to the site addressing how to plan and lead effective retreats. These essays are free to all visitors of the Web site.

PPC also announced another new feature of the Web site. Beginning in spring 2010, visitors to the site will be able to order Westminster John Knox and Geneva Press books and resources directly from PPC through the new online marketplace at The Thoughtful Christian Web site. TTC subscribers will receive a generous 35% discount on orders while non-subscribers will receive a 20% discount. Quantity discounts on group study materials are also available. All WJK and Geneva books and resources can currently be ordered at these discounts by calling (800) 554-4694.

Jennifer Cox, Executive Director of Marketing for the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, felt that APCE was the perfect forum for premiering these new offerings, stating, "The members of APCE have been so supportive of The Thoughtful Christian — from day one. Being able to offer a wide selection of 'thoughtful' books at a 35% discount is just one way we can say thank you to subscribers. Their loyalty has kept the content rolling."

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/pressreleases/ppc10002.htm

 
 

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | 100 Witherspoon Street | Louisville, Kentucky | 40202-1396 (888) 728-7228 | (502) 569-5000 | Web site | Email