In Galatians 6:2, Paul extols the virtues of helping one another saying, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” As church members, we are called to love one another and support each other. But, how do we do that? How do we know when a person is struggling and needs a helping hand? Sometimes we can anticipate help is needed: the arrival of a baby, when someone has been in an accident or been hospitalized. Typically, someone calls the church to inform the staff of these types of needs. But sometimes an individual or family struggles without sharing, leaving them alone to try to cope. With Stephen Ministry, no one need suffer in silence.

My first experience with Stephen Ministers was through a former patient at a counseling center. My patient recently moved and he had medical problems which limited his capacity to manage independently. His wife called their church and requested a Stephen Minister to visit her husband. The Stephen Minister came to to visit him in their home weekly and helped my client significantly, because he felt he had someone to listen to him and accept him without judgment. His quality of life dramatically improved and he felt able to deal with changes in his health.

Perhaps you have had an experience like this: you have a problem that is really weighing on you and then happen to run into an old friend and sharing your concern helps ease the burden. Stephen Ministers are trained, ready and willing to help. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be a caregiver through Stephen Ministry and would encourage anyone who needs a helping hand, to reach out to one of our ministers, David Lee, or Rebecca Eldridge to have a Stephen Minister contact you. These visits are confidential, and arranged at a mutually agreed time.

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, we pray for your protection, guidance, and love. Help us find ways to carry each other’s burdens and honor you. Amen.

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.

-Ephesians 2:8

During my time in college, I kept a wide variety of fish as pets, but I had a particular fondness for one albino weather loach. Weather loaches are long, cylindrical fish with three sets of barbels at their mouth. They’re called weather loaches because they become more active when the barometric pressure changes. It’s not uncommon to see them suddenly swim right up to the surface and back down again, and sometimes they can do so with such force that they fly out of the tank and onto the ground below.

To make sure the loach had a varied diet, I would sometimes blanch cucumbers or carrots and drop them into the tank, and I also remember having quite a selection of other foods so as to offer all my fish a different culinary delight every day. It sounds silly, but I became quite attached to the loach. Sometimes it would uproot the plants in the tank or pester one of the other fish, but I still cared for that little loach. No matter what it did, I couldn’t help but love it. I’m sure those of you with a cat, dog, or other pet know what I mean.

If I think about the unconditional love I have had for the loach, it can help me understand God’s unconditional love for me a little better. I don’t mean to say that we are like pets to God, but there are some similarities. When I purposefully say hurtful things to others or when I hesitate to reach out and help when someone is in need, I sometimes wonder how God could still love me. After all, I know I should be kind to others and be willing to help others whenever I can. But I believe God’s love is unconditional. There is nothing I could ever do to make God stop loving me. That love is unchanging and ever-present. It reminds me of some of the words from a wonderful choral piece (https://youtu.be/Ks_DirYfDig) the women’s chorus performed when I was in college: Let nothing frighten you, all things are passing. God never changes.

Prayer for Today

God of Unchanging Love, thank you for your love for us that knows no boundaries or conditions. Free our hearts of a desire to hurt others and ready us to help all those in need. Comfort us in our fears and anxieties with your steadfast love. Amen.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

-Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Anyone who has spent time with or raised teenagers knows the roller coaster ride of twists and turns and gut-wrenching drops, with the occasional peaks. Preparing them to survive their teen years and then beyond is hard work. For us and them. We have been working hard to get our teen prepared for high school with a morning routine and great self-sufficiency. On the first day of his new schedule, he got ready in record time, made his breakfast, and was ready to go. His mother told him how proud and impressed she was. He replied, “You don’t need to be. I’m going to be doing this every day!”

The Lord tells us how pleasing it is when we follow God’s call, the Way, and care for ourselves, one another, and God’s creation. Nonetheless, when we take it seriously and take pride in it, it brings God joy. Just like the joy we take as parents, teachers, and mentors when we see our kids take the reigns and take pride in their own contributions to the world. When we carve out time for studying scripture, taking our families to worship or setting an online time with them every single week, seeking out ways to serve or donate needed items, we are showing God that we have that same enthusiasm for doing the work God calls us to do. We grow in our relationship with God.

It’s good for us as believers to stop and examine our routines. Are they sloppy, childish, or disappointing? Or are they the sort of maturing and developing ones that our God takes pride in seeing? What can we do to show our heavenly parent we are learning and growing and maturing, so when God peeks in and smiles, we say, “I’ll be doing this every day.”

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to follow your call and make you proud today of the work I do and the love I show. Amen.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV

Awhile back I came across a saying that is used in 12-step programs to help people understand when they are most susceptible to giving into the temptation to return to their addictive behavior. It is based on the word H A L T and forms an acronym to remind us that we are all susceptible to giving in to temptation when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. One way to halt giving in to temptation is to ask if we are experiencing any of these things. Simply understanding what may be the cause of what we are feeling can help us to “halt” doing what we really do not want to do. I know from experience that when I am tempted, if I will simply take the time to ask myself if any of these are in play, I often find that they are -- usually more than one!

God provides many ways that we can endure the temptations in life. I am particularly grateful for those in our 12-step programs who have shared what they have learned which can help us all live meaningful, whole, and healthy lives -- the lives I believe we all want to live deep down inside.

This Sunday we are having our Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30 AM in The Great Hall for the purpose of electing our Elder Nominating Committee and hearing a few brief reports on the life of the church. However, as we have said, we need a quorum, (10% of our membership), to be present to vote. So, if you can be here this Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Great Hall, we need you there.

However, we become aware of a number of other factors that may reduce our numbers attending at 10:30 AM. So, we are going to be offering an online option where you can join the meeting by zoom wherever you are. Just click here and you can register for the meeting and click here to receive the Annual Report -- but please do that as soon as possible.

We're also going to try to broadcast the meeting over FM so that those who attend drive-in worship can attend in the West parking lot nearest the ballfield. Just drive there after the service and we will be taking attendance and giving you a chance to vote.

If anything, the pandemic has taught us to be resourceful and resilient. See you Sunday!

Prayer for Today

Thank you, God, for our church family, especially for those women and men who agree to serve as elders. Thank you that even in the midst of this pandemic, we have learned to adapt as needed so we can do the work of your church and serve others in the name of Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.

The Caregiver Compass

Bear another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

-Galatians 6:2

The Caregiver’s Compass points Stephen Minister’s in the right direction on their caregiving journey.

The symbol for Jesus Christ at the center of the compass reminds Stephen Ministers that Jesus is the source and power for their caring ministry. 

Stephen Ministers are the caregivers, God is the cure giver. 

The four points of the compass remind Stephen Ministers to be caregivers who are:

• Compassionate - able to share the sufferings of their care receivers
• Full of Faith - relying solely on God to be the be the one who heals all wounds
• Skilled- knowing how to listen, understand, and empathize
• Trustworthy - maintaining confidentiality, visiting care receivers regularly, and remaining committed to their ministry

To minister comes from Latin and means “servant”. For most of my life, I was uncomfortable in serving others in their time of need. I marveled at many in our congregation that had this gift. They were the first to the hospital when people were ill, they knew those that were suffering or were “shut in” as we sometimes call them. When I was asked by Gail Steyer to consider being a Stephen Minister, I first thought “oh no, not me”. When I found out, that the training was over 50 hours over more than 4 months, I thought “oh no way”. At the time I was finishing my last year of being an Elder previously and I informed Pastor Gray that I would need to be excused from several session meetings, he politely informed me that it was not to be.

Long story short, I don’t remember why I chose to begin the training but found myself called to be a Stephen Minister and with the gracious help of makeup sessions, I found my faith grow stronger with each session. At the end of the training, I had never felt so well equipped to serve others in obedience to God’ s will. I am a testimony to how life changing this experience can be. We are now looking for new Stephen Minsters. Classes are beginning September 17 with commissioning in February. Classes will meet on Monday nights from 7:00 to 9:30. If interested please contact Rebecca Eldridge or myself.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit,
May we always look and listen in the moment to serve others through you and with you. Help us to be mindful that you need our hands and feet to further your Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

This Sunday, we begin worship with a hymn that is probably familiar to you, "The Church's One Foundation." It was written by Samuel Stone in 1866, as one of twelve hymns on the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed. This hymn is included under the ninth article, "The holy catholic church, the communion of saints." Stone wrote this as a direct response to the schism within the Church of South Africa caused by John William Colenso, first Bishop of Natal, who denounced part of the Bible as fictitious, caused a major uproar, and was therefore deposed for his teachings.

Stone alludes to this schism in the following verse:

Though with a scornful wonder this world sees her oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up: "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

One dictionary defines schism as "a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief."

If we are honest with ourselves, we are "rent asunder" by all kinds of schisms daily, don't you agree? It didn't start with the pandemic... or any particular presidential election... and we find ourselves divided from friends, family, and even the strangers we should be welcoming. If we are always angry about something, how well are we loving our neighbor? And who do we define as our neighbor? You know the answer. It's not only the person who believes all the same things you do.

Are we compelled to reach out to our neighbor next door, or do we avoid them because of the campaign sign in their yard? Have we stopped talking to a family member because of their opposite beliefs about the pandemic?  I cannot believe that God wants us to live with these divisions.  Brothers and sisters, we don't have to live this way. We are told to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  

Instead of avoiding our neighbor, what if we let go of the things that divide us and focus on what we share in common? This Sunday, we celebrate communion, a symbolic gathering at the table. You never know who's going to come to this table... thanks be to God, it's there to feed all of us!

Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

Prayer for Today

Holy God, open our eyes to see who you would have us bless today. Forgive us where we have failed to do this, and help us to love others as you love us. In Jesus' name, amen.

I am the God who was worshiped by your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was afraid to look at God, and so he hid his face.

-Exodus 3:6

As I left the church on Sunday, I opened the glass doors to the welcome center. Trapped in the storm door breezeway was a small bird. I used a table to prop open the exterior pair of doors. But the poor bird was so panicked, he continued flying into windows. I knew that part of what was so scary was my presence. I tried to guide him to freedom, but that only caused him to panic more. I became very still and waited for him to find his own way to the open doors. Eventually, he flew right for the opening. And into one of the doors. He lay dazed and motionless. I was afraid he was greatly injured or dead. I poked him gently with a pen and he stirred and flew away.

I thought about what it must be like for the bird,what it would be like for anyone to have such an experience of wonder and fear. I thought about Moses trembling in the presence of God and what that must truly be like. I thought about how God showed Moses the path to freedom for him and his people and how he was too frightened at first. Like the bird, it took some assurance, it took some prodding. And so it is for us sometimes. An opportunity presents itself, a door opens, a person in need or a purpose we can lend our work and gifts to fulfilling stands before us. In such moments, the door stands open, the way is clear, and we may even know God has opened the door wide. Where we are is safe, but where God is calling us to be is wider, freer, and with much greater possibility and purpose.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in our world at the moment. Some opportunities to serve have reopened. New needs have emerged. And we are struggling to find safe and wise ways to help or engage. Is there a way you used to serve but have put on pause? It may be time to return. Is there something you’ve hesitated to try? Now may be the time. Have you tried something before and it was a struggle or you were dazed and deterred? Maybe it’s time to try again. Is there a new opportunity to step up, spread your wings, and trust that the God of open doors, new freedom, and your very wings is calling you to serve? As the new school year starts, I encourage you to be in touch with your JCPC elders and staff and mission team. We are eager to show you all the open doors, and go with you through them. We are a family of faith. Let’s go serve together.

Prayer for Today

Lord, when you fling wide the doors, make me eager to fly, patient to fly true, and send me to be where I am needed. Amen.

I thank my God every time I remember you.

- Philippians 1: 3, NIV

I want to begin by thanking everyone who reached out to me following my recent back surgery. I'm grateful for your prayers, cards, emails, texts, voicemails, meals, and gifts. Your words of encouragement and gestures of generosity meant a great deal to me. I believe my surgery was successful thanks to some excellent medical care, your faithful prayers, and the grace of God.

This Sunday we are beginning a new series of messages I'm calling “Seven Letters of Revelation.” Each letter gives insight into how we can live our lives fully as Christians, as the body of Christ, and as a part of the worldwide church. We begin this Sunday looking at the letter to the church in Ephesus.

(Revelation 2:1-7) If you want to go deeper in your personal devotions, or perhaps with your small group -- I would strongly encourage reading Eugene Peterson's book The Hallelujah Banquet based on these same seven letters.

We also have our upcoming concert on Sunday, August 29th at 10:00 a.m. in our Chapel. Guest soloist Timothy Miller will be giving a free concert that morning. Timothy has an amazing tenor voice. Those of us who are Braves fans know him because during the seventh inning stretch on every Sunday game, Timothy sings an amazing rendition of “God Bless America.” We're calling it our “Welcome Back Concert” to symbolize our transition back into our church buildings.

If you have yet to return to worship indoors – this would be a great time to “come back home.” Timothy will also be singing in worship at 11:00 that day before he heads to the Braves game that afternoon to sing, but you don't want to miss the wide range of excellent music he will be sharing. I'm sure there will be something for everyone. This would also be a great time to invite someone who does not yet attend our church to come!

Finally, please make plans to attend our Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday August 8 in the Great Hall. We will be electing our Elder Nominating Committee and hearing a few updates about the life of the church, but we need you there to have a quorum so that we can complete what we need to do at this time.

Prayer for Today

Thank you, God, for the gift of gathering together to worship you. During this pandemic we have missed each other. Enable us to reconnect and find renewal in our relationships with you and with one another. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

How do you prepare for the day? When you wake up in the morning, what are some regular practices that are a part of your routine? Each day often brings its own set of blessings and challenges. Some mornings you may be filled with energy, in need of courage, wake up with anxiety, in need of self-control or in need of peace and calm.

We are embarking on the start of a new school year and that includes all that the “First Day of School” brings to children, youth, teachers, administrators, school staff, parents and so many others.

I would invite you this week to take some time each morning to reflect and ask yourself: What significant things are happening in the day ahead? What do I need?

Take a moment to decide which one of these things might represent something that you need today from God and from others: Love, Grace, Peace, Joy, Kindness, Friendship, Patience, Mercy, Self-Control, Courage, Compassion, Honesty, Calmness, Energy

Let this word sit with you for a moment, lift up your concerns to God in prayer and then take the word with you throughout the day. Then as you begin your day, consider these words from Lamentations:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

-Lamentations 3:22-23

This Sunday we will take some time as a congregation in both worship services to pray a blessing over all of those in our church family that are starting a new school year. I would invite all of our students (preschool through graduate school), teachers, administrators, and school staff to join us in worship with your backpacks, briefcases or tote bags. During the children’s sermon, you will be invited to stand and participate in a blessing.

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, Help us to remember that every day is a new day. Guide us as we seek to glorify you with our words and actions. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

When is the Master Coming?

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the preset age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

-Titus 2:11-13

Jesus’ parable of “The Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30) tells of the three servants who were each given a portion of their rich master’s wealth. They were to manage their share while their master was gone on a long journey. Do you know that a talent is a unit of weight, approximately 70 pounds? Wealth was probably measured in gold or silver so the servant who received just one talent may have been given the equivalent of 2 million dollars in gold to manage. The other servants were told to manage even much more! After a long-time, seasons or years, we are not told, the rich master returns for an accounting. And he is not at all pleased with the servant who did nothing with his one talent except to bury it in the ground for safety.

John Macarthur’s book on Jesus’ parables, reminds us to look at all the different levels of this parable. On the surface it tells us to keep diligently working with the assets (gifts) given to us to manage. Burying all our assets in the ground or in our savings accounts may be in our best interests at the moment, but God, our Master, may intend a better use for it.

At another level, the parable reminds us that we have been given a different one of God’s gifts to manage, the gift of our salvation. How should we manage our gift of salvation? Titus tells us, “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives” while we await the return of our Savior.

My Friday morning men’s group is studying the origins and operations of the Salvation Army as an example of the successful foundational use of Christian principles for a business model. The Salvation Army has existed for over 140 years, whereas only one of the original Dow 20 companies still operates. The Salvation Army has been working diligently with the “talent” they were given. JCPC Sessions members are working diligently to manage JCPC’s worldly talents. JCPC’s physical plant has almost returned to the pre-Covid level of community service. Your gifts and service to JCPC and the community are working toward building the Kingdom of God. As for our gift of salvation, we are told to always keep diligently working that talent. And we are told to patiently and expectantly wait for our Savior’s return. It is no time to bury our spiritual or worldly talents. There is much work to be done.

Highlights of last week’s Session meeting include:

• Approval of a return to 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship in the chapel beginning in September.
• Ending the drive-in worship service with the last service being August 22
• Continuing the on-line streaming of the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
• Approval of a sprinter campaign to partially fund the retaining wall rebuild.
• Review of monthly finances and projected expenses.
• Encouraging staff and team leaders as they guide our church in doing God’s will.

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father,
Please guide our thoughts, actions, and prayers that they may be centered on Jesus and his example of service to others. Help us make his words become our actions. “The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  -Mathew 25:40
Amen.