Eternity
Good Wednesday to you,
Where will we spend eternity? Where will our loved ones spend eternity? Is there more to life than what we are experiencing here on earth?
This past Sunday I dealt with these questions and the purpose of our community here at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. It is important because eternity hangs in the balance. Not only knowing who Jesus is, but knowing Jesus personally is crucial to answering these questions. A worshiping community is a place to learn, to grow, and to spend time with like-minded believers so we may openly live out our faith. Jesus said He was not of this world. We are in the world, but not of the world. Being transformed helps us to have the abundant life Jesus promises those who follow Him.
The world is a crazy place and sometimes we wonder what God is up to. This is when we need to lean in and trust Him more. God is transforming lives, and we are contributing to that transformation. Every aspect of ministry contributes to transforming lives – the Thrift Cottage, the Choir, the Elders and Deacons, every Bible study, every youth gathering, every child gathering – all making an eternal difference.
As we look forward to new adventures moving forward, remember, it cannot happen without you. Sharing your time, your talents and your treasures ensures the continuation of work here at Graham. Sometime this week, you will receive the last stewardship letter I will write to you. Please read it carefully and prayerfully. We, collectively, are the body of Christ. I urge you to stand together during this transitional time, so that the next pastor might find a united body, "fresh tilled soil," and the resources to move into the next chapter of ministry on the corner of Tenth and C.
Some will be tempted to leave when I retire. Please do not! It is critical that you remain strong during the interim phase and be ready to call the next pastor. Some of you have said there is no one who could replace me. In one sense, that is true. No one can replace you either! But someone can and will follow me to lead you into the future. Be here to welcome the new pastor with open hearts and praying spirits.
God has been faithful during the past few years to keep ministry alive during the pandemic. Now is the time to step up and hold together. Remember, God loves Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church more than all of us put together. If you do not receive a stewardship letter, let me know. I can email you one, or you can go here and make a pledge for the coming year. Jody and I are making a pledge and we won’t even be here. Please join us to keep life-transforming ministries strong during this time of transition.
One of the things that keeps us strong is gathering. On October 1, we will be having our All-Church Picnic from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Click here to register. Smoked meat is coming your way! Bounce houses, face painting, and Zorbs await! I hope to see you there.
May your day be filled with blessings, both expected and unexpected.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Light
Good Wednesday to you,
Light and dark are two mutually exclusive concepts. When they collide, light will always prevail. Darkness hides while light exposes. Are we surprised that so much evil and violence happen at night? Amidst the backdrop of the Feast of the Tabernacles, and (by all reports) the stunning spectacle of the ceremony of light, Jesus boldly declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). In the wilderness, in the darkness, the Israelites were "led by a pillar of fire" that illuminated the way forward. While celebrating God's faithfulness in the past, the religious leaders failed to see that they were in a spiritual wilderness of darkness, and Jesus was offering to lead them forward out of darkness.
They were blinded by their "institutional" faith. Has much changed over the centuries? We can get so caught up in our institutional faith (Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, etc.… ) that our "personal" faith is found lacking.
Once again, rather than examine their own beliefs, they attack Jesus' witness. His response reveals their blind obedience to the "institution" at the expense of their personal faith – "If you knew me, you would know my father, also." To know Jesus is to know God because Jesus is God. It was a difficult concept for them to grasp, just as it is for many today. But if you seek God with all your heart and mind, you will find the Light of Life, whose name is Jesus. The conversation will continue next Sunday as we look at chapter 8:21-30.
I hope you are excited about the All Church Picnic coming up on October 1st. We moved it to the afternoon (4:30-6:00pm) in hopes of some cooler weather. Please sign up and plan your side/dessert. Or, if you are meat smoker, please let me know, and I will provide you with the protein of your choice. I am hoping for a great day of feasting and fellowship as we gather together.
Thank you for your amazing faithfulness. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The First Stone
Good Wednesday to you,
While driving around in Scotland, we marveled at all the stone structures -- bridges, walls, houses, and, of course, castles. Stones provide incredible stability for any structure. How appropriate that Jesus should be described as the Rock of our Salvation, and the Cornerstone of our faith.
When the woman caught in adultery was before Jesus, those who gathered had other ideas for stones. With such a "clear-cut case" against her, (by the way, where was the offending man?) why didn't they take her to the temple courts? She was insignificant in their eyes. Helpless and hopeless, she stood in the presence of Jesus as the religious leaders accused her. Jesus, refusing to be drawn into their scheme, simply knelt and wrote in the dust. As they persisted in their accusations, He stood and said, "Let the one without sin be the first to cast a stone." One by one, they departed, beginning with the oldest. "Where are your accusers? Is no one left?" Jesus inquired. "None, Sir." Then Jesus said "Neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin." In due time, Jesus will render a final judgement. The message we need to hear is one of forgiveness and grace that leads to a transformed life.
There are plenty of opportunities for us to "gather stones" in this life. My hope is that we gather them for "building, not casting." In doing so, we truly recognize our own debt of gratitude to God through Jesus Christ.
There are abundant opportunities to build into the lives of our young people though Children's Ministries and Youth Ministries. If you are interested, even if it is just a conversation, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or Pastor John. "The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few."
Next week, we will be celebrating communion in worship, looking at John 8:12-20. I hope to see you in the sanctuary, or to have you "see" me on the livestream.
As the days of autumn quickly roll on, I am increasingly aware of my remaining time with you all. Jody and I covet your prayers moving forward. You are all very dear to us.
Thank you for your faithfulness, and you continual support of the ministries at Graham Memorial. God is still doing great things in our midst!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Water
Good Wednesday to you,
Few things refresh the way a glass of water does. Though it is without color, taste or odor, or any nutritional value, we cannot live without it. On the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him (or her) come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within."
Food and water are essential for our physical survival. Jesus, the Bread of Life and the source of Living Water, is essential for our spiritual survival. Three days without physical water and we begin to die. How is it we think we can go longer without spiritual water and survive?
The religious leaders of Jesus' day tried to badger the people into "self-censorship." Challenge the orthodoxy of the day and be excommunicated. I find it painfully ironic that we Christians face a similar dilemma today. If we speak out against the prevailing "orthodoxy" of our day, we face social excommunication. The only way we can stand is to understand our times and be spiritually "well-fed." Spending time daily reading Scripture and in prayer are essential in not just surviving, but growing spiritually. Below, I have included a basic "Three Question Bible Study" for your consideration. If you want something more substantial, consider Bible Study Fellowship or Community Bible Study. These are two serious Bible studies available, but you will have to "cross the bridge" to participate. There are others in the congregation who already participate in such Bible studies. If you are interested, I can connect you with them.
Next week, we will continue with a narrative of the "woman caught in adultery." If you want a preview, read John 7:53-8:11.
I hope you enjoyed meeting our new Director of Children's Ministries, Adrian Pelser. As he stated on Sunday, we are in need of some help to strengthen our Sunday School program. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity to exercise your faith, send him (or me) and email at adrian@gmpc.org.
We are down to four months before I retire. The time is going by quickly. Please join me in praying for the future of Graham Memorial. God loves this community more than all of us put together, but we still need to pray for God's choice to lead this ministry in the next chapter.
Stay tuned for information on a prayer opportunity coming to you soon!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Three Question Bible Study
Begin by reading the passage to be studied… If you have time, read it again.
Question one: What is the passage about?
Write down the facts or content of the passage. For example: Who are the people, if any? What are they doing? Where does it take place? When? Write a brief sentence summarizing the content of the passage.
Question two: What do I learn from this passage?
Ask yourself questions like: Is there a warning, a command or a promise in this passage? Is there an example to follow or not to follow? What is the main truth of this passage? Is there a lesson or a principle that is a universal truth? Why do you think this passage is in Scripture? Why might God have put it in?
What does the passage reveal about the character of God (His attributes, ways of relating to people, emotions, His views about something, reasons to love Him more)? How does this passage point to the person and work of Jesus Christ? Are there specific things for which to pray? Is there a new thought to me? Is there an encouragement?
(Note: Not all of the above things will be in every passage studied. You may have other questions that come to mind as you read. These are only ideas to get you started.)
Question Three: How can I apply what I learn to my life?
Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, church or work life that is similar to what you learned? In that situation, ask yourself a personal question that demands action. (Example: Not, will I spend more time in God’s Word, but rather how or when will I spend more time in God’s Word?)
Write the answer to your questions by being specific, creating measurable and achievable goals (i.e: I will read for ten minutes each day) or whatever practical application you can discern from the passage.
This simple Three Question Bible Study will get into the Word in a meaningful way!
Credentials
Good Wednesday to you,
We all know the value of a good education, and a credential or diploma from a prestigious school can go a long way toward establishing one's credibility. But resting on the laurels of one's teachers can only take one so far.
When Jesus showed up teaching, the people were amazed. They wondered how He had gained such knowledge and authority without attending a rabbinical school. His teachings and His authority come from the One who sent Him. Those who truly sought God's will would know the Source of His teaching and authority.
To "sit at the feet" of Jesus is still available today. As we "drink in" the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) or spend time in the final discourse between Jesus and his disciples (John 14-17), we will come to know, not only the Source of Jesus' authority, we will come to know Jesus more intimately.
Learning to live within the moral precepts outlined in God's Word -- punctuated by grace -- is the evidence of a true disciple. As we read, study, listen, and pray for application of God's Word, our lives are transformed to reflect Jesus. We become more and more like him. This is the "school of discipleship" we must enroll in daily as we seek to live in God's kingdom. Next Sunday, we will continue in the seventh chapter (John 7:32-52), searching for the "Streams of Living Water."
May your week be filled with blessings.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
On the Fence
Good Wednesday to you,
It is so great to be back with you this past Sunday! Our time in Scotland was amazing, but it is wonderful to be home. I know you were well taken care of in my absence. Pastor Keith is amazing, and the Mack family thoroughly enjoyed their time in Coronado.
We jumped right back into John's gospel on Sunday, looking at the opening verses of chapter seven. As the teachings of Jesus became more challenging, people began to drift away. Though they did not fully understand the earthly ministry of Jesus, the twelve disciples knew that He, alone, had the words of eternal life.
As we seek to share our faith with others, we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit at work with us and those around us. Timing is everything. Miracles will never change people's minds. Even the brothers of Jesus did not believe Him, and they saw Him perform many miracles.
Trusting in Jesus and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is where we need to be. As I said on Sunday, the best witness we can offer is a transformed life.
Next week, we will take a closer look at the "Feast of Tabernacles" and why John (the Gospel writer) wants us to know why Jesus has come to Jerusalem at this time. (If you want to read ahead, we will be looking at John 7:14-31. In fact, I might suggest you take some time and reread chapters 1-6!)
Saying "Goodbye" to Norman was difficult. What a blessing he has been to all of us here at Graham! We are working on the possibility of a "fall concert" featuring Norman and Kimberlee, with a few surprises tossed in for good measure. Stay tuned!
In saying goodbye, we also get to say "Hello!" Please join me in welcoming Adrian Pelser, our new Director of Children's Ministries. Adrian is a recent graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University and has a deep passion for "Kids and Christ." We'll tell you more about him in the days ahead.
I am grateful for everyone who picked up the slack while I was in Scotland. Your leadership team and the staff have gone beyond the call. Graham is blessed. Thank you for letting me go to Scotland and thank you for the warm reception upon my return. I am blessed!
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The Power and Purpose of Jesus
Good Wednesday to you,
Every organization makes a point to review their mission against their policies and or projects. Without careful attention, more often than not, organizations can deviate from their founding mission. It's call "Mission Drift." Non-profits are especially prone to mission drift. Making a point evaluate programs, structures, and policies intended to further the mission can be very beneficial—in order to keep the main thing "the Main Thing."
On Sunday we looked closely at Jesus' mission. In Mark's Gospel, we're told Jesus goes into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God that "The time has come…The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). Such a sweet message to know the Kingdom of God is near. It's withing our grasp—almost like we can reach out and grab it like a cup of coffee. The news would have been exciting for the Jews.
Now, one might ask, "What is the Kingdom of God?" Isn't it simply God's will done on earth as it is in heaven? I like to think of the Kingdom of God as rule and reign. So I ask myself often, who is King of my life in this decision? Who's authority am I operating within in this action? I'm afraid to say, the answer is not always the Lord Jesus Christ. More often than not, I'm operating as my own ruler and in by my own authority. The prayer we share together is completely appropriate each week – "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." The moment by moment living in the Kingdom of God is where my heart (and hopefully yours) desires to live.
Living in the Kingdom of God is good work. And, as Jesus invites us to live into the Kingdom each and every day, repentance and belief are daily reminders for us. The word repentance has acquired a terrible meaning. Often it comes with images of people shouting on street corners. But the word truly is an invitation to surrender our will to God's holy and perfect will for us. In other words, are we willing to turn over our own desires to rule and give the Lord his rightful place in our lives? I pray the answer is a unanimous "Yes!"
As I think about Jesus' mission to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, I am thankful for the opportunity to invite others into the Kingdom with me. In our culture there seems to be a "live and let live" mentality. But who wouldn't want to live in the Kingdom of God? As I walk with friends and family each day, there is ample opportunity to invite them along with me in this beautiful journey with Christ. There is hope, peace, joy, and love beyond our comprehension. Who does not need more of those aspects in their lives—I know I sure do.
I am truly thankful for the opportunity to re-evaluate my mission against Jesus' mission. I'm reminded of when Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the Synagogue and announced "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus read this in Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Let us continue living in the Kingdom of God here and now and inviting others to join us on the beautiful journey of transformation!
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Shine Like Stars
Good Wednesday (afternoon) to you,
Such a joy it has been to have Pastor Keith and his family, Donna, Sophie, Christopher, and Peter, with us this past month. As Pastor Keith said on Sunday, it's hard to believe their time is coming to an end with us—"time does fly when you're having fun!" We are truly blessed by their love for Jesus, for each other, their church family back home, and especially for us.
Personally, as Pastor Keith preached the Word through the first two chapters in Philippians, the Spirit has pressed in on my soul, challenging me to think deeply about the joy in my life—for which I am grateful. This last Sunday, Pastor Keith pointed out that we are designed to "Shine Like Stars."
We are God's chosen people called to follow Christ's example, just as Jesus "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus humbled himself for which God the Father then glorified him.
As we work to follow Christ's example of humility, we fall short because we can be very selfish. It seems everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with a "me first" mentality. Almost everything we see in advertising makes us the focal point. Isn't that what marketing is about—to remind us our lives are incomplete without their product. We become the center. What a beautiful reminder from Pastor Keith on Sunday that we are to humble ourselves and serve, rather than be served. We are to look for opportunities to put another before ourselves, just as Christ does for us.
I can think of many examples of people in our community of faith who embody Jesus' example of humility and service. There is one who we all know and love for faithfully serving this community and loving us well. For the past 29 years, he and his family pointed us to Jesus as their source of joy and Truth. As each day, week, month, and year passed, they walked with us in our hopes and dreams, in our joy and sorrow, pointing us to Jesus and sacrificing of themselves to show us the beauty of living in the Kingdom of Heaven here and now. It’s easy to say they "Shine like Stars." Our Pastor and his family are bright and shining stars, a gift, and we thank God for Pastor David and his family. They are a permanent part of our Journey of Joy.
One last question: did you take Pastor Keith's challenge to heart and post the verse on your refrigerator? If not, there is still time. Print this email, cut on the dotted line and stick it to your refrigerator door. Let it be a permanent reminder of the work before you towards joy—that means "no complaining or arguing."
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Do everything without complaining or arguing.
Philippians 2:14
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Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Joy in the Worst of Times
I would give anything for…
When was the last time you muttered those words? I've heard it said a dozen times this week: I'd give anything for… a cup of coffee, an extra day off, this line to move faster, my laundry to finish itself, inflation to end! Our temporary troubles go on and on.
This Sunday, Pastor Keith reminded us of a time Paul used those words as he sat in jail. Philippians 1:12-30 highlights Paul's struggles and his attitude during his imprisonment. He doesn't ask for mortal comforts. Instead, he tells his friends that his suffering is not his choice, but it does serve a mighty purpose. He says, "what has happened to me has actually happened to advance the gospel." Paul isn’t living for himself; he keeps his focus on Jesus. Temporary circumstances are not his concern. His attention is focused on eternity. As we read this passage, we can hear the misery in his voice. We know his implicit meaning in verse 21, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Death would surely bring an end to all his anguish, yet he knows that Christ put him in the middle of this jail cell for a reason. In his own words, Paul tells us he would give anything for Christ!
This week, I listened as missionaries from Africa and Ukraine spoke about their struggles and their passion for Christ. They told of desperate needs for basic human rights, and they told of miracles that unfolded in the middle of tragedy. They spoke of God's calling being more important than their comfort. During Island Nights, everyone was given the opportunity to ask Aychi a question. A ten-year-old timidly raised her hand and asked, "How do you deal with fear?" Aychi's answer matched Paul's when he said, "I keep my eyes on Jesus. Remember his words and his promises. Read them and say them over and over."
This week Pastor Keith challenged us to meditate on Romans 8. He encouraged us to pray, pray, and pray! You can face your troubles knowing Jesus is by your side. You are not alone!
What is Christ walking through with you? Is He calling you to do something? What would you give anything for?
I pray Paul's words bring you purpose, passion, and peace.
Sincerely,
Rachael Tisdale
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The God Who Pursues Us
Good Wednesday to you (better late than never)!
What a blessing it was to have Pastor Keith and the Mack family back from Scotland for another pulpit exchange. Par the course, Pastor Keith brought the Word and encouraged us to look for opportunities to be filled with joy. As we embark in the next several weeks, we will be studying the letter Paul wrote to the church in Philippi while in prison. While many of you may be traveling, we hope that you will join us Sunday mornings for worship as we are led by Pastor Keith through a sermon series titled “Journeys of Joy.”
And, we were doubly blessed on Sunday, as we had the pleasure of hearing from Aychi Beyene and the work the Lord is doing in and through him—we live in exciting times for the “harvest is plentiful.” Next week, at Island Nights: Life Beyond the Bridge, Aychi takes us deeper into the work God is doing through him and his family. If you have not registered—there is still time. To register go to www.gmpc.org.
If you have already registered, here are some key things to be aware of (and for those thinking about registering, this is for you too):
Dinner begins at 5:00 PM, but come as your schedule permits.
The programming starts at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary.
Mission project: Supplies for Aychi and his ministry. Do you have a well-loved suitcase? We’ll take it. Drop off at the church office this week or the first night of the event.
Objective: Fill suitcases with supplies such as: children’s shoes, school supplies, etc.
Prizes will go home with participants who complete objectives the week of.
Please continue to keep Pastor David and Jody in your prayers as they travel and care for our brothers and sisters at St. John’s and Kings Park in Dalkeith.
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The Source
Good Wednesday to you,
A "source" is a point of reference, a primary reference, the thing from which something comes. In this 6th chapter of John's gospel, we see a shift in the teaching of Jesus causing people to start turning away because it gets hard. Eating His flesh? Drinking His blood? They are thinking physically whereas Jesus is talking spiritually. He is declaring Himself to be "The Source" of Eternal Life, Bread of Heaven, the Wisdom of the Ages. He is looking for a complete commitment and the people grumble. Jesus is not meeting their expectations. He is blocking their goals, He is not answering all their questions. They are losing control of the situation and they are afraid. Living in what amounts to a "police state," there is a lot of uncertainty in their lives. They wanted Jesus to change that for them. But He could not be the king they wanted. He would be the King they needed. Not one to free them from political problems, He would be the One who would free them from the spiritual problem of slavery to sin, reconciling them to God, bringing forgiveness, mercy, and peace into the world.
Like a marriage, Jesus asks for a complete commitment. I, David, take Jesus to be my Savior, not having all my questions answered, but having enough answers to trust Jesus for the ones I lack. Like Peter, I recognize that Jesus alone is the Source. He alone has the words of eternal life. I know I will still get hurt, be disappointed and betrayed in this world, but I am convinced that Jesus is able to redeem everything I experience, for better or worse, in abundance and in need, in sickness and in health, for His purposes. This is what it means for us to be followers of Jesus, disciples, apprentices. It is a total commitment. "Are we there yet?" I can't wait to pick up in the 7th chapter when I return from Scotland in August.
As I write this, I am preparing to take the Mack's to the airport in Edinburgh. Next Sunday, Pastor Keith will be taking you on a journey in Paul's letter to Philippians. Please be praying for their safe arrival.
Also, remember that praying for the process and the next pastor will begin this coming Sunday, in the Parish Hall, from 10:10-10:25. Can 15 minutes of prayer make a difference? You bet it can. But don't stop there. Please continue to pray for this process -- that God would supply the pastor Graham Memorial needs for the next season of ministry. Also, please continue praying for Jody and me as we move into retirement.
You are an amazing blessing to me. Take care of the Mack's. Love them like you love us, and your summer will be blessed.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Bread of Life (pt. II)
Good Wednesday to you,
Are we there yet? It’s a common question asked by children sitting in the back of a car. Actually, anyone on a journey wonders about the answer to that question at some point. On Sunday we continued to look at Jesus' statement, "I AM the Bread of Life." The people grumbled at Jesus' words, especially as He described the necessity to "eat of His flesh and drink of His blood." Moving beyond caring for our physical needs toward caring for our spiritual needs can be a challenge. In my mind, I see Jesus asking those who had been blessed by the physical food (feeding of the 5,000) if they were ready to receive the Spiritual Food (Jesus Himself) God was offering.
Are you there yet? Are you willing to believe that Jesus is from Heaven, fully God and fully human at the same time? Believing in Jesus, His authority, and His sovereignty, is a point on our spiritual journey that everyone must pass. Up to now, Jesus has offered "low hanging fruit." With this teaching/discourse, Jesus is "upping the ante." Once we are "there," we move beyond spiritual milk and begin chewing on solid spiritual food. This coming Sunday we will continue through the 6th chapter of John's gospel and see the response of those who were there. Looking at verses 6:53-71, I will be asking the question, "Who are you really following?"
This Saturday at 6:00pm we have the special privilege of hosting the band "Rachel Aldous and the Road Home” on the lawn in front of the sanctuary. This bluegrass band will have your toes tapping and your hands clapping as they celebrate Jesus through their music. Come and stake a place on the lawn with blankets and chairs and bring a picnic-style dinner (think Concert in the Park), and be ready to enjoy the concert. Music starts at 6:00. The Deacons are providing refreshments and coffee after the concert. Please bring a shareable, "finger-edible" dessert to be dropped off in Parish Hall before the concert begins.
It is also not too late to register for our summer event Island Nights. A week of fellowship with your family and church family while learning about God's work "Beyond the Bridge" is not to be missed. Dinner will be served from 5:00 - 6:00pm, when the action will move into the sanctuary for music and ministry. Aychi and his family are eager to teach you worship songs in Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. We want single people, couples (of all ages) and families to spend the week in joyful fellowship. Sign up here today!
Please continue praying for the process of calling the next pastor as your leadership begins updating the mission study. Jody and I appreciate your prayers as well, as we prepare to transition to retirement at the end of the year.
I hope to see you all soon!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Bread of Life (pt. I)
Good Wednesday to you,
This past Sunday we began looking at the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus:
I AM the Bread of life; I AM the Light of the World; I AM the Gate for the sheep; I AM the Good Shepherd; I AM the Resurrection; I AM the Way the Truth and the Life; I AM the Vine. All seven statements are found in the Gospel of John starting in chapter six through chapter fifteen.
Jesus said, "I AM the Bread of Life." Set in the context of the Passover Feast and Jesus feeding the five thousand, the parallels between the manna given to Israel while they wandered in the desert and Jesus' feeding the multitudes is intentional. Those who tracked Jesus down in Capernaum were not interested in anything beyond their own bellies. While physical food is necessary for us to survive, there is more to life than mere survival. Jesus offers the invitation to live in the Kingdom of God. That invitation goes beyond physical sustenance, and even beyond religious sustenance. Jesus offers to "feed" us spiritually with sustenance that comes directly from God. That "food" cannot be accessed in a grocery store. While "spiritual milk" is plentiful in churches, the "food" we need to grow spiritually comes from Jesus.
To believe in the One sent – That was the answer to the question, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" To believe in Jesus is to believe in who He is – fully human and fully God – and to take Him at His word. Studying (not just reading) His life, emulating Him, and following His instructions are key for spiritual nourishment. If we are serious about our faith, we need to be serious about knowing Jesus.
Where to start? Read chapter six of John's gospel in preparation for next Sunday when I will continue to delve into Jesus as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35-60). If you want more (and I hope some of you do) then find the other six "I AM" statements I mentioned above and start working on understanding the context in which they were delivered. Use the tools available to you; try searching one of the statements on your computer. You’ll be amazed what comes up. (I just typed "I Am the Light of the World" into my computer and came up with over 2.5 billion "hits!") But, first be familiar with the biblical context. There are a multitude of ways to feast on the richest of fare God has to offer for the one who puts in a little time and effort. Trust me, it will be well worth your time.
For those who are interested in something a little more challenging, consider signing up for the Colson Fellows program offered here at Graham Memorial. It's intense and demanding, but you will come away with a clear biblical worldview. Jody can provide you with more information if you are interested. It has never been more important for God's people to be spiritually healthy.
Spending time with other believers is another way to strengthen one's faith. You have a great opportunity to do just that by signing up for "Island Nights: Life Beyond the Bridge." Staring Monday night, July 11-15, you will have the chance to spend time with family – your own family and your "church family." You will eat together, sing together, laugh together, and learn together about what God is doing in another part of His Kingdom. Come and get to know Aychi and his family and learn how you can connect with what God is doing in Africa. A great time will be had by all. Click here to register now!
Also, the Mack's will be here in two weeks. They are looking forward to seeing you all and enjoying Coronado this summer. They are looking to borrow some bikes (I think we have three of the five needed) to ride around Coronado during their stay. If you can help out, please let me know. With the Mack's coming, that means Jody and I will be traveling to Scotland to spend time with Pastor Keith's church in Dalkeith, Scotland. We are looking forward to seeing our Scottish friends again and sharing in God's work there as well.
The year is passing by way too fast, and Jody and I are already starting to miss you all. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to transition to retirement, and please be praying for the pastor you need (and God wants) to take you into the next season of ministry here at Graham. I cannot tell you what a blessing you are to me and my family.
I hope to see you soon!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Spiritual Food
Good Wednesday to you!
While baby formula may be in short supply these days, spiritual milk is abundantly available. The problem is that too many Christians do not progress beyond spiritual milk. When those who were fed by Jesus sough Him out, He challenged them, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
While devotional reading of Scripture may be enjoyable, it represents the "spiritual milk" of a believer. We need to go deeper. We need to study God's Word, meditate on it, memorize it, and allow the Holy Spirit to incorporate it into our heads, our hearts, and out through our hands. We need to add other spiritual practices to our Scripture habits, along with prayer, so the transformation process that builds Christian maturity can grow. At the end of this email, you will find a simple "Three Question Bible Study" method that will help you go beyond mere devotional reading of your Bible.
This coming Sunday we will continue in the 6th chapter of John's gospel looking at the first of seven "I Am" statements made by Jesus. (Have you read chapter 6 yet?) There is a connection between the "I am" statement Jesus makes and the Communion we will celebrate this coming Sunday. Read the chapter and you will know what it is.
On completely different note, I hope you were excited about the "Island Nights" event coming up in July. Each night, starting on July 11th, there will be opportunity to gather on campus. Dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00pm, with the program starting in the sanctuary at 6:00pm. The main reason for Island Nights is to spend time with your family, your church family, and become more aware of God's work "beyond the bridge!"
Our mission support in Africa will be front and center throughout the week, giving you an opportunity to get to know Aychi and his family. You will learn some Amharic, sing some songs, do some crafts, and taste some Ethiopian food (optionally, of course). Additionally, there will be a mission project that will make a difference in God's kingdom. Sign up by clicking here! This will be a memorable experience and you won't want to miss it!
I hope you are having a great day. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
P.S. As promised…
Three Question Bible Study
Begin by reading the passage to be studied… If you have time, read it again.
Question one: What is the passage about?
Write down the facts or content of the passage. For example: Who are the people if any? What are they doing? Where does it take place? When? Write a brief sentence summarizing the content of the passage.
Question two: What do I learn from this passage?
Ask yourself questions like: Is there a warning, a command, or a promise in this passage? Is there an example to follow or not to follow? What is the main truth of this passage? Is there a lesson or a principle that is a universal truth? Why do you think this passage is in Scripture? Why might God have put it in?
What does the passage reveal about the character of God (His attributes, ways of relating to people, emotions, His views about something, reasons to love Him more)? How does this passage point to the person and work of Jesus Christ? Are there specific things for which to pray? Is there a new thought to me? Is there an encouragement?
(Note: Not all of the above things will be in every passage studied. You may have other questions that come to mind as you read. These are only ideas to get you started.)
Question Three: How can I apply what I learn to my life?
Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, church or work life that is similar to what you learned? In that situation, ask yourself a personal question that demands actions; i.e.: Not, will I spend more time in God’s Word, but rather how or when will I spend more time in God’s Word?
Write the answer to your questions by being specific, creating measurable and achievable goals (i.e. "I will read for ten minutes each day", or whatever practical application you can discern from the passage).
This simple Three Question Bible Study will help you get into the Word in a meaningful way!
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Hungry?
Good Wednesday to you!
We all know that it is not a good idea to go to the grocery store when we are hungry. When we do, we almost always buy more than we need. I suggested Sunday that we should not vote when we are "hungry" either. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He was setting them up for a lesson on their spiritual diet. They we so excited by the miracle working rabbi from Nazareth, who fed an army and healed the sick, that they were certain Jesus was their next earthly king. But Jesus knew they needed more than a political solution for their problems.
The same is true for us today. We are hungry for leadership and all we get are politicians. (Remember, a statesman is distinguished from a mere politician by four qualities: a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, a vision, and the ability to create a consensus to achieve that vision. Thank you, Dr. J. Rufus Fears.) Engaging our culture with a conscience that is held captive to the Word of God is essential. This is especially important as we vote next week and in the Fall. Jesus refused to be the king they wanted, so He could be the King they (we) needed.
Please read the rest of the 6th chapter of John's gospel. We will continue to discuss our diet (both physical and spiritual) next week. (Be sure to wear red this next Sunday. We will be celebrating Pentecost!)
I know you will continue to be in prayer for the people of Uvalde and Buffalo. Please also pray for marriages, families, and the Church. It is worth repeating – as the marriage goes, so goes the family. As the family goes, so goes the Church. As the Church goes, so goes the nation.
God is faithful, and God is sovereign. Let us continue to seek the Lord we need, and not the lord we want, especially when we don’t get the answers we want when we pray. We have work to do.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
To Tell the Truth
Good Wednesday to you!
Are we who we say we are? How do others know? The old saying is true – you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Good thing for us, Jesus never tried to fool anyone at any time. He simply did what He saw His Father do.
When attacked for "working" (healing) on the Sabbath, Jesus came under attack by the religious leaders of the day. Jesus used their understanding of the Law to offer a rationale for why He did what He did. God was exempt from working on the Sabbath by the religious leaders of the day, and so was He, being the Word who was with God, and who was God, and who became flesh and dwelt among us.
After revealing His identity to the religious leaders, He went on to provide testimony from others regarding His identity: John, the Baptizer, who declared Jesus to be "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" was the first. Jesus' miraculous "works" were the second testimony. The voice of God at His baptism ("This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.") was the third testimony, and the fulfilment of biblical prophesy was the fourth.
Jesus then turned the tables on them and declared that Moses would be the one to accuse them in the fullness of time, for Moses wrote about Jesus! If we needed another witness or testimony concerning Jesus' identity, we need look no further than the resurrection. Knowing what we believe, why we believe it and why it matters has never been more important than it is today. Letting God's Word "abide" in our hearts is a sure way to cultivate our love for God. If you need help in understanding the Christian worldview in order to stand against the tide of the secular/naturalist worldview, please reach out to me. I can suggest books (like Tactics by Greg Koukl) or programs (like Colson Fellows). Together, we can stand firm against the challenges of the day.
Next Sunday we will continue our journey in the "deep end of the pool" taking a closer look at the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15). I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Mark your calendars for the week of July 11-15. "Summer Nights" are coming to Graham Memorial. Since we do not have the staffing to conduct a traditional Vacation Bible School, we are shifting focus this summer to gather our church family from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, Monday through Friday. We will begin with by sharing a meal together, then learning about the missionary journeys of Aychi and his family. (Did you know he ministers in many African countries besides Ethiopia?) We will learn songs in Amharic, the native language of Ethiopia, and work on a project together to bless Aychi, his family, and the work they are doing for God's kingdom. Along with fun and games, it promises to be a joyful and educational week for our family. Registration information will be coming soon, so stay tuned!
God is at work in our midst. Thank you for being a part of that work!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Follow the Leader
Good Wednesday to you!
"Follow the leader" may have been a fun game when we were younger, but whom we chose to follow as adults has eternal consequences. In His exchange with the religious leaders of the day, Jesus used their understanding of the Law, and in particular their gracious exemption, "allowing" God to operate outside the Law, to put forth His own identity as God. "My Father is always at His work to the very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17). The Sabbath, indeed, the entire Ten Commandments, were written for us, that we might thrive within God's creation. Teaching us how to live within God's precepts, while punctuating the "Law" with grace, and dying for our sins on the cross were two of Jesus' most important reasons for incarnation. "The Word, that was with God, that was God…became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1; 14). To see Jesus is to see the Father, because Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:9-10). I would invite you to seriously consider who it is you are following. Today is the day to choose anew to follow Jesus.
What does that mean for our Sabbath rest? It is always timely to do good, even on the Sabbath. The command to rest on the Sabbath was an invitation for us to cease working. I suggested that doing something that is self-serving was most likely a violation of the Fourth Commandment, but doing something for others, to will the good of another, should be encouraged 24/7. Next week, we will continue our "deep dive," looking at the various testimonies concerning Jesus as we conclude our time in the 5th chapter of John (5:31-47).
Thank you for your continued prayers. I still find myself fatigued throughout the day, but I am feeling stronger day by day. No doubt, your prayers are being answered. Please continue.
Your ongoing support of the ministries of Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church is much appreciated. Although we have returned to passing communion elements, we have not passed an offering plate since March 15, 2020. As we look toward the future, your support has never been more important. Some of you are mailing your financial gifts to Graham, others are giving online. However you choose to give, we are grateful. Please continue to pray for our worshiping community, and the pastor God has already chosen!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers with gratitude and joy.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Ruffling Feathers
Good Wednesday to you!
Thank you for all your prayers! At the writing of this email, I am continuing to improve at a steady pace. I have full expectation that I will be with you this coming Sunday.
I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for the leadership here at Graham. It wasn’t until Wednesday of last week that I tested positive, and began adjusting to what was happening to me. One-by-one I began to address what was directly in front of me regarding my obligations. By Thursday I realized I was not going to be able to preach. With Pastor John also out, I reached out to Pastor Jeremiah, who willingly stepped up. (More on his sermon later.) By Saturday, I remembered it was a communion Sunday. In conversation with the Elders and Deacons, it was determined that communion should be a part of the service. Everyone stepped up, guided, and supported the visiting pastor, served communion and the Lord was honored! Hardly a beat was skipped. You were praying for me, and God answered, in part, through the leadership of Graham Memorial.
Pastor Jeremiah helped me see the man at the pool of Bethesda. There was no way he was ever going to reach the water, which offered the promise of healing. Jesus brought the "water" -- the "healing" -- to him. Jesus brings the same healing to us. The invitation to "pick up our mats and walk" continues to be offered. The man at the pool had the courage to receive and accept the offer. Do we? Next week we will continue to look at that challenge as we examine John 5:16-30.
Mark your calendar for the week of July 11-15! Something new and different is coming to Graham Memorial. We all know the reputation Graham has for Vacation Bible School. The time and energy that went into VBS would surprise no one. With the Director of Children's Ministries position still vacant, the last thing we want to do is try to replicate the past, so we are looking at something different, Vacation Family Camp! Stand by for more information. (It’s going to be great!)
Your continued prayers are appreciated. I am more grateful than you will ever know this side of eternity. I hope your week is blessed and that you all stay healthy.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Can We Really Take Jesus at His Word?
Good Wednesday to you,
Thank you for giving Rev. David Rodriguez a warm welcome this past Sunday morning. The Pastoral Nominating Committee and the Presbytery were grateful. Additionally, Chaplain David brought us the word, reminding us that we can always take God at His Word. This is important for us to remember, especially when things don't unfold as anticipated. Next week we will continue our deep dive through John looking at yet another miraculous healing in the fifth chapter.
I assume you all read the Kirk Visitor that came out on Monday, introducing our new business administrator, Rachael Tisdale. Some of you may remember the Tisdale family when they were stationed here before. As I say, the Navy giveth and the Navy taketh away, and sometimes, giveth back! Please be praying for them as they move out here from the East Coast this month, especially for housing. If you haven't noticed, the housing prices in Coronado have gone crazy. We believe God has a place for them, and they are waiting patiently to see where it is.
Also, we have a volunteer who stepped up to lead the AWANA program next year! Rachel Gorken will be leading the charge so we can continue offering this amazing program to the youth of our community. Please continue to pray for a new Director of Children's Ministries. With Megan Smith off to Cameroon, Sarah Barns has stepped in to help us through the summer. Also, be on the lookout for an exciting opportunity for families this summer!
I hope this finds you all well, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Connecting the Dots
Good Wednesday to you!
Connecting the dots on a page is a lot easier than connecting the dots in life. Yet, if we want a deeper, more meaningful life, that is exactly what we must do. For some, like the woman at the well, it doesn't take long to figure out who Jesus is and what He offers those who believe. For some it can take a couple of days. For some, it takes a lifetime.
It is important for us to be able to articulate our own process of connecting the dots, trusting that God is at work transforming us into Jesus' image. During that time, we may find ourselves in situations or places where we are uncomfortable (think the disciples in Samaria).
Knowing we are created in God's image, (Origin – Where do we come from?) knowing why we are here, (Meaning – to live in a reconciled life with God knowing we are loved and forgiven) knowing how we should live, (Ethics – living within God's moral framework while punctuating it with grace) and knowing where we are going (Destiny – a life lived in the Kingdom of God in eternity) provides the peace and contentment needed to enjoy the abundant life Jesus promises those who believe!
I hope you have been able to share with someone your "connect the dots" story, and I hope you are pursuing the transformed life that allows others to see Jesus in you. I also hope you have identified three people (one from each sphere of influence in your life – family, co-workers, and neighbors) and have begun praying for them and for an opportunity to ask them if they ever think about spiritual things. While our faith is very personal, it should never be private! Good news is to be shared. Next Sunday we are going to learn that we can take Jesus at His word, looking at John 4:43-54.
On another topic, this Sunday we will be praying for Megan as she heads to Cameroon. There will be a dinner on Sunday night hosted by her family, and everyone is invited. However, there is a catch – YOU NEED TO RSVP! You can do that by clicking here. Please continue to pray for us as we search for a new Director of Children's Ministries!
We apologize for the technical difficulties on Sunday. If you would like to watch the service again or missed it the first time, click here.
I hope your week is filled with blessing!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
(P.S. He is still rien! :) )
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!