Love
Good Wednesday to you,
As our Advent season ends, I hope your hearts were warmed by the choir's Christmas Cantata this past Sunday. As I said on Sunday, music is the fusion of right-brain and left-brain cooperation. Music is the creative expression of higher mathematics. Our choir and accompanying musicians demonstrated this brilliantly on Sunday. It was a "Breath of Heaven" amongst us.
With the fourth Advent theme of love behind us, our Advent journey will conclude this coming Saturday night with our Christmas Eve services at 4:30pm (for the Bell Ringing service, designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. All the candles will be lit, including our final "Christ" candle, the Light of the World. Remember, we will still gather for worship this coming Sunday, but for one service only at 10:00am.
It is not too late to contribute to the Alternative Christmas Market! To date, you have "loved on our missionaries" to the tune of over $35,000! Clearly, missions is as near to our hearts as it is to God's. You can click here to donate, or drop a check (or cash) by the church office.
I hope to see you all this weekend!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Joy
Good Wednesday to you,
The third week of Advent focuses on Joy. However, this past week I have encountered many people who are struggling to be joyful. Be it a child who is making poor choices, an aging parent needing higher levels of care, or even difficulties at work or at home, joy can be elusive. In reviewing our Advent themes, it is important to remember that they all work together in anticipation of the return of Jesus – the Second Coming.
The plan God had from the foundations of the earth was to redeem creation, a creation that was very good in the beginning. Disobedience severed our relationship with God, but God refused to abandon us to our own devices. Thus, a promise was given to Abraham and Sarah, a promise fulfilled in Jesus. As He ascended into the heavens, the angels told His followers that He would return. This is our hope. Peace with God was made possible through Jesus, who is the atonement for our sin. Though we still live in a broken world, the promise of His return kindles joy in our spirit.
That joy is most keenly felt in community. Paul prays that God, who gives us endurance and encouragement, would give us a spirit of unity as we follow Jesus. The family of God provides us with authentic community that is essential when we are facing challenges and uncertainty. Remember, no matter what you are facing, you are never alone. In the days and months ahead, this truth will carry you through. STICK TOGETHER!
This next week we celebrate the fourth week of Advent with our annual choir Christmas Cantata. This beautiful presentation will be heard at both services on Sunday. I am looking forward to this, and I hope you are too!
Well done to all who helped with the Best PCS Ever! Annual Christmas Store. The event was a huge success and a blessing to over 100 junior enlisted families. What a joy! And the donations for the Alternative Christmas Market keep rolling in. Your generosity is an overwhelming testimony of God's faithfulness in our midst. If you have not yet finished your Christmas shopping, consider checking out the Alternative Christmas Market. Shopping is available until December 31 at www.gmpc.org/acm.
Once again, I remind you, our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the Bell Ringing service (designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service on Christmas Day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday School that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages. Also, will have one service on New Year's Day, my last Sunday. It, too, will be at 10:00am and may last a little longer than an hour.
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Peace
Good Wednesday to you,
God has emotions. I believe God is joyful and happy, but at times sad, angry, disappointed, and frustrated (at least with me). But, God is never anxious, stressed, or fearful. Being All-powerful, All-knowing, and Ever-present, how could God possibly be anxious, stressed, or fearful?
The second week of Advent focuses on peace. On Sunday, I pointed out three different kinds of peace regarding God – there is peace with God, peace from God, and peace of God. It is the last one that Paul writes about in his letter to the Philippians. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7). Having no anxiety, stress, or fear would result in a very peaceful existence. God must be very tranquil, and this is the tranquility, the peace, Paul says we access when we bring all things to God in prayer with thanksgiving.
Paul goes on in verses 4:8-9 to describe how we can practically access this peace. As I read those verses (be sure to go back and read them), I am reminded of Jesus' final command to His disciples, "Love one another. As I have loved you, love one another. People will know you are My disciples by your love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Through service and sacrifice, Jesus loves us. As we serve and sacrifice for others, we effectively love others.
The Alternative Christmas Market is a way we can love others, specifically the missionaries and missions we support throughout the year here at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. By now, you should have received an envelope from the church that contained a letter from the Missions Committee, a description of the missionaries and missions we support, and a "shopping list." As you buy gifts for your loved ones this Christmas, I hope you will not forget to "buy gifts" for Jesus! (It is His birthday, after all.) If you did not receive a letter, you can request one or go to our website and shop. Mission is near and dear to our hearts because it is near and dear to God's heart. Your response to this event over the years has been phenomenal, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Next Sunday we continue with our Advent theme, adding to our hope and peace the lighting of the candle of joy. It's a different color. Do you know why? We will also be celebrating Communion next Sunday. Communion at Christmas is my favorite communion service. I look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday.
As a reminder, our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the Bell Ringing service (designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service Christmas day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday School that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages. Also, will have one service on New Year's Day, my last Sunday. It, too, will be at 10:00am and may last a little longer than an hour.
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Know the Hope
Good Wednesday to you,
The season of Advent is upon us. These four Sundays help us to remember that the promised Messiah is both a Suffering Servant and a Conquering King. Two such diverse objectives required two advents. We will celebrate the First Advent on the 25th of December. We spend the weeks up to Christmas anticipating the Second Advent, the return of Christ, the Second Coming. No one knows when that will be, but God is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
As such, our first Sunday of Advent focused on our "Hope." We hope for His appearing. We hope for the completion of our transformation when the perishable will be exchanged for the imperishable, the temporal for the eternal. New bodies, healed souls, and He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things [will] pass away (Revelation 21:4). I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!
Next Sunday, the Advent theme is "Peace." A familiar passage, Philippians 4:4-7 will anchor my conversation with you regarding our Alternative Christmas Market. This is our opportunity to love on our missionaries by making donations to them. Cards will be available to send to loved ones, letting them know that rather than giving an unwanted gift, you gave a gift to a missionary in their honor.
I hope you all picked up your two copies of "The Four Emotions of Christmas." (One to keep and one to give away.) For many, Christmas is a difficult time of the year. If you have lost a loved one, been confronted with medical issues or financial difficulties, this little book can be helpful. There are still some left in the sanctuary. You can also come by the office and pick up one (or two) during office hours.
As a reminder, our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the Bell Ringing service (designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service Christmas day at 10:00 a.m. for the entire family. There will be no Sunday school that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages. Also, will have one service on New Year's Day, my last Sunday. It, too, will be at 10:00am and may last a little longer than an hour.
Some have asked if we are going to livestream the memorial service of Tom Rice. Yes, we are. The service is at 10:00am this coming Saturday, December 3, and you can watch online with this link.
I hope your holiday season is life-giving. Let the Spirit of Advent carry you through the month with hope, peace, joy, and love.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The Plot Thickens
Good Wednesday to you,
As I said on Sunday, life is story, and our lives are a series of stories. All good stories have heroes and villains. All good stories have conflict and resolution. This is true in general, and true in our own lives as well. Sometimes, it is hard to tell in our own stories whether we are the hero or the villain. It becomes clearer when Jesus is the hero of our lives. The plot thickened in Jesus' story when He raised Lazarus from the dead, and the religious leaders, led by Caiaphas, determined to kill Him, lest their "kingdom" be disrupted and destroyed. They were pragmatic, choosing that which best served their personal motives: stay in control, and stay in charge.
How often do we make decisions based on what is pragmatic at the time. We want to avoid conflict, and I am not suggesting we go looking for conflict, but, Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18). Our culture is telling us to keep our view to ourselves. We are being told that we have no place in the "public square." Yet, I am convinced that Jesus is as relevant today as ever. Scripture tells us to "always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Spending time with Jesus (reading and studying the Gospels) is the best way to ensure we provide a good reason when asked. But, remember to be gentle and respectful!
Next Sunday begins the Advent season. I will be shifting away from the Gospel of John to address the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our Savior. (There are still slots for readers/candle lighters available. If you are interested, please contact Kimberlee Joseph.) Some have asked me if I was planning on finishing John before I retired. The answer is, simply, no. We could spend a lifetime in John's account of the gospel and never finish it. It is an ongoing story in our own story. Keep reading, studying, and meditating in John. There are plenty of great things for you to read and think about. Don't let your interest in this gospel wane just because I am not here to guide you through it. It will be well worth your time and effort.
As a reminder, our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the Bell Ringing service (designed for children/families to "ring in" the birth of our Savior), and 6:00pm for the traditional Candlelight service. Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, we will be having one special service on Christmas day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday school that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages. I have also been convinced that we should have one service on New Year's Day, my last Sunday. It, too, will be at 10:00am and will last a little longer than an hour. (So, what's new?) There will be a small reception after the service for all.
I find myself getting very nostalgic as my time of ministry among you comes to an end. I will be working with the "Try Praying" ministries USA moving forward. If any of you would like to know more about this, you can reach out to me in an email and I would be happy to tell you more.
The blessings are more than I can count, and I have no doubt there are many more to come for the "Church" that worships at Graham Memorial. I am excited for us all!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Restoration 101
Good Wednesday to you,
Restoring a cherished childhood possession can be a very rewarding experience. Seeing something "come back to life" can actually bring tears to one's eyes. But how may tears are shed watching something deteriorate? Of course we lament the loss of health as we grow older, and unexpected illness can contribute to our sorrow, but that comes "with the territory." As my mother used to say, "Growing old is not for sissies."
Imagine Jesus, who was "In the beginning, with God and was God" standing there watching Mary and friends weeping at the death of Lazarus. Grieved and "deeply moved in spirit and troubled," we read that Jesus wept. Death was not a part of creation in the beginning. Death entered through sin. Even though Jesus was preparing to mitigate the effects of sin on the cross, it still broke His heart.
Through His life and death, Jesus not only forgives and pardons, reconciliating us with God, He restores. He is making all things new. As we live in the "already but not yet," we celebrate the victory that is ours in Christ (the already), we continue to grieve, mourn, and lament the fact that the "restoration" is still in process. We are "not yet" there. We grieve with hope. That hope gives us strength and courage to continue being transformed by the Holy Spirit, as we strive to be brokers of reconciliation, and ambassadors for God's kingdom. Next week we will finish the 11th chapter of John, and we will see the plans for Jesus' arrest and death are put into motion (John 11:45:57).
With Advent just around the corner, I want to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to read and light the Advent candles. If you are interested, please contact Rachael in the office if you would like to participate. Also, next Monday the sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas. Let me know if you are interested in helping, and I will pass your name on to Katie Moore.
Speaking of Christmas (I know, I know; it's not even Thanksgiving yet!), our Christmas Eve services will be at 4:30pm for the "children/family" service, and 6:00pm for the traditional "Candlelight" service. Since Christmas falls on Sunday this year, we will be having one special service Christmas day at 10:00am for the entire family. There will be no Sunday school that morning, but trust me, our time together will be joyful and engaging for all ages.
I want to thank you all again for the amazing retirement party held for Jody and me. As I read your cards and notes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church and Coronado will always have a special place in our hearts. As our time draws to an end, I find each day to be bittersweet. While we still have a few more weeks before January 1st, I want you all to know how much we cherish our time with you. Blessings upon blessings, our hearts overflow with gratitude.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Doorways
Good Wednesday to you,
In celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord, two questions are answered for us: Is there life after death? Is Jesus who He claims to be? The answer to both questions is: Yes! When Jesus goes back to Bethany in response to the word He received that Lazarus was sick, He goes knowing Lazarus was already dead, and in the tomb four days. Martha’s faith in Jesus is not shaken, even though Jesus did not meet her expectation to come and heal her brother. When Jesus states that her brother will rise again, she leans on her theology of the last day resurrection, but Jesus has other ideas and states to her, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die."
As I have said more than once, death is a doorway, not a destination. Furthermore, I believe death, the last legitimate mystery for us all, is only problematic for those of us who are left behind. As Dallas Willard once said, "I think that when I die, it might be some time until I know it."
We live in the "already, but not yet." Jesus has already conquered the grave, but we still live in a broken world that sometimes fills us with sadness, fear, and doubt. Passages of Scripture, like John 11:1-27 strengthen our faith as we "lean into" Jesus. To "live and believe in Jesus" challenges us to trust and let the Holy Spirit transform our character and spirit to more resemble Jesus, living according to biblical precepts with lots and lots of grace. We will continue explore all this next week looking at John 11:25-44. We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper next Sunday!
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the retirement party this past Saturday. We were overwhelmed, humbled, and grateful for the many blessings. Friends traveled great distances to be here. Our son flew in from South Korea, and our daughter and her husband flew in from Seattle. The day was filled with laughter and a few tears as we watched the film Jane Mitchell artfully put together. The mayor's proclamation was amazing, and the retirement gift of a European river cruise, plus airfare, was over the top. We cannot say thank you enough. Though we still have a few Sundays with you, the days will be filled with bittersweet emotions. Please know that we love you all and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve Graham these many years.
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
The Voice
Good Wednesday to you,
There are voices and there are voices. We may not be able to determine who the next vocal star is, but are we able to determine when God is speaking to us? This last Sunday, Reformation Sunday, I talked about Martin Luther's voice to the power of his day. They were asking him to recant his writings, but with humility, he declined. He could not and would not recant. Councils had erred in the past. Unless Luther was convinced by Scripture -- for his conscience was held captive to the Word of God -- to recant would be neither right nor safe. He made such a stance because he had come to recognize the voice of God. The leaders of the day had drifted away from God.
In talking with the religious leaders of the day, who prided themselves in celebrating God's miraculous provisions in the past, Jesus implored them to look at the miracles He was doing. They were the proof needed to confirm His identity. Jesus clearly heard God's voice, while the religious leaders of the day had drifted away.
How can we be sure not to drift away from God's voice? God speaks to us primarily through His Word. Any Word that comes to us beyond that will confirm and agree with the Written Word. As we prayerfully read Scripture, meditate, and memorize Scripture, and as we faithfully seek Him together in community, we can be assured that we are hearing God's voice. Like the sheep who know their shepherd's voice, we will be able to discern God's voice amidst the noise that surrounds us.
Next week, we will look at the raising of Lazarus and encounter one more "I Am" statement made by Jesus. If you would like to join in the pre-sermon Bible study on Friday morning at 11:00, please do! The sermon text is John 11:1-27.
For all of you who participated in our stewardship campaign for next year, thank you. It is not too late to participate. We are getting close to reaching our goal. Your partnership may be the one that puts us over the top.
Yesterday, November 1, I began my 30th year among you. These past 29 years have been a blessing. I know some of you are planning on joining us this Saturday as we look back on where we've been, as well as where we are now. Some of you have already reached out with kind words or a card with regrets that you are unable to attend. Please know how grateful we are for all of you. This past year has flown by, and as we prepare to finish our ministry among you, we will celebrate what God has done in anticipation of God's faithfulness in the coming years. Please continue to pray for us as we transition to ministry beyond Graham, and please pray for the process of selecting your next pastor. Never forget, God loves Graham more than all of us put together.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Gated Communities
Good Wednesday to you,
Are you living in a "Gated Community?" Some gates are designed to keep people out. Some gates are designed to keep people in. Some are simply designed to monitor who goes in or out. As I mentioned on Sunday, the Bible talks about two "gated communities": Heaven and Hell. Jesus identifies Himself as the "Gate" by which we enter salvation. Then we are free to go in and out, being in the world, but not of the world. Jesus also declares Himself to be our Good Shepherd. Our responsibility is to recognize and hear His voice. Do we?
As followers of Jesus, we are to be His ambassadors, representatives of His kingdom, and brokers of reconciliation. We also have the responsibility to speak Truth to power, but to speak it in Love. Truth without love is crushing. Love without Truth is deceptive. Today, our culture is embracing "ideas" that would have been rejected out of hand a generation ago. Yet, to challenge this orthodoxy can mean social isolation, rejection, even the loss of employment. How did we get here?
While we need to pray for courage to speak Truth in Love, we also need to understand our times, and how we got here. To that end, I will be leading a book study using Carl Trueman’s book “"Strange New World." We will start the study on Saturday, November 12, at 3:30pm in the Parish Hall. I have ordered 15 books. If you would like "in", they are $12 each. However, do not let the cost keep you from joining this study. If you are interested in joining this study or purchasing one of these books, simply reply to this email and let me know!
We also have mid-term elections around the corner. If you would like to discuss the ballot and the candidates, especially for our local school board, please join me this coming Saturday afternoon, October 29, at 3:30m, also in the Parish Hall.
This coming Sunday we will commemorate the Reformation.
Finally, here is the link for the Steve Currey update. Thank you, Lord!
I hope to see you all soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Can YOU See?
Good Wednesday to You,
"Are you blind?" "Ref, how did you miss that?" "It was right in front of your face. How did you not see it?" These are often the questions fans level at referees when they disagree with a call or a no-call. The benefit we have today of recording is unparalleled. Who would have thought that one day we would have the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward live television? That thought never crossed my mind. Now my children ask me to fast forward through commercials.
When we read Scripture, we have the same benefit of reading, pausing, rewinding, and even fast forwarding. Having 20/20 vision gives us a clarity that those who walked with Jesus, or questioned him, did not have. So, when we come to the narrative of the man born blind in the Gospel of John, we see things so clearly. How could people miss it? And, maybe we come down on some in the narrative harder than we should.
One of the beautiful features of John's account of the man born blind is his desire for us (his readers) to place ourselves in the narrative. Before reading our passage, I challenged everyone to put themselves in the narrative. Is there a person you can relate to? Can you see yourself as the man born blind? Or, are there moments you see yourself as the religious leaders questioning Jesus—"Are we blind?"
As a follower of Jesus, I see parallels in my life with the man born blind—not physically, but spiritually. I was once in darkness and needing my eyes opened by God's grace! That is exactly what Jesus was doing—using the example of healing physical sight as a window into spiritual healing. For the record, Jesus has the power to heal physically, even today. Jesus is still the great physician. But, even more so, Jesus came into a dark world as the Light of the World. He came to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness. Without Jesus, we are blind spiritually.
Jesus uses some strong language against the religious leaders—accusing them of seeing but rejecting the Truth—ultimately, calling them blind. And, as a Pastor, it is easy to see myself in the place of the religious leaders. Not that I do not see the Truth about Jesus, but maybe I am blind to sin in my life. Or, blind to how to live out God's mercy, grace, and love every day. So I find myself asking…what am I blind to? This is exactly what makes us different from the religious leaders: our willingness towards transformation. We are not the solution. Jesus is! The more I spend time with Jesus, the greater he becomes—I pray that is true for you, too.
Thinking about Jesus as healer, thank you for all those who are praying for my mom—as I shared on Sunday, she was in the hospital. As of this writing (Tuesday), she is still in the hospital but doing much better. Through your prayers, I do believe Jesus can heal her physical body.
Thank you for interceding on my behalf. I look forward to giving God glory and honor with you as our eyes are opened and the Light of Christ shines in and through us each day.
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
One Thing I Know
Good Wednesday to you,
Every time I read or hear about Jesus healing the man who was born blind, I am amazed by the responses of those who knew the man. One would think there would be great rejoicing, especially from his parents! If such a miracle occurred within our community, we would rejoice and give God all the glory; or would we?
If you haven't noticed, there is a "war" being waged against God, the Bible, and the nuclear family. Words are being invented and redefined right before our eyes. Often, the response of Christians is to downplay the situation. We are told that our views are private matters best left out of the "public square." I mentioned the "overreach" of PayPal on Sunday. To think that a company in the United States would assign itself to "police" its users for what they think is misinformation or hateful and assess them a fine of up to $2500 is Orwellian at best, and pure evil at its worst. I have heard that the backlash was so swift that they have backed down. While we may be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief, just know that the "ground has been softened." The next time someone tries this, there will be less shock and less pushback. Eventually, if we do not stand strong, it will come to pass.
Can we afford to be blinded by societal pressure? The answer is no. If we do or say nothing, sooner or later it will be too late. I am reminded of a saying attributed to Pastor Martin Neimoller – First They Came…
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Blindness comes with a cost. This will be the subject next Sunday, finishing up the 9th chapter of John (John 9:35-41) – looking at "Spiritual Blindness."
I hope you enjoyed the first person narrative sermon. It is an interesting way to look at and think about a text.
We are almost two thirds of the way toward our 2023 stewardship campaign. If you haven't returned your commitment yet, please return your card as soon as possible. Or, even better, you can complete this online form!
Also, if you would like to sponsor a Thanksgiving box for our junior enlisted folks, you can do so here, at a cost of $55 per box. That's an increase over last year, but, as I said on Sunday, what hasn't increased lately?
You are all a blessing and I hope to see you soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Broken
Good Wednesday to you,
I would never suggest that anyone takes their five senses for granted, and I am grateful to be able to see. I cannot imagine what life would be like without my sight. Yet, all of us have blind spots. As the "Light of the World," Jesus came to bring sight to the blind, both physically and spiritually. Some of His disciples revealed their own "spiritual blindness" when they asked who sinned, the blind man or his parents, that he should be born blind. To be sure, there may be times when an affliction is the result of sin, but often it is the result of living in a broken and sinful world. Jesus challenged their assumptions with a command to "do the work of Him who sent" Jesus.
I get that it is hard to have questions go unanswered, and there are many things that we cannot do. One thing we cannot allow to happen is to let our frustrations with unanswered questions become excuses for not doing what we can do. The opportunity to "work" in God's kingdom is all around us. We need to pray for "eyes that see" and "ears that hear." Next Sunday we will "see" what the man, who had been blind, did with his new sight that was both physical and spiritual.
Speaking of opportunities, we are still looking for a part-time director of Children's Ministries. The duties would be primarily on Sunday morning and take about 10 to 15 hours per week. We have a potential candidate, but she is not available until mid-December. If you can do this, please let me know as soon as possible. We love our volunteers, but we do not want to take advantage of them.
Speaking of volunteers, we almost arrived at the "perfect storm" this coming Sunday. We came close to not being able to live stream the first service this Sunday due to lack of trained volunteers. One of our online moderators stepped up for last-minute training. (Thanks, Russ!) An extra few trained volunteers would be nice. If you can help in this area and are willing to be trained, please let us know.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the All-Church picnic this past weekend. By all accounts, a good time was had by all. If you have not returned your 2023 stewardship form yet, please consider doing so today. Next year is too important to sit out on the sidelines. You are all a blessing to me.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
23 and Me
Good Wednesday to you,
Have you ever considered having your DNA tested to discover your genetic history? A handful of people raised their hands on Sunday indicating they had done just that. We will not discover who the first Scot or Ethiopian was this side of eternity, but we know the origins of the Jewish people. God began with Abraham. The religious leaders of the day were confident that they were descendants of Abraham, and Jesus did not disagree with them. However, He did challenge their spiritual DNA. If they were the children of Abraham, they would love Jesus. Spiritually speaking, they were the children of the devil, the father of lies.
Jesus spoke to those who believed in Him and said, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31). The promise given to Abraham found its fulfilment in Jesus. When we make Jesus the Lord and Savior of our lives, we are adopted into God's family. As a result, our spiritual DNA begins to change. Not all at once, but gradually, as we grow in our understanding and application of Jesus' teachings. Take a look at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Christian ethics found in Luke 6, John 15-17, or start at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) if you want to study the teachings of Jesus. John makes it clear that Jesus and the Father are One. If you want to know the Father, get to know the Son. If you desire to see your spiritual DNA change, hold to the teachings of Jesus.
Next Sunday you will "meet" the man born blind. I will focus on 9:1-12 on Sunday, but I would encourage you to read the entire chapter between now and Sunday. It's one of my favorite passages in John's account of the Gospel. Next Sunday is also Worldwide Communion Sunday. Believers all over the world will be celebrating with the Lord's Supper next Sunday.
The day before we will be having our annual All-Church Picnic! The festivities will begin at 4:30pm with lots of things for the young (and the young at heart). There will be plenty of food: smoked pulled pork, brisket, and salmon provided and you will bring the side dishes. (Click here to sign up and find out what you can contribute). A good time will be had by all. I hope to see you all there, but please register!
I also want to thank all who have already responded to our stewardship campaign for the coming year. Transitions in pastoral leadership are always difficult. This is the time to stand together, preparing and praying for the next pastor. Please consider joining Jody and me as we pray for and seek to faithfully steward Graham's future.
May the fullness of God's grace be abundantly upon you all.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
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!