Letter to Congregation 04-07-2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
If you were able to attend or view this past Sunday’s Easter celebration service, you may recall the focus was on what comes next. Over this past year, our lives have changed drastically. It was also mentioned that at Easter, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection that secured a new way of life. We heard about the need to let go of some things to make way for new life. As a church in the coming weeks, the leaders will begin discussing the way forward. The 5–7-year planning committee is meeting to discern the way they feel God leading the future of this church that lives into our mission and vision. We will have to let somethings go to embrace the new. For example, we will be streaming online beyond the time of pandemic as we have seen the fruitfulness this provides. One thing is certain it will not be back to business as usual. We must try to figure out what we each must let go of to embrace what is new even if we don’t like the new because it just doesn’t feel the same. We are truly a diverse world and we will have different opinions, but what matters most is being willing to lay down some opinions for the sake of furthering the gospel message to our community. Are we willing to listen to the Spirit’s guidance even if it leads to uncomfortable territory?
If we are willing to listen to the Spirit’s guidance, we will discover joy in places we didn’t think would be possible. We can experience the blessings from worship and service in new ways. This week, we have an opportunity to worship and find that joy as we return to the in-person hybrid worship style. I am excited to announce that over the six-week Easter season will be a sermon series titled “What are we called to?” Each week, we will hear of another way we are called to be as Christ’s disciples. We don’t know exactly what comes next but we trust that God is working through this church and will guide us in the way forward.
In His Peace,
Pastor Nicki
Click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/espresbyterian/
YouTube live stream and recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Additionally, bulletins and an online hymnal have been put on the website and can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/sunday-bulletin/
Ways to give- mail or drop of check/cash through no contact mail slot in office window. Drop off envelope in offering plates before or after worship services. Donate on our website by going to the home page at https://www.espresbyterian.com/ and clicking on the Donate button in the upper right corner. Designate where you would like the money to go by using the note section.
Opportunity interfaith dialogue- Inspirarity Dialogue the second Sunday of each month on zoom until the way is clear to meet in person. Our 4th session can be accessed by clicking on this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85131075207 To call in from a phone dial +1 646 558 8656 when prompted enter 85131075207#,*647777#. (this is a long-distance call) This month’s topic stereotypes.
