Letter to Congregation 09-22-2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Have you ever been nudged by an elbow or a kick under the table? I’ve been on the receiving end, and giving end, of these types of nudges. Nudges are meant to get our attention and point us toward the direction that the one nudging wants us to see. I was speaking with a congregant about this today. The way the Holy Spirit often works is through nudges. God’s way of getting our attention is not an in-your-face kind of way, rather God is gentle and God’s Spirit nudges us in the direction we are to go, even if it means doing things out of our comfort zone and facing our fears head on. Have you ever felt the Spirit’s nudge to help someone in need, but made an excuse on why you shouldn’t? I know I have. Have you ever felt the Spirit’s nudge and prayed to discern how to act on this nudge? It’s important for Christ’s disciples to listen for the Spirit’s nudging for when Jesus left this earth, He said He was giving us the Spirit to guide us. As you go throughout your week, try to be aware of the Spirit’s nudges. As we continue to seek our way forward as a church community, listen for where the Spirit may be nudging you to give input or share your gifts.
Often the Spirit’s nudges come to us when we set time aside to listen through prayer or worship. As I shared during last week’s worship, we will return to a longer service, but it will not be like it was before the pandemic, as we are exploring a new way forward. As of this moment, this will be our final Sunday with an abridged worship service and going forward the weekly pastor letters will become bi-weekly. The weekly calls will no longer be sent and the call service will be used for severe weather and emergency cancelations. The Spirit is nudging us to move forward in new ways and we continue discerning what this will look like. Don’t hesitate to share with your leadership, and others, how the Spirit is nudging you as we seek our way forward.
In His Peace,
Pastor Nicki
*If you are worshiping from home, I would encourage you to use the YouTube platform for optimal streaming quality. Additionally, feel free to sign on early no need to wait right until 10am anymore. *
YouTube: live stream and recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Facebook: click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/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.
