Worship Service for 5/3/2020
Welcome
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ who said: I am the good shepherd and I know my own and my own know me…be with us.
Several of you are beginning to ask about re-entering the sanctuary for worship, so let me give you the latest update. The Session did approve a “re-entry task force.” Those serving are working to gather a variety of resources to give the most complete information possible for our setting. We are reviewing guidelines from the CDC, the state of Texas, the city of Dallas, business models, guidelines from other churches, and our own Presbytery.
I am serving on the Presbytery’s Re-Entry Task Force and can share that, at this point, the greatest concern is showing our love for one another as a caring covenant community; meaning, each church will be able to craft their own guidelines for returning to church buildings. The Presbytery is, however, STRONGLY ENCOURAGING caution, particularly considering the demographics of most of our congregations. Relying on scripture and the scriptural wisdom of the Book of Order, the Presbytery is seeking to provide loving guidance, not a mandate. Ephesians 4: 1-3 says, “…lead a life worthy of the calling to which (we) have been called, with all patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” And from our Book of Order congregations are defined as: “the fellowship of women, men, and children united in covenant relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ.” (G-1.0102)
Obviously, we all want to be gathered again in worship and fellowship, but, as the words from Ephesians remind us, now is the time to be patient with each other as we navigate these new waters. We know some are ready to re-enter and others are hesitant. Now is the time for us to commit to looking out for one another, keeping in mind particularly the health issues within our four walls. We have the emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of ALL of you as our guiding light. And, we are trusting that the Lord is going before us, showing us the most loving and safe way to come “home” to our church building. Never forget, however, we the people are the body of Christ and Christ’s church wherever we are!
Also, please know I am trying to stay as prayerfully connected as possible to all of you through a variety of media resources and in a variety of ways. There have been conversations about possibly starting Zoom Bible studies or prayer services, even home worship services if our absence from one another continues for longer than we would hope. If there is interest for this, and particularly, if you would be willing to participate in the leadership-or just participate-please email, text or call me. We want to remain as connected as possible, but also want to make sure we are using our energies and resources wisely.
PRAYER JOYS AND CONCERNS
Wonderful news from Julie Karlen: After 2 months of the trial drug, the target lesions have shrunk by 40% and are no longer FDG active on the PET scan. There is no metastases to the brain and she will know more about radiation treatments later this week. Thanks be to God and we keep Julie and Trey, the kids and all the family in our prayers.
Bobbe is continuing to gain strength, physically and mentally, and is thankful for the prayers she says “have covered her this whole time; I can feel them!”
Bettye is doing better, and out of her room most days, morning and afternoon, participating in physical therapy.
Lewis and Vicki remain in our prayers, and while we are grateful that they are safe at home, it will be SO WONDERFUL to see them face to face again. Prayers abound!
A HEADS UP FOR NEXT WEEK-MAY 10! This Sunday, Mother's Day is typically the Sunday our mothers and graduates are recognized, as well as the Sunday our children, youth and young adults lead worship. And, I am so excited to say...that tradition will continue! It is a service that is just plain good for the soul. We keep all those leading, as well as our seniors, Ryan Blair and Jezzi Whitley, in our prayers.
Thank you for continuing to share your tithes and offerings. While we are away from one another, the ministry God has given us at Eastminster continues. You are a generous people who find your peace and joy in the generosity of God!
I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:16)
Enjoy and enjoy your day!!!
With the love of the Lord and mine,
Pastor Sherry
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ who said: I am the good shepherd and I know my own and my own know me…be with us.
Several of you are beginning to ask about re-entering the sanctuary for worship, so let me give you the latest update. The Session did approve a “re-entry task force.” Those serving are working to gather a variety of resources to give the most complete information possible for our setting. We are reviewing guidelines from the CDC, the state of Texas, the city of Dallas, business models, guidelines from other churches, and our own Presbytery.
I am serving on the Presbytery’s Re-Entry Task Force and can share that, at this point, the greatest concern is showing our love for one another as a caring covenant community; meaning, each church will be able to craft their own guidelines for returning to church buildings. The Presbytery is, however, STRONGLY ENCOURAGING caution, particularly considering the demographics of most of our congregations. Relying on scripture and the scriptural wisdom of the Book of Order, the Presbytery is seeking to provide loving guidance, not a mandate. Ephesians 4: 1-3 says, “…lead a life worthy of the calling to which (we) have been called, with all patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” And from our Book of Order congregations are defined as: “the fellowship of women, men, and children united in covenant relationship with one another and with God through Jesus Christ.” (G-1.0102)
Obviously, we all want to be gathered again in worship and fellowship, but, as the words from Ephesians remind us, now is the time to be patient with each other as we navigate these new waters. We know some are ready to re-enter and others are hesitant. Now is the time for us to commit to looking out for one another, keeping in mind particularly the health issues within our four walls. We have the emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of ALL of you as our guiding light. And, we are trusting that the Lord is going before us, showing us the most loving and safe way to come “home” to our church building. Never forget, however, we the people are the body of Christ and Christ’s church wherever we are!
Also, please know I am trying to stay as prayerfully connected as possible to all of you through a variety of media resources and in a variety of ways. There have been conversations about possibly starting Zoom Bible studies or prayer services, even home worship services if our absence from one another continues for longer than we would hope. If there is interest for this, and particularly, if you would be willing to participate in the leadership-or just participate-please email, text or call me. We want to remain as connected as possible, but also want to make sure we are using our energies and resources wisely.
PRAYER JOYS AND CONCERNS
Wonderful news from Julie Karlen: After 2 months of the trial drug, the target lesions have shrunk by 40% and are no longer FDG active on the PET scan. There is no metastases to the brain and she will know more about radiation treatments later this week. Thanks be to God and we keep Julie and Trey, the kids and all the family in our prayers.
Bobbe is continuing to gain strength, physically and mentally, and is thankful for the prayers she says “have covered her this whole time; I can feel them!”
Bettye is doing better, and out of her room most days, morning and afternoon, participating in physical therapy.
Lewis and Vicki remain in our prayers, and while we are grateful that they are safe at home, it will be SO WONDERFUL to see them face to face again. Prayers abound!
A HEADS UP FOR NEXT WEEK-MAY 10! This Sunday, Mother's Day is typically the Sunday our mothers and graduates are recognized, as well as the Sunday our children, youth and young adults lead worship. And, I am so excited to say...that tradition will continue! It is a service that is just plain good for the soul. We keep all those leading, as well as our seniors, Ryan Blair and Jezzi Whitley, in our prayers.
Thank you for continuing to share your tithes and offerings. While we are away from one another, the ministry God has given us at Eastminster continues. You are a generous people who find your peace and joy in the generosity of God!
I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:16)
Enjoy and enjoy your day!!!
With the love of the Lord and mine,
Pastor Sherry
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Eastminster Presbyterian Church
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 571188, Dallas, TX 75357 Physical Address: 6550 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX 75228 214-381-4693 officeadmin@eastminsterdallas .org Sunday Schedule Breakfast: 9 am Church School: 10 am Worship: 11:30 am |
