General Archives - Page 3 of 17 - Northminster Evangelical Presbyterian Church

News & Announcements for Sunday, August 25, 2024

Posted on Aug 22, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: AMHERST CARES

Our mission focus for the month of August is Amherst Cares. Amherst Cares or “The Backpacking Program” is our mission focus for this month. Started in September 2010, Amherst Cares is the collaborative effort of school, community, churches, and individuals to provide weekend, holiday, and summer food to the neediest students in the Amherst County School System. You may make a donation to this special ministry by specifying Amherst Cares on your check memo line.

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.

Aug '24

News & Announcements for Sunday, August 18, 2024

Posted on Aug 14, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Aug '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY @ 8:30 am

Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: AMHERST CARES

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.

Aug '24

News & Announcements for Sunday, August 11, 2024

Posted on Aug 8, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Aug '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THIS THURSDAY, JULY 18, 11AM

Please join us on Thursday, August 15 at the Depot Grille at 11:00 a.m. as we discuss the book, the little liar by Mitch Albom, an unforgettable story of truth and lies set during the Holocaust. We have such a great time eating, talking and finally discussing the book of the month. Be sure to join us for lunch at The Depot Grille, whether you’ve read the book or not!

MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: AMHERST CARES

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.

Aug '24

News & Announcements for Sunday, August 4, 2024

Posted on Aug 1, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Aug '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: AMHERST CARES

This program provides food for hundreds of needy students. As a result, the people in Amherst are making a connection with the message of love and caring in ways that are relevant to the present challenges in life. Amherst Cares is an advocate for our neediest students, an advocate for collaboration between our churches, and an advocate for church, school and community as well.

You may make a donation to this special ministry by specifying Amherst Cares on your check memo line.

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.

Jul '24

August 2024 Pastor’s Corner — A Threat to Our Very Existence?

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 by David Garrison in Christian Living, General, HomePage, Pastor's Corner, Spiritual Growth | 0

Jul '24

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. — 2 Cor. 4:7-12 ESV

In a few months we will have the opportunity to exercise our civic duty and vote for who serve as president of our country for the next four years, along with a slew of other national, state and local offices. Those who are running for office, regardless of party affiliation or anything else, have pretty much one message: My opponent is a threat to our very existence, so vote for me. Usually there’s a bit more nuance to that statement, but that’s the effect. However, there’s been little to no nuance about it of late. One candidate is painted as a threat to democracy, the other as a threat to your freedom. To elect the other is to choose the path of destruction of all that we hold dear. It all sounds pretty scary and dire, which is what it’s trying to do. Fear is a powerful motivator and very, very effective.

However, we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ no longer need to be afraid for several reasons. First, we don’t need to be afraid because God is fully in control of all things. In the book of Job, Satan has to ask permission in order to persecute Job. In the prophets, Israel’s enemies are only allowed to attack her when God permits it. In the book of Revelation, Satan and his evil forces are bound by the Lord in what they are allowed to do. On this side of glory, there’s much we don’t understand about why God allows the things He does, but we can trust that He knows what He’s doing and that He’s always in control.

Secondly, we don’t need to be afraid because “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) At first glance, that kind of actually seems scarier. But not when we remember two things: 1) that Jesus has already defeated the spiritual forces of evil on the cross and 2) when Jesus Christ comes back, all of the forces of evil and darkness will be eradicated completely. Evil might seem to have the advantage for a moment, but ultimately the victory has already been decided and won.

Finally, we don’t need to be afraid because the Christian exists in the ultimate win-win situation. That’s the point of the Scripture passages above and below. In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that no matter how bad things might get, we will not be crushed, nor despairing, nor forsaken, nor destroyed because Jesus is with us, strengthening and encouraging us at all times. The passage below from Philippians reminds us that even if we die, we will then see Jesus face-to-face. So if we live, we become more like Jesus, and if we die we get to be with Jesus. I’m not saying it’s always going to be fun and smooth sailing, because that’s certainly not true. I am saying that we don’t need to be afraid of whatever comes our way, even if it’s suffering and especially if it’s death.

The politics of fear are powerful and effective. But when we step out of the fear cycle and live in the peace and security we have in Jesus Christ, we bear witness to something far greater and stronger than fear: the amazing grace and love of God the Father, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and made effective through the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit. As we move through the next few months, may the grace of God comfort and strengthen all of us, reminding us that no matter the rhetoric, we don’t need to be afraid.

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. — Phil. 1:18-24 ESV

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison

Jul '24

News & Announcements for July 28, 2024

Posted on Jul 25, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Jul '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

MISSION FOCUS FOR JUNE: DAYSTAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

Our mission focus for the month of June is Daystar Junior School in Uganda. Opened in 2015, this school is for children ages 3 to 15 years and is located in the slum areas of Kirombe Uganda, East Africa. Donations from Northminster have helped to purchase uniforms for the students, wood for new desks, and begin a 3-floor classroom building. You may make a donation to this special ministry by specifying Daystar on your check memo line.

DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP

Scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.

Jul '24

News & Announcements for July 21, 2024

Posted on Jul 17, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage | 0

Jul '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon

Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.

JUDE NYANZI VISITING THIS MORNING

Jude Nyanzi from Daystar Junior School in Uganda is visiting with us this Sunday. God is doing some great things at Daystar, and much of that is because of your support. If you missed hearing from Jude during the Sunday School hour, he will be sharing briefly during the worship service.

MISSION FOCUS FOR JUNE: DAYSTAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

Jul '24

News & Announcements for July 14, 2024

Posted on Jul 11, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Jul '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY @ 8:30 am

Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THIS THURSDAY, JULY 18, 11AM

Please join us on Thursday, July 18 at the Depot Grille at 11:00 a.m. as we discuss the book, Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior. Ellie and the Harpmaker is a rich, heartwarming and charming novel that reminds us that sometimes we find love in the most unexpected places. We have such a great time eating, talking and finally discussing the book of the month, be sure to join us for lunch at The Depot Grille!

JUDE NYANZI VISITING NEXT SUNDAY

Jude Nyanzi from Daystar Junior School in Uganda will be visiting with us next Sunday. God is doing some great things at Daystar, and much of that is because of your support. You are invited to hear from Jude during the Sunday School hour (beginning at 9:00am) as well as a brief update during the worship service.

MISSION FOCUS FOR JUNE: DAYSTAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

Jul '24

News & Announcements for July 7, 2024

Posted on Jul 3, 2024 by David Garrison in Announcements, General, HomePage, News | 0

Jul '24

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 18, 11AM

JUDE NYANZI VISITING NEXT MONTH

Jude Nyanzi from Daystar Junior School in Uganda will be visiting with us next month. We are looking for folks who would be willing to house him for a portion of his visit. If you are interested, please contact Anne Wilkins for more information.

MISSION FOCUS FOR JUNE: DAYSTAR JUNIOR SCHOOL

Jun '24

July 2024 Pastor’s Corner — A Reflection or The Real Thing?

Posted on Jun 27, 2024 by David Garrison in Christian Living, General, HomePage, Pastor's Corner, Spiritual Growth | 0

Jun '24

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18

Last Friday was a full moon. I am always amazed to look outside in the middle of a clear night and see how bright it is during a full moon. The moon shines so brightly, it’s hard to see the other stars in the sky, and sometimes it’s almost bright enough to read a book. A few months ago, I was at the beach for the full moon and it almost looked like the sunrise (pictured on the left). The moon is glorious in its own right, but it is ultimately lacking and inadequate.

The light of a full moon pushes back the darkness of the night, but only partially. The light of the moon does not provide warmth, or life, or health. It might be enough to see by, but just barely. This is because the moon doesn’t have any light of its own; it is not the source of its light. The light the moon provides is but a reflection of the real thing. An amazing reflection, a brilliant reflection, but a reflection nonetheless. I love the light of a full moon, but it doesn’t compare to the real thing.

The sun, on the other hand, is the source of the light the moon reflects. When the sun rises, the dark is banished for as long as the sun is in the sky. It is the light of the sun that warms the earth, that enables plants and life to grow, that provides nutrients and vitamins that are essential for our health. Even the sunrise itself is degrees of beauty above and beyond that of the moonrise. One can look at a full moon, but to look upon the sun is to risk severe damage to your eyes. The glory of the sun is far beyond that of the moon. The light of the moon is pretty neat, but it’s no substitute for the real thing.

There are many things that claim to be able to replace the light of the presence of God in our lives. Money, possessions, people, things, and much more. Some of those things are good and provide a pretty good reflection of God, but most of those things are cheap imitations that don’t actually reflect God at all. Sometimes, because trying to look at the glory of God is as painful as trying to look directly at the sun, we’d rather have the reflection than the real thing. It’s easier for me to look at what I believe about God rather than seek to be present with God. But, even if my beliefs and theology are perfect, they are a mere reflection of the glory of God. They cannot sustain, nourish, feed or warm my soul. Only God can do that. Imagine how much more harmful it is for us to choose the false reflections, the idols that claim to be able to replace God in our lives. It’s like trying to replace the sun with a flashlight.

This morning I sat outside on our deck reading my Bible and praying as the sun rose over my neighbor’s house. A cool, almost chilly morning was instantly warmed, the dew almost immediately evaporating. I was struck by how often I choose the things of God instead of the presence of God, let alone the false idols that claim to imitate and reflect the warmth of God’s presence over the real thing. Jesus Christ came and died so that we could behold the glory of the Lord directly. Don’t settle for a poor imitation or reflection when the real thing is available to you. Seek the presence of the Lord and behold His glory, so that you may be transformed by Him.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. — Hebrews 10:19-22

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison