Crossing the Bridge into New Life
As we approach the season of Advent (to come), I invite you to consider an obstacle in your life that God is asking you to overcome or to let go. I remember twenty-three years ago when I was trying to finish my social work degree, I almost let my self-doubt stand in the way of accomplishing my goal. Fortunately, I was blessed with a person in my life who believed in me. With encouragement, I let go of my insecurity and finished the race. As fellow believers, we can do that for one another. We can be supportive and encouraging (to instill courage). In fact, we must do no less. Paul asserts: “in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)
First, have hope; second, share your hope with another and cross the bridge into new life. There is no better time to begin than now, as we prepare for Christ’s coming. Seize the moment to begin again, in the name of Christ, who is making all things new. Near and far, we can do it together!
See you at the church house.
Love to all,
Lucia
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Confirmation is Underway!
CONFIRMATION CLASS 2008-2009
What a privilege and joy to be with five young people in this year's confirmation class. We have met three times, learned the Lord's Prayer well, studied Who is a Presbyterian? and taken a mission trip to Trinity Assisted Living in costume!! It has been fun and educational, and...we have only just begun. Thank you for sharing your children! And many thanks to Carol, Mishi, Ron, Steve, and Phil for serving as sponsors. We will meet until Resurrection Sunday and appreciate each of your prayers and support.
The church is not a building;
The church is not a steeple;
The church is not a meeting place;
The church is the people!
We are the church, together!
Thanks be to God!
What a privilege and joy to be with five young people in this year's confirmation class. We have met three times, learned the Lord's Prayer well, studied Who is a Presbyterian? and taken a mission trip to Trinity Assisted Living in costume!! It has been fun and educational, and...we have only just begun. Thank you for sharing your children! And many thanks to Carol, Mishi, Ron, Steve, and Phil for serving as sponsors. We will meet until Resurrection Sunday and appreciate each of your prayers and support.
The church is not a building;
The church is not a steeple;
The church is not a meeting place;
The church is the people!
We are the church, together!
Thanks be to God!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Word from the Pastor: Points to Ponder
Advent (to come) heralds the coming of the Messiah. It is the liturgical season before Christmas and begins November 30th this year. As a nifty way to re-member, we are publishing an Advent Devotional Book. This is simply a 26 page book (one page for each day of Advent) written by each of us during this holy season. So…we need 26 people to agree to write one page each. I will give you the texts from which to choose to be written at the top of your page. Then you will please right a devotional: something about the Advent season or about Christmases of your childhood or your adult life. It is your page, so write what is on your heart. Sign your name and then close with a prayer. There are examples of devotional books in our parlor, if you’d like to look at some. This is how a page might look:
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
(Luke 1:30-32)
I remember as a youngster watching the annual Christmas pageant at church. I was always glad when they used a live baby for the play. Today, I think about what Mary and Joseph must have been going through. I am sure it was difficult to carry such a big responsibility. Sometimes, when I face something scary, I remember our Savior’s parents and how they somehow got through their hardships. I gain strength from their example. My prayer is that this year we will look to the Lord for strength. We may not know what is ahead, but we know who is the Head.
Lucia McKee Kremzar
Dear Lord,
Remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Help us to reach out to others in love now and everyday, Amen.
You may email the page to me at Lemmaus0999@aol.com or put it on my desk or mail First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 625, Bridgeport Texas 76426. Anyone can participate. Please do so. We will have a nice book that each of us can use during this Advent season, as we focus on God’s amazing grace! I will have a list of the dates and Scriptures at church and will email a copy also. Just sign up for a date. I’d like to have your page in the office by October 26th so we can publish by the end of November.
Love to you all. Feel free to call me with any questions: 817-915-3558.
God bless and thank you!
Lucia
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
(Luke 1:30-32)
I remember as a youngster watching the annual Christmas pageant at church. I was always glad when they used a live baby for the play. Today, I think about what Mary and Joseph must have been going through. I am sure it was difficult to carry such a big responsibility. Sometimes, when I face something scary, I remember our Savior’s parents and how they somehow got through their hardships. I gain strength from their example. My prayer is that this year we will look to the Lord for strength. We may not know what is ahead, but we know who is the Head.
Lucia McKee Kremzar
Dear Lord,
Remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Help us to reach out to others in love now and everyday, Amen.
You may email the page to me at Lemmaus0999@aol.com or put it on my desk or mail First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 625, Bridgeport Texas 76426. Anyone can participate. Please do so. We will have a nice book that each of us can use during this Advent season, as we focus on God’s amazing grace! I will have a list of the dates and Scriptures at church and will email a copy also. Just sign up for a date. I’d like to have your page in the office by October 26th so we can publish by the end of November.
Love to you all. Feel free to call me with any questions: 817-915-3558.
God bless and thank you!
Lucia
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