Hi First Presbyterian,
It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up. Our theme in worship and in our Pop-Up Fellowship Groups next week will be “coats.” This Sunday, Pastor Jacobson will be preaching and leading our Lent Learning Session on that topic. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, so the connection to “coats” should be obvious! But as I think about it, it’s hard to believe that Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and eventually Easter are right around the corner!
With Easter approaching and its reminder to us of God’s resurrecting life at work in the world, I want to take this time to announce that I’ll be leading a new members class this Spring. There have been a number of people who have expressed an interest to me in becoming members of our congregation, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work among us! This three-session class is required for anyone who wants to become a member of the congregation; however, anyone who wants to learn more about the current vision of the church is welcome to attend the class, too. The class will be offered at 11:30 am following the worship services on May 1, May 8, and May 15. The class on May 1 will answer the question: “What does it mean to be a Presbyterian?” The class on May 8 will answer the questions: “Why become a member of a church?” and “Why become a member of this congregation?” In the final class on May 15, we’ll tie up loose ends and take a “Spiritual Gifts Assessment.” If you want to become a member or if you are interested in attending the classes, please let me know!
One thing I love about the Presbyterian theology of church membership is that membership and faith in Jesus Christ are integrally tied together. To become a member of the church, a person must profess to trust in God’s mercy, to turn from sin and renounce evil, to trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to commit to live in obedience to Jesus, and to devote themselves to the life of the church. As Easter approached, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the resurrecting life of Christ!
Peace to you,
Pastor Neff