During your travels around the church you may have viewed the new 2009 Stewardship Theme Poster.
This poster was selected as it reminds us our worship includes how we use our Time, Talent and Tithe worship and thanksgiving for the blessings and position in Christ we enjoy through the completed work of the cross. The two trees reflect our two distinctly different styles of worship we enjoy between the Classic Service and Vine. Both styles are deeply rooted to the love and ancient traditions we experience from the heart of God.
Please take the time to view any of the church monitors to view a photographic focus on one ministry per month through the remainder of the year. We have chosen Vine as our focus for the month of May followed by Missions during the month of June. First Presbyterian Church maintains one of the busiest calendars in Polk County supporting the full range of ministry opportunities to support our mission statement “To Make and Mature disciples for Jesus Christ”.
In addition to the theme poster and photos you will see banners supporting the ministry of focus for the month designed by Linda McDonough. We want the congregation to be reminded of the great work of ministry we are able to provide fully supported by your faithful tithes and offerings. Each of the ministries at First Presbyterian Church are established and bathed in prayer to bring honor to thanks for all the God the Father has done for us.
Of course we are sensitive to the never ending commentary about the realities of the economy but we never want to loose site we serve the God who is in charge of all economies and circumstances. We feel now is hour to call those who have depended on their own strength to turn toward The Living God. Many believers are recommitting their lives to the Word and Prayer and they are seeing the futility of expecting solutions from government and self effort. The promises of God’s provision are sure and real to all who believe and order their life according to His Word. God the Father is the supplier of all things which are good.
Mat 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock.” And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. "And everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand.” And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."
There is no surprise that this years National Day of Prayer, July 5th, has selected the 2 Chronicles 7:14 “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” This is confirmation of a national awareness that our times require repentance and a dependence on God. He is worthy of all honor, praise and glory. His goodness endures forever.
Finally we will be releasing a booklet for members and visitors titled “Scriptural Answers to the Hard Questions of Giving.” Scripture speaks to importance of giving as an essential element of our worship. We believe the Word of God clearly tells the story better than men. We challenge the congregation to use this tool and seek the Lord’s will for their lives in the area of stewardship. The principle of the harvest:
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 — “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all time’s, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ ”
We are excited to see what God has in store for First Presbyterian Church for 2009.
