1 Peter 3:15 - “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.
The Journey Continues
On Saturday, I began packing up my office. For such a small space it holds an amazing amount of books and memories. Each item carries memories of the people and places that God has taken me so far.
There is an oriental fan from a member of Noe Valley Ministries in San Francisco. This congregation considers it their mission to nurture new pastors. During my internship there, I learned to “go with the flow” – the flow of the Holy Spirit. I was terrified of speaking in public. When the time came for me to preach my first sermon to a real, actual, live congregation, I was nearly stiff with fear. But the moment I stepped behind the pulpit, I felt the reassuring presence of the Spirit. I realized then that I could preach and even preach joyfully through the power of Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Behind the door is my black preaching robe. It’s well worn now. But six years ago, having a robe was only a dream. Who would have imagined they were so expensive? A week before I left to begin my first call, the members of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfax, California presented me with a farewell card. In it was a page from the Cokesbury catalog with a picture of a preaching robe along with a check for half the purchase price. Everyone had signed the card with words of encouragement and love. Whenever I robe up on Sunday mornings I remember them. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…”Hebrews 12:1
Sitting on the corner of my desk is a picture of my husband James. He is and always will be a living reminder of God’s unexpected grace. We met when I was the pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Tulia, Texas. On a hot, dry July afternoon, I preached at the funeral for one of James’ good friends. When everyone had gone home and I was mustering up the energy to leave myself, James called. He said, “You’ve had a hard day, can I take you out to dinner.” We’ve been together ever since. “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4
On the shelf behind my desk is an olive wood nativity scene from the Holy Land. This gift from the organist at Middlewell Methodist Church is a reminder of God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his son, Jesus Christ, that who ever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
These are only a few of the stories of when, where and how I’ve experienced God’s grace and presence. I’m looking forward to sharing more of them with you and to hearing your stories. Most of all, I can’t wait to see how God’s grace and presence are revealed to us as we journey together in faith. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy spirit be with all of you.”2 Corinthians 13:13
Rev. Terry Hart
Interim Pastor
written for The Presbyterian Connection, January 2010
| Presbyterian Church of Bull Shoals
903 Walnut Ave.
P. O. Box 687
Bull Shoals, Arkansas 72619 Telephone: 870-445-4622
• Office Hours Tuesday through Friday - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sunday • Bible Study - 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM • Morning Worship - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday • Pastor's Office Hours - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Tuesday • Pastor's Office Hours - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Wednesday • Pastor's Office Hours - 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM Thursday • Pastor's Office Hours - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM • Pastor's Office Hours - 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Life Line Screening - Register now Life Line Screening will be at the church on April 21, 2010. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-679-5192 Source Code: HSC5866 Stated Session Meeting - March 15 Stated Session meetings at 1:00 pm every 3rd Monday in the Christian Education room. Deacon Meeting - March 18 Deacons meet 1:30pm in Memorial Hall. Friday Family Fellowship Friday, March 19 from 5:00 to 7:00. Bring a dish (or two) to share and join the fun. Father's of the Reformation |
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