Pastor's Piece: Summer 2010

Have you ever listened for God? In our adult Bible study, ASAPH, we have been trying to listen for God as we have studied various passages of scripture. Over the past two years we have been using a study called “No Experience Necessary” written by a woman named Kelly Fryer. Fryer has invited participants to consider three questions when reading a Bible text: What do you think God is doing here? What do you hear God saying to you personally? What do you hear God saying to us?

For the third question the “us” became Prince of Peace. Here are some of the things that I heard God saying to Prince of Peace along with the appointed text from scripture that guided my hearing:

• Be open to my Word (Luke 4:14-44)
• Be flexible – move where I will have you go – be a blessing to others (Genesis 11:27-12:9)
• My hand and loving presence will lead you even during difficult and challenging times (Exodus 1:1-2:10)
• Seek my will and not merely your own (1 Samuel 8)
• I am going to do new things among you – a transformation is taking place (2 Corinthians 5:11-25)
• Don’t point fingers, be accountable, envision a future with hope for all (Mark 16:1-8)
• Trust in me – I will show you the way (Psalm 13)
• There’s work to be done – get out there! (Luke 10:1-20)
• Move beyond your comfort zone – there is much for you to do (Philippians 2:1-15)
• Keep looking to me for solutions – with me, nothing is impossible (Mark 10:17-27)
• Don’t be afraid – be bold in mission (Acts 4:18-31)
• It is time for action – be strong – do not give into fear (Acts 9:10-20)
• In the dark and in the light you are called to be faithful (Acts 16:22-40)
• You are blessed – there is work to do (Exodus 2:23-25; 19:1-6)
• I promise to be here for you (Deuteronomy 5:1-3)
• Look for ways to keep united in mission (1 Kings 11:1-8; 12:1-11, 16-19)
• Change is coming – prepare! (2 Kings 22)
• I will be empower you to do the mission that I am calling you to do (Luke 1:26-56)
• Don’t forget the poor in your planning for the future (Luke 6:12-36)
• Who do you say that I am? How are you getting to know me? (Luke 9:18-36)
• Never give up in your efforts to teach people about my Gospel! (Luke 15)
• Are you doing enough to let the children come to me? (Luke 18:9-30)
• I have given you everything. What are you willing to give for my Kingdom? (Luke 23:32-49)

Do you hear God saying similar or different things when you consider His will for Prince of Peace? Please join the discussion! Summer can be a time to slow our pace and be more deliberate in listening for the guidance of God. God is doing wonderful things among us. Let’s open our eyes, ears, hearts and lives to more deeply appreciate this abundant grace!

- Pastor John Holliday



Last Month's Pastor's Piece: April 2010

Are leaders born or made? Like other debates concerning the effects of “nature and nurture,” it is probably a combination of both. It should be noted, however, that in both situations of nature and nurture God continues as the true driving force in developing healthy leadership qualities. Basking in the joy of this revelation, I am very pleased to report that our Prince of Peace community will have the opportunity on May 23rd to celebrate publicly the identification of seven new adult leaders in this congregation! Their preparation and maturity of faith will be highlighted on this day through the rite of confirmation! These individuals, like all who have been marked with the cross of Christ, were born to be leaders in the waters of Holy Baptism. This call to Christian leadership is a universal one for everyone who has been washed by God in the cleansing, renewing waters of the font. Confirmation, which is basically the act of affirming one’s baptism, publicly acclaims that we all have a role to play in the Lord’s plan. If someone does not do their part to the best of their ability, some of the details of God’s story of love can be lost and everyone is the poorer for this. Confirmation encourages full participation by all of Jesus’ disciples in the ongoing drama of God’s mission of mercy to rescue and restore a broken world.

As brothers and sisters in Christ at Prince of Peace, we also celebrate that these young Christians have reached a point of willingness and ability to assume more adult responsibility within the congregation and the world as a whole. Maturing to adulthood is an exciting and fearful time for parents and children alike. We rejoice over the leadership of the Holy Spirit in these individuals’ lives, and the wonderful ways that significant evidence of formation in the Christian faith has been made visible for all of us to share and celebrate.

When a child is baptized, the parents make certain promises to do what is needed to provide a basic foundation in the faith for their child. The torch of personal responsibility for continued adult learning is passed at the rite of confirmation to each of these new adult leaders. The Holy Spirit has blessed these 7 young leaders with gifts for building the church and making the world a happier, healthier place for us all. Seven young people will receive the rite. In the tradition of the church 7 gifts were poured into the life of the church for building the body of Christ. Our celebration of the birth of the church and the arrival of the Holy Spirit will be even more joyous this year as we mark this milestone for these young leaders. One important way that faithful Christian leadership is demonstrated is through regular worship attendance. I hope that you will also be able to share in this communal celebration as the Holy Spirit, our true leader and guide, inspires us to recognition of abundant blessings on so many different levels! Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of these young leaders and the love and support of their parents that have empowered and placed them at this important milestone. Please also join with me in thanking God for the love and support that He has provided for our confirmation students, their families and us all!

Come Holy Spirit!

- Pastor John Holliday