A Note from the Pastor

Several years ago, I wrote a sermon that revolved around springtime being my favorite season. While I can appreciate most seasons, Spring is what I would still call my favorite. The majority of people that I know are typically drawn to the season of Fall. Maybe that’s just a southern thing, but the autumn colors and cooler nights around a fire are very typical highlights and cherished by many. When Spring comes around, it may be thought of mostly as when it rains, when the pollen begins to pick up, or when all of the bugs start showing up again. These are all things I don’t particularly enjoy either. When I wrote that sermon, and still continue to think about Spring, I can’t help but get over the theological connections of this season and the timing of the church calendar. Typically, spring begins right around the time of Lent. A season to remind us of death and our mortality in many ways. We go through Lent reflecting on how to reorient ourselves toward God and to live out the ‘dying to ourselves’ thought presented in scripture. All the while, the world around us starts budding with new life. Flowers begin to bloom, birds sing more in the morning, and the bees come out again. All of this leads to the culmination of Easter and the Easter season we find ourselves in right now. I like this season so much because it reminds us that even through a season of death and hardship, God continues to bring new life where there was nothing. It helps me look at a season that could be quite annoying and reframe a lot of what’s happening around me. The bugs, the pollen, the rain, or unpredictable weather, for that matter, are all signs of new life. The broken things are being restored. This is the main theme we’ve been learning about through this easter season. We’ve experienced loss during this season in different ways. My hope and prayer for the remainder of this Easter season is that we can take a moment to look outside. See what God is doing and how God is working. May we remember the same way God’s creation goes through those seasons of renewal, so too are we being renewed by a God who loves us dearly. 

Grace & Peace

-Justin Miller

From your Pastor Affiliate

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen. Tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 from the Message) 

April showers bring May flowers – or so the saying goes! I guess we see what is coming in a positive way. And April’s Easters bring May’s blessings – or so Dan’s saying goes! Some of the ‘special’ Sundays in May include Mother’s Day (the 10th) – Pentecost (the 24th) – and Memorial Day Sunday (also the 24th). And because of Easter, every Sunday in May (including these two) are special because they keep the Easter Story alive! For me, Mother’s Day is a reminder of the faith that has been passed on to me from generations before me! Memorial Day is reminder that those who gave their very lives for our freedom have the promise of heaven! Pentecost is a reminder that God – the Holy Spirit – is always with us and fulfills Jesus’ words that he will never leave us! But then again, every Sunday is reminder of the Resurrection and the gift of life here and now AND forever! It doesn’t end with May – but we should celebrate May!

The verse above is the end of a passage from Matthew that is entitled: DO NOT WORRY! It talks about how the birds of the air don’t worry about eating – and the lilies of the fields don’t worry about how they look – because the Heavenly Father takes care of them. And, if he takes care of them, won’t he take care of us? Most of us worry – don’t we? Yet, as people of faith, we are told to take it one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow! Maybe the story of Easter, that remains alive in May (and all that follows), can take care of some of our anxiousness. We are reminded of the gift of Freedom. We are reminded that people before us have shared faith with us (often mothers). We are reminded of God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us – and that we are blessed as His church! And every single Sunday we are reminded that we have been given the gift of forgiveness and eternal life!

     As we journey into May (and beyond) – take each day as it arrives – and try not to worry so much! It is good for your soul! And look at the May flowers and remember that God takes care of them – and he cares for you so much more!

(PS: Just so you know, I won’t be in worship any Sundays in May as I will be preaching at other churches (Mostly St. Luke’s) and away for some vacation time – but I will still be available in the office!)

In Jesus’ Love, Dan

Christian Education Notes

Bible Studies

Tuesday Morning Bible Study "If you are interested in diving deeper into God's Word in a different, more casual, setting as compared to Sunday morning, join us for the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. It is a time to gather, discuss, and learn from one another how God's Word is speaking to and through each of us. We will be hosting Bible studies at the church, meeting each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Room. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Wednesday Evening Bible Study If you are not able to attend Tuesday Morning Bible Study we will also meet on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Room.

Announcements

M & M (Men & More) Monthly Outing

Everyone is invited to join this group for dinner and fellowship at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen Dr. on Tuesday, May 12. Fellowship begins approximately at 5:00, and we usually order dinner around 5:30. We hope to see you there.

Betsy Ross Tea

Let’s Celebrate our Country’s 250th Anniversary!

Your Deacons are hosting a Betsy Ross Tea

Tea date & Time:  June 12 @ 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church

Invite friends & family for a Special time to

Celebrate with Tea, Cookies, & More!

In Case of an Emergency

If you have an emergency after hours or on the weekend, please email Justin at justin@fpcmiddletown.com.

We give thanks to God for the life of. . .

• Nancy Peterson, who died on April 16.

• Rusty Miller, who died on April 22. He is the father of Justin Miller.

• Jerry Ralston, who died on April 25.

  Online Calendar

The church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar