Faith in Action

Well, we made it through 2006!  And now we face a 2007 filled with hopes and dreams and expectations.  I love the New Year.  It is a time of rebirth and new beginnings.  This year I am going to lose weight AND keep it off! 

          We also have lots to build on from 2006.  We have begun the process that will lead to construction of a new Fellowship Hall, classrooms, bathrooms and more.  We had a fantastic “40 Days of Purpose Spiritual Campaign” where over 85 people participated in ten small groups and where we memorized scripture, looked inward and searched for what this life is all about.  I don’t think we have it all figured out yet, but it is a beginning.

          One of our “purposes” is involved in how we life out our faith for others – in other words: MISSION.  When I was at the National Outreach Convention in November I was exposed to an amazing new program called “Faith in Action” due to be released to churches in the summer of 2007.  I was so impressed I put our names in the ring to hopefully be selected as one of the 20 pilot churches of various denominations around the country that would test the program this winter.  About 150 churches applied … and drum roll please … we were selected as one of a very few Presbyterian churches (and the only church in this area).

          So, why am I so excited?  Well, let me tell you.  “Faith in Action” is a four week church wide program designed to enhance our outward focus and help us to together reach out in the community and serve our brothers and sisters.  It is about learning how to LIVE OUT God’s call to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

          There will be four weeks of small groups and daily devotional readings all focused on helping us develop a heart for compassion and action.  Our worship services will reflect what we study in our weekly small groups gatherings and then on the fourth Sunday – you’re going to love this – we are CANCELLING our worship service and instead will all go on service projects together.  There will be something for every age level.  And then that night we will come back together for a BIG PARTY!

          As a pilot church, all of our basic materials are FREE.  That makes it affordable. And all the auxiliary material is 50% off. 

          This is going to be FANTASTIC.  It will help us do what Christ has always called us to do – that is go outside our walls and reach out.  I am really jazzed and I hope in the weeks to come you will be also.  Look for more information to come soon.  We plan to begin the program here at STHPC immediately after the Mission Festival, February 4^th.

          2007 is going to be one of the best years for Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church and it’s members EVER!  I can feel it.  I look forward to walking with you into whatever God has planned for us.  Smile!  It is a great time to be alive!

          Be blessed, my friends, and as always, I’ll see you on Sunday…

          Pastor Tom