Dear family and friends of WCPC:

I haven’t said a lot about New Year resolutions.  One reason is that I have had trouble keeping some of mine in the past, particularly in regards to physical exercise.  So I’ve “resolved” not to talk about that again until I’m actually doing it. 

 But making commitments or renewing old commitments is a good thing, if there is resolve to see them through.   Certainly my prayer for each of you and for myself is that we will resolve to deepen our faith in the coming year.  If one commitment can make the difference for all the other commitments one makes in life, it’s this commitment for disciples of Jesus Christ.

 It’s a commitment that takes discipline and intentionality.   It involves far more than just worship on Sunday, though it certainly involves that because of our need for communion with God and community with each other, but daily time with God as we read and study scripture, daily prayer and engagement regularly in service to others.

 This Sunday in both of our worship services we will reaffirm our baptismal vows.    Let me share them with you so you know what to expect on Sunday:

 Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

 I believe that as we are reminded of our baptismal covenant with God, these vows, these commitments will guide our living.  They will help inform the choices we make or don’t make.  They will help us open new doors and maybe close some old ones.   They will free us to live the abundant life that God offers through Jesus Christ. 

 These commitments aren’t easy, but with the power of the Holy Spirit at work and with others to share both the burdens and the joys of this life, they can be fulfilled. 

 In preparation for Sunday let me suggest you read Isaiah 43: 1 – 7 and Luke 3: 15 – 17 and 21 – 22.  These two passages are the texts for my message on Sunday – “Delighting in God’s Amazing Grace.”

 Three announcements:

 1.        Remember the Blood Drive today in the Fellowship Hall from 3:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m.  The need for blood during this season is high.

2.       There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary for the purpose of electing the members at large for this year’s Nominating Committee for ’09.   The current Nominating Committee will place in nominations four names for your consideration.  Nominations from the floor can also be made.

3.       An Inquirer’s Class will be held for the next three Sunday's during the Sunday School hour (9:45 – 10:45 a.m.) in the Fellowship Hall.  If you are receiving this email and haven’t officially joined the WCPC family, please know I would love to get to know you better through these classes.  If you have questions, please email me at djones@wcpc-tx.org or call me at 832-326-2554.

That’s all for now.  Keep warm and I will see you on Sunday.

Your pastor,

David Jones

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

Our theme for this year’s Stewardship focus has been “Continue the Journey.”  This Sunday, as part of worship, you will have the opportunity to bring forward or place in the offering plate your financial commitment as a disciple to the ministry and mission of The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, as together we continue our journey as a community of faith.    Several weeks ago you received a “Commitment Card” in the mail.  Additional cards will be in the pew racks this Sunday.

You might ask why is this necessary and important.  First your Session will determine the budget for 2010 based in large part on the responses received.   Your regular and faithful financial support is the means through which we fund  the many ministries that bless both the members of this congregation and those outside of it.  

While this reasons is certainly important for you to note, the second reason is by far the most important – your regular and faithful giving is part of your call to discipleship.

This Sunday is “Christ the King” Sunday.  In preparation for the service you might wish to read the scripture I’m using for the text of my message – John 18: 33 -38.  In this passage Jesus declares both his Lordship and the Kingdom he came to usher in.  As followers of Jesus, our Lord and King, we offer our lives, everything in response to his call to discipleship.    

I grew up in the Presbyterian Church in the United States.  In 1976 that denomination presented a new Book of Confessions for consideration.  This new Book of Confessions was rejected by a vote of the presbyteries, though it was recommended for study.  One of the proposed statements of faith, “A Declaration of Faith,”  has been very helpful to me as I have considered  my discipleship.   We’ve used sections from it  on occasion at WCPC as our Statement of Faith.   Let me share one portion of it that is very relevant to our your prayerful consideration of your response this Sunday.

Jesus is our living Lord.

Jesus was dead and buried,

but God raised him from the dead.

The risen Lord appeared to his followers.

They recognized him as their Master

who had been crucified.

Before Jesus left them,

he commanded them to proclaim to all people

the good news of his victory over death,

and promised to be with them always.

We are certain that Jesus lives.

He lives as God with us,

touching all of human life with the presence of God.

He lives as one of us with God.

Because he shares our humanity

and has bound us to himself in love,

we have an advocate in the innermost life of God.

We declare that Jesus is Lord.

His resurrection is a decisive victory

over the powers that deform and destroy human life.

His lordship is hidden.

The world appears to be dominated by people and systems

that do not acknowledge his rule.

But his lordship is real.

It demands our loyalty and sets us free

from the fear of all lesser lords who threaten us.

We maintain that ultimate sovereignty

now belongs to Jesus Christ

in every sphere of life.

Jesus is Lord!

He has been Lord from the beginning.

He will be Lord at the end.

Even now he is Lord.                                           

Thanks be to God!

Your pastor,

David Jones

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

            There are many advantages to the technological age in which we live.  The personal computer and the internet have changed education, the workplace and the home.  With both, by using our fingertips, we are able to retrieve and utilize information that would have required hours of research in dusty libraries, and that’s assuming the information was there to be found.  How I wish they were available when I was in college and especially seminary. 

            There is a great advantage to email, texting, and the new social networks (i.e. Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc.).  More and more people are connecting online with friends and family, many who live on the other side of the world.  Recently I was able to connect with a childhood friend from my hometown I hadn’t talked to in over twenty years through Facebook. 

            So don’t get me wrong, I welcome and take advantage of these resources.  But I do have a concern.  While I think the new tools for connecting with other people electronically can be helpful, I don’t think they can replace face to face human contact, which I fear more and more is being lost.

            As you probably guess I read, often online, much about what the church of the future may look like.  One scenario that seems to be gaining popularity is, for lack of a better phrase, an “online church,” where an “online community” can worship, study, interact with one another, without ever leaving the comforts of home.  The reality is this scenario isn’t some unknown future, it’s happening now.

            Now maybe my age is showing a bit here, but while I do think there are some advantages to “social networking” for disciples (WCPC is on Facebook and this email is another), my prayer is that we will never let these tools become more important than the human contact that we crave and need.

            When I weep, I like to have another beside me, literally and physically.   When I laugh, it’s good when I can hear others laugh as well.  Sometimes you need a hand to hold or you long for someone to hug you.

            The genie is out.  The internet and social networking is here to stay, but please don’t ever let these marvelous tools, which used in the right way can enhance relationships become a means through which relationships are distorted and community diminished 

            My text this Sunday is Mark 10: 35 – 45 and the title of the message is “Success Redefined.”  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, as this “offline” community of faith gathers.

             Your pastor,

             David Jones

October 9, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

                A “cool” front is arriving this morning.  Personally I can’t wait.  It’s been a very hot and humid summer.  Let’s hope this front signals the beginning of our fall season.

                Life is full of seasons.  The writer  of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted…a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance…”  (3: 1 – 4)

                As I reflected upon the lives of the members and friends of WCPC I know that all of you, including your pastor, are going through different seasons of life.  Some of you are in the season of parenting young children; some in the season of parenting teens.  Others of you are in the season of being an empty nester.  For some, it’s the season of health issues and doctor visits.  For others, the season of distress over relationships.  Some are in the season of grief and loss.  Some are in the season of unemployment and still others in the season of concern over their current job. 

                I could continue the list.  Maybe it would be best if you fill in the season you are in right now. 

                As I’ve reflected back on the seasons I’ve experienced, both the joyous and the troubling, two realities have blessed and sustained me.  First, the reality of God’s presence in the midst of my life through Jesus Christ.  And second, the presence of others in my life to either share my joy or to comfort and encourage me when I was eager for a particular season to end. 

Whatever season, whatever situation you find yourself in, know that you are not alone.  Know that there are others in the community of faith at WCPC willing to pray and stand with you, because many have been in that same season themselves.  And know that our God stands with you as well through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

I often look back on past seasons that were difficult, seeking to understand them better, to learn from them, to discover some truth about myself or the world around me.  Sometimes I’m at a lost to see anything coming out of those seasons that are worth holding onto.   Then I remember God’s presence and the presence of others and think to myself, that’s really enough!  What else do I need?

The scripture passages for this Sunday are Exodus 20: 1 – 7, Deuteronomy 5: 12 – 15 and Exodus 31: 12 – 18.  Christa’s message is entitled “Permission to Rest.”

See you on Sunday.

Your pastor,

David Jones

October 2, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

We’re having a Rummage Sale tomorrow at WCPC from 7:00 a.m. till noon.  All week people have been dropping off their  stuff, which they don’t need any more,  which in the eyes of someone else will be a new found “treasure.”  It’s been interesting to walk through and see just what has come in and the many different tastes that people have for just about everything.

Half of the proceeds of the Rummage Sale will be used to assist the Montgomery County Homeless Coalition and the other half to support the WCPC Youth Ministry, primarily helping to reduce the costs of mission trips, Mo Ranch Conferences and retreats, so more kids can attend.

I won’t be here all morning tomorrow,  but I will drop by and it’s kind of fun to watch people taking  home stuff that they have “redeemed.” 

On Sunday we will be celebrating the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.  It’s World Communion Sunday and part of our focus will be on our many brothers and sisters, both in this country and in other lands who will also, at some point in the 24 hours of Sunday also celebrate this sacrament.

We believe that as we come to the table we are nurtured by the presence of the Holy Spirit, who in our midst reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice, our redemption through God’s grace, and God’s call to each of us to live lives worthy of the gospel.

God has redeemed us through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.   As Peter reminds us in his first letter, “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  (I Peter 2:10)

I would invite you to come to worship with a sense of gratitude to God for what God has done in Jesus Christ.  God has restored us to himself through Jesus Christ.  We have value and worth and our lives have purpose and meaning.

Thanks be to God!

My text for the message on Sunday is John 5: 1 – 9 and the title: “Do You Want to Get Well?.”  I invite you to give that question some thought as well.

           Your pastor,

           David Jones

September 25, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

I’ve had a good week.  I joined Facebook on Monday and have been receiving messages throughout the week with people confirming me as a friend.  Good to know you have friends.  Even though I’m not as comfortable with it as I like, I do see potential for it as a means of communication.   If any of you would like to be my friend on Facebook, I would welcome it.

            WCPC also has a Facebook page.  We haven’t done much with it so far, but it also, like our webpage (www.wcpc-tx.org), the monthly newsletters (both mailed and posted on the website), the Life of the Church, and my emails to you is another form of communication so that we can connect with one another.

            Friends are vital to our health and happiness.  Human beings weren’t created to live in isolation.  We need other people who will laugh and cry with us.  I’ve found that because I live in community my joys are richer and my sorrows more bearable. 

            Friendships aren’t always easy.  We have to be willing to be a bit vulnerable, allow people in as they get to know us, but in the long run it’s worth the risks.  There are many places where you can develop friendships, but I’ve found my friendships with my brothers and sisters in the church family to be the most important. 

            Of course as we develop friendship with people we get to know them and they get to know us and in the process we can share with them the things we value most, like our faith.

            Evangelism is often seen as a negative word.  We think of street preachers or today some television preachers who try to guilt us into believing or scare us so that we want to believe.  Or we complicate it by thinking somehow we’ve got to make certain we get it right in our presentation, less our error cause someone to turn away.

            But evangelism, as a friend of mine once said, is simply “one friend telling another friend about their best friend.”  Evangelism is simply telling our story of how we came to know the love of God found in Jesus Christ and what that has meant for us as we live our lives.  What God does with our story is God’s business.  Ours is to just tell it, share it.

            This Sunday is designated as EVANGELISM SUNDAY in the Presbyterian Church.  I will be preaching on Acts 1: 6 – 11 and talking about the kind of evangelism that I believe is most appropriate in our world today and also very biblical and even Presbyterian.

            A few announcements:

 Tomorrow WCPC Social Justice Forum meets at 8:30 a.m. in the parlor.  The focus:  “Gitmo – Criminals or POWs?  Does it matter?”  All are invited.

Our Adult Sunday School got off to a great start last Sunday with 99 adults involved in five classes.   There is still room for you! 

This Sunday from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. a monthly Marriage Class will begin.  It will meet once a month through the spring. 

And next Saturday WCPC is sponsoring a Yard Sale in the Fellowship Hall.  Proceeds will be used to support the Montgomery Homeless Coalition and our Youth Ministry.  If you have any unwanted treasures, bring them to church next week. 

             See you on Sunday.

             Your pastor,

             David Jones

September 18, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

          The journey of a disciple isn’t moving from one big event to another, though I know few who don’t enjoy the high points of discipleship (i.e. a Mo Ranch Conference, a mission trip, Easter or Christmas Eve worship) but living day by day, moment by moment with a growing awareness of God’s grace and guidance. 

          We can’t do this alone.  We need others to go with us on the journey, especially others to teach us and encourage us to keep going, particularly when it’s tough. 

Do you remember any of your grade school Sunday School teachers?  You know as hard as I have tried, I can’t remember their names.  I also can’t remember the many meals my mother prepared and served me all those many years of my life living at home.  But each of those meals nurtured me physically.  Without them I wouldn’t have grown. 

          In the same way our Sunday School teachers, Bible Study leaders, and youth sponsors, nurture us spiritually.  We may not be able to remember their names (at least not those who taught us many years ago), but I know each and every one had an impact.  They helped us grow spiritually.  They help us or helped us to see discipleship as more than an occasional experience but instead a lifelong commitment.

          This Sunday we will be commissioning the many teachers who make ministry and mission happen at WCPC.  Each commits themselves to preparation and study.  Each is making a difference, though it may not be seen immediately.  Each is either planting seeds or nurturing seeds that others planted.  All are vital for the spiritual growth of the members and friends of WCPC.  My message, while not focused only on teachers, certainly applies to them:  “Leadership Means Serving.”  The texts are Psalm 1 and Mark 9: 30 – 37.

          Appropriately enough the Sunday School ministry gets back into full gear this Sunday.  All adult classes are commencing.  I urge you to prayerfully consider which class is the right place for you right now in your journey of discipleship.  Here’s a list of the adult classes this fall during the Sunday School hour (9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.):

 The Gospel of Matthew, using the Daily Lectionary from the Book of Common Worship;

this class will be lead by Bob Campbell and will meet in Annex H-1.

Science and Religion, using the curriculum of Lawrence Principe at Rice University;

this class will be lead by Paul Haeberlen.   They will be meeting Annex F.

The Gospel of John using the commentary written by Dr. William Barclay. 

This class meets in the Parlor and shares leadership.

Presbyterian Beliefs: A Brief Introduction by Donald K. McKim,

which I will be leading.  It will meet in the Fellowship Hall, though this Sunday in the sanctuary.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young.   David Martinez will be helping to facilitate.  They will meet in Annex H-3.

           Also this Sunday, after the 11:00 a.m. worship service there will be a fellowship luncheon (no reservations required) served in the Fellowship Hall celebrating 10 years of partnership with our African brothers and sisters in Zambia.  Along with the luncheon there will be an alternative market where you can buy fair trade coffee, teas, chocolate, along with Christmas, Birthday and Greeting cards.  There’s going to be a silent auction on handcrafted items from Africa and crafts made by members of WCPC.  All the proceeds will go to benefit refugee assistance.  There will also be a slide show, highlighting the past 10 years and  plenty for our children to do (i.e. Africa map puzzles, head carry challenge, et.). 

          I trust as your week winds down it’s been productive.  Now as we turn to the weekend my prayer for each of you is that you will find refreshment as God’s people gather to encourage each other on this joyous journey as we follow Jesus.  If

 Your pastor,

 David Jones

September 11, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

Today and tomorrow are days for remembering.  First, we remember 9/11.  When I remember and reflect back on those events the memories I dwell on  revolve around both the heroism that was so obvious and the unity, not only of our country, but of faith communities within our country, as we sought to comfort and encourage one another in a season of great trouble.

I remember how in Marietta, where I served as pastor,  we held a worship service several days following the events of that tragic day.  I recall the sober nature of that gathering, but also the hope that we found assurance in.  I remember how churches were filled with people seeking comfort and direction.   I also remember the many efforts undertaken to stand with our Muslim neighbors, most of whom were American citizens, who were also so devastated by the events of that day and in many ways continue to feel its impact. 

The passage I remembering reading often in the days and weeks that followed was Psalm 46:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.  (verses 1 – 3)

And so God is!  We also remember this weekend Hurricane Ike and its aftermath.  Again, we could focus on what was lost, but I choose to focus instead on other things.  I remember the 140 folks who gathered for worship in our sanctuary that Sunday.  We had no power, except the power of the Holy Spirit.  I remember how members of this congregation, almost immediately after the storm started to help their neighbors and friends with recovery. 

One memory I will not forget is Warren Johnson, in his ninth decade of life, when driving by our home and seeing a tree on our roof, stop, knocked on the door and wanted to know if I needed his help removing the tree. 

Of course recovery efforts continue, and will for some time,  for many in our region whose houses and lives were so devastated.   While national attention has moved on to other events, faithful people of all ages continue to give of their time and money to help others get back on their feet. 

I’m certain each of you have memories, both good and bad, of both of these events.  Let me encourage you to reflect upon them in the days ahead, giving thanks to God for God’s presence and grace and seeking to always be open to where you can be a means of sharing Christ’s love and mercy .

This Sunday let me remind you of the Ministry Fair in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour (9:45 – 10:45) and immediately after the 11:00 worship service.  Many of the active ministries in our church will be displayed, both for your information and prayers, but also for your involvement.  There is literally something for everyone.

Also this Sunday we begin a new theme in worship:  “The Joy of Discipleship.”  Using passages from the lectionary over the coming months each of us will be encouraged and I hope equipped to consider the next step in our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.  This Sunday my message is “You’ve Got to Serve Somebody” and the passages are Psalm 19 and Mark 8: 27 – 31. 

I look forward to the positive, good memories that we will make together!

Your pastor,

David Jones

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

            We move into Holy Week on Sunday.  Holy Week observances began in Jerusalem in the earliest days of the Church, when devout people traveled to Jerusalem at Passover to reenact the events of the week leading up to the resurrection.  Egeria was a Christian who traveled widely between 381 – 385 and wrote about Christian customs and observances in Egypt, Palestine, and Asia Minor.  She described how religious tourists to Jerusalem reenacted the events of Holy Week. 

            On Palm Sunday afternoon, she wrote, the crowds waved palm fronds as they made a procession from the Mount of Olives into the city.  The tourists, who participated, took the customs home with them.  Holy Week observances spread to Spain by the fifth century and to Gaul (today’s France and Belgium) and England by the early seventh century.

  Holy Week observances for over 1600 years have encouraged Christian disciples to reenact, relive, and reflect upon the love and grace of God shown in the passion of Jesus Christ.  As we remember Christ’s sacrifice, we offer to God our lives as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1).  As we allow ourselves to marvel at the depths of God’s love during Holy Week we are readied to serve joyfully our resurrected Lord.

This Sunday, in addition to our morning Palm Sunday observances at both worship services, at 7:00 p.m. the Sanctuary Choir will present “The Colors of Grace.”  This Lenten Cantata, presented by our choir, with an orchestra, will help prepare us as we look to the cross.

During Holy Week, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. till 7:30 a.m. we will hold morning devotions in the Prayer Garden.  There will be time for meditation, prayer, scripture reading and reflection.  Christa and I will be using the Lectionary passages for Holy Week. 

On Maundy Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. we will gather as a community in the sanctuary for our Maundy Thursday worship service.  In this service we remember the Last Supper of our Lord, as well as Jesus’ command to his disciples, and to us, that we are to “love one another.”  Jesus demonstrated, illustrated his love for as he died on the cross for our sakes.  As found in the prophet Isaiah -- “… he was wounded for our transgression…. and by his bruises we are healed.”  (53:5). Christa Brewer will be delivering the message on Maundy Thursday.

I hope that you will consider these opportunities next week as we prepare for the good news of Easter morning!

Your pastor,

David Jones

            Now we can laugh at this thief, but how often do we give up our most precious assets for diminishing returns? 

            Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten season.  Lent is a season in our spiritual lives when we should ask ourselves tough questions about what we are exchanging our lives for and whether or not the transaction provides real value.  Many have discovered during this current economic turndown that their stock portfolio isn’t as strong as it was a year ago.  Hopefully, in time, there will be recovery.  I believe there is also time for spiritual recovery.  That it is possible to move away from attitudes and actions that diminish life and instead embrace attitudes and actions that enhance life, not only your own, but the lives of others. 

            One of the traditions associated with Lent is self denial.  People will give up dessert or meat.  One Lent I gave up caffeine.  Giving up something so that in its place we can focus more on God’s grace and presence makes sense, but only, in my judgment if the growth experience continues well past Lent.  I mean, that’s the whole purpose.  Not to be changed for 40 days, but to be changed. 

            Of course you don’t have to give something up.  You can add something to your life.  Maybe commit to waking up a few minutes earlier each morning and spend that time in prayer.  Maybe volunteer at a food pantry.  The options are numerous.  And of course, at the end of Lent it’s not that you go back to life as it was before, but that you are changed in a significant way by the experience, so that getting up every day to spend time with God or volunteering to assist others becomes part of your lifestyle.

            As Jesus, in Mark 8 begins to move toward the cross, he asks his disciples, “For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?”  (Mark 8: 36)  A good question to ask any time, but it’s especially appropriate right now as we enter Lent.

            Your pastor,

            David Jones