Discipleship continues

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