The Messenger - September 16, 2007

Ministries to...
• Adults
• Kids
• Students
• Sporting Types
• Everyone

Worship information...
• Choirs
• Worship Style
• Sermons

Mission...
• Thanksgiving Baskets
• Meals on Wheels
• Supported Orgs.

Leaders...
• Staff
• Session
• Deacons
• Commissions

Publications...
• Messenger
• Pastor's Corners

Heritage...
• Our History
• Reformed Theology
• Presby. Gov't

Other...
• Wedding Info
• Join Us in Prayer
• S.P. Co-op Nursery School
• Job Openings
• Mailing lists
• Web mail
• Church forms
• Contact the pastor

    Pastor Neal's Notes

          The Hinge of History

During the last three weeks, I have been preaching upon "Prepositional Theology"--the huge theological concepts behind very simple words like "if" and "when."

• Deut 6: "When your children ask" [why we do these things], say "we were slaves in Egypt."

• Deut 28: "If you keep my commandments" [ then these blessings will follow]

• Deut 28: If you don't keep my commandments" [then these curses will follow]

• 2 Chr 7: "If my people will . . .repent [then I will forgive]

All of this is conditional theology. It's based on a strong sense of justice. We need justice in this world, and I am grateful for it. But I am even more grateful for God's mercy--a mercy that began to unfold in the Old Testament but did not reach it's apex until the death of Jesus Christ. For Christians, the fateful weekend in which Jesus died is "the hinge of history", the centerpiece of our faith, and the greatest revelation of God's character--both it's justice and it's grace.

Beginning this next Sunday, we will use that that "hinge" to explore a much fuller understanding of who God's is. Our vocabulary will not change--we'll still use "if" and "when"--but the way these words are used in the New Testament is just profound. Here are few examples:

• Romans 5: "When we were yet sinners, Christ died for us . . . "

• 2 Cor 5: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature . . ."

• Luke 21: "When the Son of Man comes, [scary things may happen BUT] . . . lift up your heads."

When properly understood, these words transport us from a theology of guilt and fear to a theology of gratitude and grace. The importance of that change is simply inestimable. But it all swings on the "hinge of history": faith in Jesus Christ and what he did for us.

Can you come out and share this swing?

Blessings and Peace,

• Series:  "Prepositional Theology"
• Sermon: "When we were yet sinners, Christ died for us . . . "
• Scripture: Romans 5
  
• Preacher: Rev. Neal Neuenschwander

• Ushers are needed!!!  Please consider how you can help in this area.  Couples may sign up to usher the on the same schedule; singles and youth are also welcome to contact Eric Langdon regarding usher duties and schedule.
  

                                                                                  

             Volunteers needed!

• Date:  September 22, 2007
• Time:  10:30am - 6:30pm
• Location:  Point Fermin Park

   
Martha Grace Reese

This Commission oversees our educational ministry to preschool and elementary school children.  They are responsible for organizing the nursery, the children's Sunday School, the children's fellowship groups, children's recreational outings, and our Vacation Bible School, which has had over 200 participants in recent years.  Children's Sunday School is held during morning worship from September through June, and teachers serve on a rotating basis (normally, about once a month).  Our children are encouraged to memorize Scripture and to make a personal commitment of faith in Jesus Christ.  A wide variety of creative techniques are used to "bring the message home."  Students at all levels are recognized for faithful attendance, and graduates of our 4th and 5th grade class are presented with their own Bibles during worship.

Chairperson: Karen Ederer