First Presbyterian Church of Fresno

Dear First Pres,

Are you in a Growth Group? I met with my Growth Group guys last night. Each of us has been out quite a bit this summer, but last night we almost had our entire group together. It was a reminder of two things: (1) I’m really grateful for this group, (2) the start of the school year is just around the corner. Why share that with you? Because if you aren’t in a Growth Group, I think you’d also really appreciate being in one. And, the start of the school year is a great time to launch something new in your weekly routine.

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   Have you ever sat back and remembered old dreams? Sometimes, the dreams are weird like the time I watched my brother fold a watermelon like a t-shirt. Sometimes, they are heartwarming like when a loved one visits and chats. Well, for me, I often sit back and think about the dreams from my first few years in Fresno.

Dear First Pres,

   Our church campus has been aglow this week with Children’s Ministry’s first large event since March 2020. About 71 children and 80 or so volunteers are gathered for City Bible Adventure, a collaborative partnership with Bethany Innercity Church, World Impact, On Ramps Church, Hope Now for Youth, and Martin Park.

   It has been full steam ahead (pun intended) as we embarked on the Rocky Railway to help children discover that the power of Jesus is something they can count on to pull them through life’s ups and downs.

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   Every once in a while I just need to share some bullet points. Today is one of those days:

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres, 

   In last week’s Weekly letter, I rolled out our new mission. Did you catch that? Our new mission is simple. Our mission is Loving God, Loving Our Neighbor, Making Disciples, and Pursuing Shalom, all in response to the grace and sacrifice of Jesus and only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

   I love our fourfold mission, but today I just want to focus on the first element: Loving God. 

Dear First Pres,