First Presbyterian Church of Fresno

Dear First Pres,

It’s Christmas Eve eve! I hope you’re ready to worship and celebrate. Yes, our celebration is different, and it’s hard to miss some of those beloved traditions, but the truth of what we celebrate hasn’t changed one bit. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!” Christ has come, Immanuel, and He is coming again. So, even if your celebration looks different this year, ask the Lord to help you truly rejoice in the truth of that first Noel and receive your King.

Dear First Pres,

   “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). I imagine that living into the fullness of these words from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been a challenge for you in 2020. It certainly has been for me. Particularly, I haven’t always been joyful, and I haven’t given thanks in all circumstances. 

Dear First Pres,

   I imagine you’re wondering what will be happening with FPC ministries in the midst of our current COVID-19 realities. I’m going to address that below.

Dear First Pres,

   It’s Advent! It’s a season set aside to focus on the coming of Jesus - both His coming 2000 years ago through His Bethlehem birth and His coming again to judge the living and the dead. So Advent is both a season of celebration and of longing. We celebrate that Christ has come bringing salvation to all who put their faith in Him. And we long for His wonderful return to put all things right and complete His great work of redemption and restoration. 

Dear First Pres,

   Over the last few weeks, I’ve talked about the way that all the current circumstances in our world have created a sense of pressure on families and communities and yes, even churches. The image that came to mind today, as my own family is dealing with the disappointment of cancelled Thanksgiving travel, is that of a frazzled family.

Dear First Pres,

   As expected, Fresno County moved back into the Purple Tier this week. I lament this on so many levels: for its impact on the physical, emotional, relational, and economic health of our community. God, have mercy.

   How will we respond? We will continue to press on in the mission that God has given us to make disciples for the redeeming transformation of our city and world while doing our part to slow the spread of this virus.

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   What a week! We expected the election process to be drawn out this year, and so it is. Most likely, by the time you see this letter, there will not yet be a definitive winner of the Presidential race. In the meantime, I pray you are sowing peace. James 3:18 says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

Dear First Pres,

We’re adjusting our worship schedule again. 

Dear First Pres,