Dear First Pres,

   Pershendetje (“greetings” in Albanian)! Thanks so much for your prayers during my trip to Albania last week. Despite being delayed a day on my trip home, it was a wonderful time. I had the privilege of discovering the providence and mercy of God with the Bible students from Albania, Canada, USA, England, Germany, Kenya, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Australia, the Netherlands and Switzerland as we spent the week meditating on Ezra/Nehemiah. I brought greetings from First Presbyterian Church to both the churches of Erseke and Bilisht as I preached on Sunday in Erseke and led Wednesday night Bible study in Bilisht. I spent one-on-one time with our beloved missionary partners: Mark Stoscher & Eric Gundy. I enjoyed dinner with Zach & Besa Oaks (Zach is a son of our church) in their apartment in Bilisht. I visited with the Mayor of Erseke and his team who spent some time in Fresno last year. I had dozens of meaningful conversations with students. And, of course, I had a great time connecting with Linda Osborne, a member of our congregation, who has been serving as the “Mommy Linda” of the Bible School for several years.  

   Yes, it was exhausting, and it was wonderful.

   Thanks for being the kind of congregation who celebrates when the Senior Pastor is invited into these kinds of experiences. I’m sorry I missed two Sundays (was only planning to miss one), but I am grateful for the privilege of joining in the mission of God in Albania for the week.

   We really do have an amazing God who is working all around the world through His Spirit-empowered Church for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. And He is working right here in Fresno in and through us. Praise Him!

  That’s why it is a privilege to simply invite friends, family and neighbors into the life of our congregation throughout the year, but especially at times like Easter. For those who grew up completely separate from church or Christianity, Resurrection Sunday may not be that big of a deal. But for anyone who has any kind of Christian church background, there is likely a bit more of an openness to be at church on Easter than any other particular Sunday.

   Who is the Lord putting on your heart to invite this year? Have you put a yard sign in front of your house? Have you grabbed some invitations from the Sanctuary Entry to give to neighbors and friends? Are you prayerfully asking the Lord to ready your heart for the kairos (opportune) moments of sharing your faith or inviting others into our community?

   I’m praying everyday that the Lord stirs our hearts (mine included) more and more for our neighbors who have yet to believe the good news of Jesus. May we be a people quick to join Him in the mission of God around the world and in our own cul-de-sacs.

Blessings, 

Jeremy

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor

Dear First Pres,

   I truly believe Jesus is the answer to life’s biggest questions. I believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, that so many are desperately searching for, and yet few find. Our world is broken, and desperately in need of Jesus. 

   But the problem is that so few Christians go out of their way to share Jesus with their friends and neighbors who don’t typically go to church, including myself. I’ve been a lifelong Christian, and in full time vocational ministry for more than a decade. But the more I’ve gone deeper in the church world, the less I feel in touch with those who are outside the church. And that thought started to bother me. 

   I started to ask myself (with the prompting of the Holy Spirit), Why is it that the more I grow in Christian leadership, the less I’m engaged in evangelism? Why is it the older I get, the more fear I have of rejection? Why do I have so few friends outside the church? Am I praying for the lost to be saved? I wondered, when was the last time I witnessed an adult baptism in the church I attended? I longed to be part of a church where new life was normative – where lost people came to faith, grew in their faith, and boldly went out and shared their faith with others. 

   And that’s why we started Alpha. Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matt. 4:19) Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and we are invited to participate in that rescue mission. 

   During the annual meeting, I shared the story in the gospel of John, when Andrew encountered Jesus, and then he invited his brother Simon to “come and see”… 
Simon would later become the apostle Peter, and one of the greatest evangelists.

   It all started with Andrew inviting Simon to come and see. And that’s what an Alpha invitation is, to “come and see” Jesus for themselves. 

  Then I challenged you, the church, for three things: To invite, to pray, and to cook. And boy did you deliver! And boy, did God deliver! More than 50 gathered for a warm meal, a talk, and a conversation. It was a Jesus party! Our guests felt loved and cared for with the love of Jesus. Thank you for praying and thank you for inviting your friends to “come and see."

Blessings,
Jon Jo

P.S. Read on to enjoy this testimony from Teresa Leonard, about three young ladies that were invited to Alpha:

 I’ve been praying for months about Alpha. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I was to be there and exactly who I should invite: a previous neighbor I used to walk with weekly, whose friendship I’ve maintained. Immediately, I extended the invitation and started praying she would say yes and that nothing would deter her. 

    When last Wednesday finally came, I was in a buzz. My friend confirmed she would be there and though I didn’t know what to expect, the group was able to fill up the Fellowship Hall! I sat at a table with someone else who brought an unchurched friend. After the meal and video played, the table took turns answering questions. The questions began as fun icebreakers and eventually landed at, What question would you ask God? Throughout the questions, people shared more and more deeply. I listened and when it came to my turn to answer this final question, I shared vulnerably.

   After the event, I sat and talked with my friend outside for over an hour. I shared with her the story of the prodigal son - and what an honor it is to share Biblical parables with someone for the first time! She told me that this feels like the beginning of her new life, and that she wants to commit to coming all ten weeks. 

   On the way home, I got a text that the other unchurched gal at my table was deeply touched with my vulnerable share and would like to connect. So, I’m praying about starting a discipleship group with these two ladies. Please pray with me! 

   And, one last connection was made. A young gal had quite a time in the days immediately prior to the Alpha launch. Amongst other events, her car was totaled and she was stressed about needing rides. I told her that we have a group of Deacons that help with care needs, including transportation and she was floored. The next day, I connected her with a Deacon and she is getting the rides she needs. She has felt cared for and we’ve continued texting. Who knows? Maybe she would want to be a part of the discipleship group as well. 

   Praise the Lord! God is on the move, family, and it is an absolute joy to be part of it.

-Teresa Leonard
 

Communications's picture
Communications

Dear First Pres,

   Tomorrow I embark on what will be my fourth international trip in the last twelve months.

   In May of 2023 I was in Ethiopia learning about the wonderful work of World Vision and meeting many of the children who chose us to be their sponsors. In June I was leading a Biblical Tour of Israel under the guidance of our own Professor Brian Schultz, PhD. In November I joined a wonderful group of brothers to build a house in Tijuana, Mexico for Donnie and his family in partnership with Doxa. Now, I’m getting ready to go again.

   This time I’m headed to Albania where I will be preaching for our sister church in Ersekë on Sunday and then teaching for the Torchbearers International Bible School Monday through Friday. Many of you already know that FPC Fresno has a long history with the work of God’s people in southern Albania. We first sent folks there in 1992, not long after the fall of the communist regime. Now, for the last 32 years, places like Korce and Ersekë and Bilisht have held a special place in our hearts. What a privilege it is to continue that legacy of partnership this coming week!

   If you can’t tell, let me put it plainly. I love to see how God is at work around the world. I love being able to serve with and learn from our mission partners. My life has been deeply impacted by these kinds of experiences. My first trip like this was when I was 15. My home church (now Cornerstone Woodlake) sent a team to Ensenada, Mexico to help a local church run their Vacation Bible School for their neighborhood. It was on that trip that I had the privilege of sharing Jesus and praying for salvation with a young man named Guillermo. It was an experience that forever changed my perspective about the purpose of my life and my call to participate in the redemptive work of God.

   Since then I’ve been on some 30 trips. I’ve had the privilege of seeing God at work in Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, Albania, Ethiopia and Israel. And I’ve had the privilege of seeing God change American hearts in each of those places.

   That’s why we call them serve and learn trips. We don’t go to bring Jesus. We don’t go to be the experts. We don’t go to fix their problems. We go to participate in what God is already doing wherever it is we are going. We go to serve others. We go to learn from others.

   In November a group of men from our church built a house for Donnie and his family. FPC Fresno bought the materials and provided the labor to get it done. It was an incredible gift to a family in need. But it was also an incredible gift to the men of FPC who were there. Eyes were opened. Hearts were softened and warmed. Worldviews were expanded. Callings and passions were provoked. We didn’t bring God’s Kingdom there, we participated in God’s Kingdom coming in us and through us.

   I wish every FPCer could have an experience like that. I know that it’s not possible for everyone to go on a serve and learn trip. Still, my dream is that every member of FPC Fresno would intentionally get a passport so they are ready to follow the Lord’s call across international borders.

   Yes, there are boundless opportunities for us to serve cross-culturally in our own city. I praise the Lord for that. But I don’t think we have to choose between global and local. It’s both for us. In fact, I’ve seen again and again how an international trip can change the way people think about their everyday lives in their neighborhoods and workplaces.

   So what about you? Do you have a passport? Are you open to the idea of a serve and learn trip?

   We already have some upcoming trips on the calendar and not all of them require a passport. Next month we’re sending our youth to Sugar Pine Camp to be a service crew for the week. In June our high school and college students will be heading to Arizona to partner with the Naomi House Native American Outreach. We continue to send individuals and small teams to partner around the world with Global Health Outreach (the next example is Jamie Franklin headed to the Dominican Republic March 15-24). The next Men’s Mexico Build Trip is already on the calendar for November 7-11, 2024. And, we’re beginning to explore trips to Brazil, Ethiopia and Albania for 2025.

   I know that not everyone is able to go, but I pray everyone is willing to go and to support those who do. Thank you for allowing me to go. May the Lord stir our hearts for what He wants to do in our city and in the world.

Blessings, 

Jeremy Vaccaro

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor

“I was very encouraged! I am excited to see what God has in store for FPC.”

“So encouraged and energized. Thank you, Lord!”

“Encouraged! Thank you for the inspiration to stretch my faith in service and community.”

“A little too long BUT - very good to hear so much good news.”

“Well done! I wasn't going to stay but God prompted me to stay! I feel better connected to FPC. Thank you.”

“I appreciate the upbeat and forward looking update. I'm hopeful we can continue to increase our giving as we welcome more people to the church. This will be important for long term sustainability.”

“I have been very encouraged - especially by the testimony and getting church updates in honest and genuine ways. It was a tad long for me.”

“I was encouraged during this meeting about leaning into relationships.”

“Wonderful to hear testimonies how God is working in & through FPC and excited about how God is continuing to work in and through us.”


Dear First Pres,

   This is just a small sample of the comments that we received from those who attended Sunday’s Annual Meeting.  The office staff compiled every comment and rating into a spreadsheet that the Session will review this coming week. These comments will help guide us as we plan meetings in the future. So, thank you so much for your feedback.

   In my opinion it truly was a Super Sunday (although, I am sorry that it was quite chilly in the Sanctuary, and I’m sorry for all of you 49er fans out there). 

   I loved our combined worship service. Thank you for making that a priority. And I loved the way our Annual Meeting felt. We laughed, we prayed, we cheered, we celebrated, and we encouraged each other in the Lord. That’s the way a church’s annual meeting should feel, in my opinion. So, thanks for making it so fun. 

   Now, as we enter into the Lenten season, may the Lord help us to live into the opportunities that were shared in the meeting. 

   We’ve had a great start with our finances in January. May the Lord continue to help us give as He directs us to give

   We would love, even more, to grow our team of leaders in the Children and Youth ministries this year. May more and more of us take on the attitude that Sarah demonstrated when she expressed that she was honored to be considered a potential leader for our young people. 

   The Alpha class launches Wednesday night, February 28. We still need help with meals. We still have opportunity to invite friends, neighbors and family who might be interested in exploring faith in Jesus. And, we still need to be covering this effort with prayer

   Finally, we all have an opportunity in 2024 to deepen our relationships Up, In & Out for the sake of what God wants to do in us and through us.

   Remember, we are First Presbyterian Church Fresno together. And we belong to Jesus to join in His mission for His glory, for His Kingdom to come more and more in Fresno as it is in heaven. May the Spirit lead us forward in that great call.

 

Blessings, 

Jeremy

 

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor

Dear First Pres, 

   Sometimes people ask me why we have two different services with two different styles of worship. It wasn’t always the case at FPC Fresno. Some of our congregation can remember when the services were exactly the same. Some of the congregation can remember the long process that led up to starting a new style of worship and the hard work the church leaders did to prepare the congregation for the change. So, why all the fuss?

   The simple answer, then and now, is this: to reach more people with the good news of Jesus.

   Sure, the entire congregation could fit in our sanctuary for one service (that’s what we’re planning for on Sunday at 9:30), but by having two service times we open up twice as many opportunities for someone to join us in worship. Sure, we could simplify things if we made both services exactly the same, but by creating two different styles of worship services we have the opportunity to connect with different kinds of people.

   Now, some of you might say, “Ah, c’mon Jeremy, you know that we have two distinct styles of worship just to keep the church people happy.” There is an element of truth to that. If the “church people” really don’t enjoy what’s happening in worship services they aren’t likely to keep coming, and they're even less likely to invite a friend who is exploring Christian faith. As soon as we start making decisions just to keep us in the church happy, we run the risk of getting off mission.

   The people of God have always been given the purpose of living on mission to the world. Of course, we do that as a caring community with one another. The Bible calls us to love one another in Christ Jesus. And we’re called to love one another while making disciples of all nations. So, when it comes to the style of worship (which is primarily about the music and the feel of the service, not the theological underpinnings) we ask two questions: What style(s) of worship will connect with our neighbors? And, what style(s) of worship do we have the resources to accomplish?

   Neither of those questions are about what we, the members of the church, prefer. Our calling as a congregation isn’t to design services and ministries for ourselves. Our calling is to work together as a community in Christ to be disciples who are making disciples. Our calling, as our fourfold mission articulates, is to love God, love our neighbors, make disciples and pursue shalom. So, all that to say, our decisions about our Sunday morning schedule and styles of worship should always be driven by the mission God has given us as a congregation to invite others into His matchless grace in Christ Jesus.

   One of the great risks of having two different styles of worship is that it can become a divide in the life of the congregation. It’s easy for people to forget that their preferred style of worship is just a preference, so it’s easy to look down our noses at the folks who worship in the other service. It’s easy to get locked into “your” service and forget that there is another group of folks who are also FPC Fresno. It’s easy for two services to become two congregations.

   That’s why Super Sunday is an important day. As we invite everyone to be in the Sanctuary together this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for one (short) worship service, it’s an opportunity for us to be reminded that we are one congregation. As we participate in the annual meeting together we remember that we are one congregation who share the same mission and vision. We’re one congregation who longs to see God’s Kingdom in Fresno as it is in heaven.

   So, this Sunday, will you celebrate and practice that oneness with me? Will you show up at an unusual time and stay longer than usual?

   I pray you will because I believe this is one of the most enriching Sundays of the year. I mean, it’s “Super Sunday” after all.  

 

Blessings, 

Jeremy
 

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor