Dear First Pres,
Can you believe summer is coming to a close? There are moments when it feels like Pastor Jeremy just left for sabbatical and we are setting the plans in motion for summer. And yet, last week we said our goodbyes to the Summer Staff and planning for the launch of fall ministry is in full effect. If you are a teacher, you are probably gearing up for the new school year. As a parent, you are probably juggling those class supply lists, new backpacks, and creating rhythms to help get your family prepared for next week. I am grateful for the way changing seasons can help us reflect on where we have been and where we are headed.
Love Our Schools is this Sunday, where we take this opportunity to intentionally pray for students, parents, teachers and administrators as the school year begins. Prayer is powerful and God does something in and through us as we surrender more and more to him. We invite you to join us in prayer during “Fill Your Cup” by walking the FPC campus and visiting Kingdom Kids, Ignite, Rooted & College ministries. Various rooms will be set up with prayer prompts and an invitation to pray for both on campus activities as well as the many school campuses in our city.
Did you know that there are over 30 schools represented in Ignite & Rooted? I often find myself praying for these students and parents that they may engage in the Kingdom work of sharing the Gospel with those they engage through academics, sports, theater, music, and many other clubs. The context of school was where I first heard about Jesus, was invited by a friend to a youth group event, and experienced the life changing transformation found in Jesus. Even if you are not a teacher by trade, a parent of children and youth, or your loved ones have all graduated, we invite you to go deeper still in praying for many among you who are preparing for the new school year.
First Pres family, we also want to remind you that there are some big shifts happening in Children’s ministry this fall. Margie Nunez, our beloved Children’s Director, is retiring at the end of this month. There will be a reception to honor her and all the ways she has loved on children and families for the sake of God’s kingdom and how she reminds us so boldly of His love and grace. Margie and Al have been a huge gift to our community. If you are not at church on August 28th to celebrate with Margie, I encourage you to write a note or make a phone call to pray over and bless the Nunez’s in this new season of life.
As we have not hired her replacement yet, be on the lookout for opportunities to intentionally serve and support Children’s ministry this fall. Margie may have small feet, but she has huge shoes to fill in the life of First Pres. Yet, I know God is moving among us and calls people to step up in moments just like this. If you feel God’s prompting to lead the 2nd-4th grade Sunday School class at 10:45am or would enjoy leading preschoolers in engaging God’s word, please contact the office. These are important roles yet to be filled for the fall. If that is not your thing, no pressure. We do ask you to pray for God’s provision of leaders who love children well to embrace these opportunities. May we, as Christ followers of First Presbyterian Church Fresno, follow Jesus’ invitation to go deeper by intentionally praying for our schools and for our ministries.
Blessings,
Meagan
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