Dear First Pres,
My heart is full!
One of the TV shows that my family has enjoyed over the years is The Voice. It’s a singing competition with four professional musicians who serve as judges and coaches. The tradition is that when each coach has filled their team with vocal competitors, they stand up and proclaim, “My team is full!”
But my proclamation today is slightly different. My heart is full! It is full of gratitude.
My sabbatical was a tremendous gift. I am extraordinarily grateful to you, First Presbyterian Church Fresno, for allowing me to take this extended sabbath time. I’m grateful to the Deacons and Elders for their great work of spiritual leadership and service this summer. I’m grateful for the staff who stepped up and in to serve the congregation and our mission so well. And, I am so grateful to the Lord.
There were so many times this summer when the Lord met me with power and grace and love. He is so good! He has been so faithful to me. I am blessed beyond measure.
And then, I came to worship on Sunday. Wow. I was blown away by the warm embrace I received from you (yes, warm both in temperature and sentiment). It was truly a joy to be together with you again. I missed you. Really, Beloved, I was so glad to be in worship with you. My heart is full!
So, thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Now, please pray for me as I try to remember how to preach (I haven’t been in the pulpit since May 22). This Sunday we’ll conclude the incredible summer preaching series, “Deeper Still.”
And, if you’re wondering when I’ll be sharing about my sabbatical – what we did and what the Lord did – please mark your calendars for Sunday evening, September 18. I’ll be hosting a First Pres Forum at 6:00pm on the 18th to talk together about our summer.
Surely, the Lord is calling us deeper still. I pray you’ve taken some time this week to heed Pastor Meagan’s exhortation from this past Sunday, to simply be silent before God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And I pray that as I share about the Lord’s work in my life this summer, you’ll also be able to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work in yours.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
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