Dear First Pres,

   On Tuesday evening, our church’s oldest active member passed away. Dr. Malcom Masten was 104 years old and he’d been a member of FPC Fresno since May 31, 1953. Last time I saw Dr. Masten (as most of us called him) was at a memorial service for another long-time FPC member. When I greeted him, Dr. Masten did what he always did over the eleven years that I knew him. He looked at me with a sparkle in his eyes, gave me a firm handshake and greeted me warmly. I’m going to miss that.

  I’m sure Dr. Masten was ready. I know he missed his bride of 79 years, LaVerne, who died in 2022. He lived a long, fruitful life. And, I know that his hope was secure in Christ Jesus. Still, his death is yet another reminder that this world is not the way it was meant to be.

   When Jesus encountered Mary and the others who were grieving the death of His friend, Lazarus, John tells us that Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (John 11:33). Then, after telling us that “Jesus wept” (11:35), we read that when Jesus got to the tomb He was “once more deeply moved” (11:38). The words there mean that Jesus was angry and disturbed. So, what was it that got Jesus so upset? John doesn’t tell us exactly, but what seems apparent to me is that Jesus was angry at the reality of death itself.  

   Death is an intruder in this world. It was not part of God’s original design, and it will not be part of God’s restored eternal design. 1 Corinthians 15:26 says, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” 

   That’s why this Holy Week is such an important time of remembering and celebrating. First, we remember that the way God defeated death was for God the Son to submit Himself to it in our place. As the old hymn so elegantly begins, “‘Man of Sorrows!’ What a name, for the Son of God who came, ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!” But then, on Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate that Jesus truly is the One who swallowed up death in victory. And so we sing with the Easter hymn, “Crown Him the Lord of life; who triumphed o’er the grave, who rose victorious to the strife, for those He came to save. His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high, who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.”

   As a foretaste of that great victory to come and the life available through Him, when Jesus arrived at the tomb of his friend, deeply moved, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Then, in the next verse, John simply but profoundly writes, “The dead man came out” (see John 11:43-44a).

   This world isn’t the way it’s supposed to be, the evidence of that is apparent to us all. But in the Crucified, Risen, Reigning and Returning Christ Jesus there is certain hope for His Kingdom to be on earth as it is in heaven.

   No matter what kind of evidence of our broken world you’re experiencing this week. I pray you hear the call of Jesus to live in His resurrection power, grace, victory and hope. And I invite you to join me in praying that all who join us for worship tonight and Sunday morning will heed His call to life. 

Blessings, 

Jeremy

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor

Dear First Pres,

   “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty – he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10)

   This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday. As we launch into the Holy week, we remember the way that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a small donkey in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. It was a different image of the King than we see in Psalm 24. Still, the crowd gave Him a kingly welcome that day: they spread their cloaks and tree branches on the road and they shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David!” 

   The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He is both the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 – the king coming with salvation “gentle and riding on a donkey” – and the fulfillment of Psalm 24 – the king of glory, “strong and mighty.” Psalm 24 reminds us that the long-awaited King, the One we really need to bring His Kingdom here as it is in heaven, is the LORD Himself. Zechariah 9 reminds us that He is a gentle and humble King who brings salvation. Jesus is that King. He is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. He is the One who conquered death by suffering through His own humiliating death. He is the One we remember and celebrate and worship this weekend, and throughout the Holy week.

   But Psalm 24 also raises a wonderful question for us. 

   Will you lift your head? Will you open your doors so that the King of glory may come in?

   I’m not sure how this season of Lent has been for you, but I truly encourage you to spend these final days of Lent opening every door and window of your life to let the life of King Jesus shine in every room, in every closet, in every dark corner, and in every hidden compartment. 

   For me, a key part of that is participating in worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (7 p.m.) and Resurrection Sunday (normal worship times). I encourage you to do the same.

Blessings, 

Jeremy

Jeremy Vaccaro's picture
Jeremy Vaccaro
Senior Pastor

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