Pastor Jack's Jots
The Psalms
October 23, 2023
Greetings in the Name of Christ!
Yesterday, we began our new sermon series on the Psalms. Often described as the heart of the Bible, the book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic songs, prayers, and laments offered to God. They have been cherished by generations of Christians for their rich spiritual content, providing solace, guidance, and inspiration. Each week in worship, we will introduce a different category or type of Psalm, and then explore that theme through daily devotionals. The devotionals can be found on our website accompanied by a sung version of the Psalm for the day. Hard copies of the weekly devotionals will also be available on campus. Our themes for each week are as follows:
Wisdom Psalms emphasize the importance of following God’s ways and highlight the rewards of a life rooted in wisdom and righteousness.
Lament Psalms are characterized by their expressions of sorrow, grief, and distress, often including pleas for God’s help, deliverance, or intervention.
Hymn Psalms are joyful expressions of worship and often include celebrations of God’s greatness, creative acts, and attributes.
Imprecation Psalms often feature intense language and strong emotions, as the psalmist calls upon God to act against one’s enemies or those who have wronged the psalmist or the community.
Thanksgiving Psalms are heartfelt acknowledgments of God’s goodness and faithfulness, often recounting specific instances where God has provided, protected, or rescued the psalmist or the community.
Enthronement Psalms also known as Royal Psalms, focus on the enthronement and sovereignty of God as the divine King and ruler of the universe.
The Psalms hold a unique and vital place in the Christian faith. We have an opportunity to unpack their depth and meaning in a way that resonates with our personal faith journeys. I look forward to exploring the Psalms with you in the coming weeks and discovering the diverse blessings they hold for our lives as Christians!
God’s Peace,
Jack
10.20.23 | Renaissance School Update
Renaissance School Update
October 20, 2023
Greetings in the Name of Christ!
I write today to give you a brief update regarding our partnership with the Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore. You may recall that we were approached in mid-July by the school looking for a new place to call home. Our Trustees and Finance Committee kicked into high gear, working tirelessly to determine the feasibility of hosting a portion of the school on our campus. Part of that work required us to acquire special permits from the city and the state. I am pleased to announce our campus (with no modifications) has successfully passed the final inspection and received the required permits! This remarkable endeavor is not merely about utilizing part of our building; it is a sacred embodiment of our mission to make committed disciples and share God’s love.
The Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore brings a distinctive educational approach that mirrors the diversity of God’s creation, ignites the flames of creativity, and cherishes learning at one’s own unique pace. By catering to varied learning styles and individual needs, we are delighted to be a partner in cultivating a nurturing environment where every student flourishes. In the coming weeks, expect to hear more about the practical steps we can take to go beyond being a landlord by developing a true partnership and how that partnership will take shape. In the meantime, I hope you’ll join me in giving thanks for the great leadership given by of our trustees and finance committees. In particular, Betty Ann Glover and John Napper, our respective chairs.
This is a moment of divine grace and opportunity, and together, we shall shine brighter as we welcome the Renaissance School into our midst. Providence has always been a missional church, seeking to be good stewards of the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. With this partnership we continue in that tradition, to faithfully follow those that have gone before us.
See you Sunday!
Jack
10.11.23 | Wednesday Night Dinners
Wednesday Night Dinners
October 11, 2023
Greetings in the Name of Christ!
Our church has always been more than just a place of worship. It is a place where we find support, share our joys and sorrows, and form lasting friendships. Wednesday night dinners are an extension of that spirit, creating a warm and inviting space for us to gather, share a meal, and deepen our connections with one another.
The decision to initiate Wednesday night dinners is twofold. First, it comes from a heartfelt desire to strengthen the bonds that make our congregation so special. We believe that midweek gatherings can offer a more intimate setting for us to get to know one another, support one another in our faith journeys, and build the sense of community we all cherish.
Moreover, our vision extends beyond just our church family. We are conducting these dinners during the month of October as a trial run. This will allow us to fine-tune the logistics, menu options, and overall experience to ensure that these gatherings are as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. We are confident that, with your participation and feedback, we can create an environment where everyone feels welcome and cherished. We hope that this trial run will be successful, and with your help, we can reach a critical mass of participants. This critical mass will be the key to extending this initiative to the wider community at the beginning of next year; allowing us to open our doors to our neighbors and friends who may be seeking connection, support, and spiritual nourishment. Imagine the positive impact we could have on our community by offering a warm meal and a welcoming embrace to those who may feel isolated or in need of a loving community!
Please consider joining us as often as you can and encourage your fellow church members to do the same. Your presence, your warmth, and your openness will be the foundation upon which we build this initiative, both within our congregation and, God-willing, in our wider community!
See Wednesday Night!
Jack