From the Pastor’s Desk - September 2010

Dear Beloved Saints,

While some of us are ending our time of pilgrimage and settling into the routines of the school year, some of us are just setting off on new travels and adventures. Some of us will travel far in the Spirit, while we stay rooted in the familiar!

Speaking of travels, please join me in welcoming home our Young Adult Volunteer in Mission, Willem Grizzly Stockton. We are so blessed to have him in our midst, to hear him preach and lead our Youth Fellowship partnership with St. John’s on August 29^th. Please join us for this special day and plan to join us at our Fellowship Pot Luck Luncheon immediately following worship. We will have a brief program during the luncheon to introduce new “Reflection” or study opportunities this fall.

Speaking of adventures, the Presbyterian Women are setting off on the study of the book of Revelation. Although the first meeting of PW isn’t until September 21^st, we will begin the study of Revelation before then. There is so much to discover about this little-known book and so little time! Please join me in beginning our study by starting at the end, reading chapters 21 and 22 first. If we can keep our focus on these two last chapters through out the study, we will always know the hope God has for us. To aid the PW in their study, once a month I will preach from an Old or New Testament passage that is referenced in the book of Revelation.

Make plans now to join us for Lunch Bunch after worship on Sunday, September 19. We are a lively group who enjoy this time of study, reflection and conversation. If you have a suggestion for study material, please email me at rebecca.foxnuelle@gmail.com or call my cell phone. If you are on Face Book, you can “like” my page at “Rev. Rebecca”. I’ve posted a few updates on my blog at http://revrebecca.blogspot.com/. 

God is doing wonderful work among us. Signs of Christ’s Reign abound. We are small, but we are mighty in the Lord. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to minister with you in this ‘in-between time.’

In Christ’s name,


Rev. Rebecca

Celebrating Twenty Years Ago Today

Where were you Twenty Years Ago Today ...? Jon and I and our families were at First Presbyterian Church, Dowtown Dallas, Texas. We sang "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" and "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" among others. My favorite may have been John Rutter's "A Gaelic Blessing."

Deep peace of the running wave to you.

Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the gentle night to you.

Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.

Deep peace of Christ,

of Christ the light of the world to you.

Deep peace of Christ to you.

Amazing Grace

I remain amazed at the love and care the people of First Presbyterian Church, Rockdale, Texas extend to one another. Although pastors are teachers, I learn from the saints in Rockdale everyday! What a blessing it is to be part of this community.

Grattitude

I am thankful for many, many blessings:

• my call as the interim pastor to the saints at First Presbyterian in Rockdale, Texas; 
• my husband's employment for the past 9 months; 
• our two healthy and energetic daughters, one starting high school and the other middle school in a week;
• two cars that run but do not require a car payment; 
• a mortgage that is reasonable, and the ability to pay it; 
• fresh fruits and vegetables; 
• quiet nights without fear.  

I'm not perfect, but I am thankful, and in thanksgiving, I approach joy!