Vince Lombardi

The great Vince Lombardi, head coach of the Green Bay Packers, would begin each season by holding up a pigskin before a group of grizzled veterans and announce,  "Gentlemen, this is a football."  And then he would proceed to review the most basic fundamentals of how to play the game. 

As we begin a new year at St. Paul's, there's no better place to start than the basics.  When Jesus saw the disciples, He gave them this simple invitation, "Follow me." (John 1:43)  And as the disciples followed Jesus, they learned to live like He lived. 

• Prayer: Wesley spent time at the beginning of every day talking with God in prayer. He also liked to say a short prayer every hour, on the hour, and would begin every important action with prayer. Wesley prayed!
• Bible Study: He used his travel time on horseback to read through the Bible. His love for the scripture was so great he said, "Let me be a man of one book."  The guy knew his Bible!
• Journaling: Wesley used a daily journal to record his experiences and conversations, and often kept a separate daily diary to list how he spent each hour of his time. He then regularly reviewed both, to see where he still needed to grow.  He wrote down what he saw and heard.
• Fasting: Wesley had a weekly rhythm of fasting breakfast and lunch most Wednesdays and Fridays. Sometimes he fasted for longer periods when praying for something specific.  Self-denial helped Wesley to connect with God.
• Taking communion: Wesley believed in communion as a means of grace that drew him closer to God.  He took communion weekly at Anglican services, and encouraged others to do the same.

John Wesley preaching

These simple steps worked for Wesley, and they will work for anyone.  I will be following them in 2015 as I continue to pray for he Lord to move powerfully at St. Paul's, in Vero Beach, and throughout the world.  

"Would you join me this year in following these simple steps for revival?"

Thanks for a fantastic 2014, and I can't wait to see what God does in 2015!

Gratefully in Christ,

Pr. Jon

Valerie Elliot Shepard, speaker

"Faith In WHOM?" Seminar

being held jointly with Christ By The Sea 

          DATE:  Saturday, February 7th

    LOCATION:  First Presbyterian Church

                    Royal Palm Point, Vero Beach

          TIME:  8:30 am - 3:00 pm

 

Stocking Ministry

This year we sponsored 3 families from the Samaritan Center.  We collected over 50 gifts for these families.  When we delivered the gifts a couple of weeks ago, Katy Ryan, who is in charge of the project, told us the most touching story.  One of the families had never been able to  give their children a real Christmas before.  They were overwhelmed by the fact that they could actually make a wish list & that "Santa" would fill it.  And these two children were 11 & 13! 

Thank you all so much for making this a most blessed Christmas for all three of these families!

Skimmers 

The Skimmers were quite busy this Christmas season spreading good cheer. They adopted 5 "little angels" from the Children's Resource Center.  Our goal was to raise at least $50.00 for each child.  So during the Thanksgiving break the Skimmers helped out at home and raided their piggybanks (We also received a couple donations from parishioners.) and managed to raise $75.00 to spend on each "little angel."  (That's $375.00!!!).

With this money in hand we met at Target and broke into five groups.  Each group had a cart and their "little angel's" wish list and off they went shopping.  It was amazing to watch as the children carefully chose gifts & constantly scanned the prices to make sure they stayed on budget.  And what a sight we made in Target with our parade of five carts as we checked out.  So many bags!  So many presents!  But wait there was still more work to be done.  During our Christmas Party the following week we sorted all the presents.  Then carefully wrapped them and labelled them for each "little angel." 

Everyone had a wonderful time and certainly agreed it really is "more blessed to give than to receive."

The Church Office Staff would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you who contributed to the Christmas Staff Gifts.  We are so grateful for your generosity and appreciate the opportunity given us to honor God in all the work that we do. Thank you very much and may God richly bless you in the New Year.

Pastor Jon

Norma Ashburn

Robin Hanson

Marjie Hoder