February 2, 2017
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
Many of you asked if Pastor Tim and Juli arrived safely in Omaha, Nebraska. I can report to you that they did, they had a good experience with their movers, Molly - their Bernese Mountain dog, is settling in well, and Pastor Tim started at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Monday. On Sunday, they found a church that Elder Kay Atman's father pastored many years ago, and Juli text messaged me a picture of the beautiful structure.
Your Session met on Tuesday for a time of worship and prayer. It included communion, as we want to draw close as leaders and staff and to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we stand in the gap until an interim pastor is on board. Our business meeting included establishing a search committee comprised of four ruling elders to begin the process of finding an interim pastor. We are grateful to Elders Kay Atman, Jim Fondelier, Chris Hindman and Bruce Tenenbaum for stepping up for this task. Kay and Bruce already serve on our Presbytery's Committee on Ministry. Session also approved the creation of a "transition team" of ruling elders who will communicate with you, our church family, keep you apprised of prayer needs, and to support our staff. More information about the transition team will be coming after our next Session meeting on February 28. Many of you have asked about Mission Possible 10. A meeting will be scheduled among staff members and some Session leaders to pray about how that mission might move forward in this transition time. Phew! It was a long meeting, but one in which much was accomplished! Your staff and leaders appreciate your continued prayers in this season of transition!
On Sunday, I have the privilege of once again bringing you a message from scripture. We are continuing in the Gospel of Matthew with a short passage packed with meaning. One of the amazing things about scripture is that metaphors Jesus used to teach 2,000 years ago are still so relevant today! Last week we looked at the Beatitudes and saw how they help us to be nearsighted - to see ourselves as needy. As we look to have 20-20 vision and see outside of ourselves, our scripture this week shows us how to be salt and light in the world as we demonstrate the character of God and His Kingdom through the character of our lives. These metaphors show us how to continue the ministry of Jesus now that He is no longer physically here with us.
I love this short scripture passage, probably because I love salt! Ask anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you that my favorite food group is potato chips. And coming up on March 14 is . . . National Potato Chip Day! Last year on that day, radio station K-Love called potato chips the "perfect snack." I did a little bit of internet research and uncovered this fact: one-ounce serving of potato chips provides, on average, 460 milligrams of potassium - as much as a medium banana. I read that adequate potassium intake is a crucial tool against hypertension (cutting back on sodium is only part of the equation).Coincidentally, the average US diet is too high in sodium and too low in potassium. Good news for a potato chip lover, but not as good as the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, as we are called to be salt and light in the world!
Love, in Christ,
Linda Pokrajac, Director of Congregational Care
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