News & Views by Pastor Ron

Spring is here! Such a happy thought for us after this long winter—and now that I have your attention, I’d like to share some thoughts with you.

I was so proud of John Franklin this last Sunday. He did a great job preaching. Don’t you agree? I read his message before the weekend and then listened to it after returning from the Ironmen Conference. He did a marvelous job telling us how important it is to give our children the blessing and that if we don’t do it, they will spend the rest of their lives looking for it. I think of how many times I am negative with my children or say something to them that communicates I don’t approve of what they are doing. I am committing myself to letting my children know how proud I am of them and to say that as often as possible.

I was away at the men’s retreat at the Washington Family Ranch. We had a great time and a lot of fun together as men. Jay McKenney and his team did a terrific job leading in worship. Donald Miller inspired us that if we do not feel our lives are as meaningful as we would like them to be, we should change our story. Most of us came back with a new resolve to make our stories into all that God has for us.

Some of the men on the retreat asked if they could raise money to restore the $200,000 in budget cuts recently made at Sunset. The short answer is yes we always accept people’s gifts and are supportive of anyone’s attempt to increase giving in the church. However, any attempt at raising funds needs to be coordinated through the Session. It is our policy not to allow anyone to do fundraising without Session approval. The amount of money that would need to be raised to restore budget cuts would be at least $400,000 since we cut $200,000 from our budget mid-year, which would be $400,000 in cuts annualized. Before we restore any positions, we also have to know we can sustain those salaries on an ongoing basis. So I don’t want anyone to think that if they raise several thousand dollars, we can restore a staff member who was laid off.

I do have some good news! As of March 1 we were officially transferred out of the PCUSA into the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church). Leaving the PCUSA was a long 4-5 year process, and we are thankful God led us in achieving an amicable agreement. Thanks for all your prayers, attending meetings, and voting. We are now part of a denomination that is more in line with our beliefs, vision, and values.

Easter will be here April 12. We have services Saturday at 4:00pm and 6:30pm and Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00. Please pray about family and friends you can invite to one of our services. People are more open to attending Easter than at any other time. If they are ever going to attend, this is probably the weekend, so pray for them and take some risks and invite them. Have a dinner or brunch at your house with them afterwards. We have the greatest Good News in the world, so let’s share it with as many people as possible this year.

This Sunday Barbara Feil’s message will continue our series on reaching the next generation -- “The Church’s Role In Reaching The Next Generation”. Worship will be great concluding with a Service of Prayer and Healing. I hope to see you.

And, here’s hoping it really will be spring for your Spring Vacation Week!

Sincerely,
Pastor Ron