Ministry (Page 3)
QUARANTINE: 40 DAYS TO TRANSFORMATION.
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, The other night I was talking to my girlfriend, SofĆa, when she off-handedly said, āThe idea of quarantine is a Biblical concept.ā I responded with the height of intellect: āHuh?!?ā Iāve studied the Hebrew and Iāve studied the Greek. I donāt remember seeing the word āquarantineā anywhere. She explained, āThe Spanish word for quarantine is cuarentena, which comes from the Spanish word for forty: cuarenta. And forty is an important number in the Bible. No?ā I continued to…
Connections
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends,Yesterday I received my USA stimulus financial payment. This morning I sent the full amount to FPCSA.I’m not telling you this so you’ll think I’m some great philanthropist. Quite the contrary. Because I am still employed, I do not feel comfortable profiting from the economic crisis in which we find ourselves. Churches across the country are feeling the domino effect of this crisis. Since most church budgets are based on the faithful giving of members and friends,…
We are family
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, We started a month ago into uncharted waters. And now we are in Holy Week in uncharted waters. I was scheduled to be in Moloka’i this week. That trip was initially postponed and now has been cancelled. Sofia had planned to fly from Colombia to here on Monday, April 4th. That trip has been postponed indefinitely. Life has certainly changed! And if someone had told me a month ago we would be doing a Zoom Maundy Thursday service, I would…
Vision Test
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, The vision of our church family is to see people connect with Jesus Christ and with one another. That vision is being put to the test in our current situation. Suddenly connecting with each other is much different. It’s not necessarily harder or easier. It’s just different. Please, if you are feeling disconnected at all, please contact me by replying to this email or texting me: 714) 788-1920. Your church staff is doing the best they can…
Good News. Bad News.
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, Whatās the old saying? āI have some good news and I have some bad news.ā While that is often times the beginning of a joke, today it is a little more serious. Let me begin with the good news. Our dear sister and friend, Norma Galeana, has finally received her residency. Norma Galeana She is now here in the United States as a legal resident. As most of you know, Norma fell into the DACA generation,…
In life and in death, we belong to god
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, I hope and pray this finds you all well. Weāre all hunkering down in our separate homes. It all seems very much like a Twilight Zone episode. But the phrase from The Heidelberg Catechism continually comes to my mind: āIn life and in death, we belong to God.ā We belong to God. We belong. Jesus said, āI know My own, and My own know Me.ā (John 10:14) He will not leave us or foresake us. He…
Suspension of in person gatherings
Dear Church Family, After much prayer and listening, weāve decided toĀ suspend in person church gatheringsĀ until April 1st, 2020.Ā While we recognize the value and importance of gathering together as a church family, we want to be wise.Ā The World Health Organization has called theĀ Corona Virus DiseaseĀ a Global Pandemic.Ā The President of the United States has declared a National Emergency.Ā The Governor of California has issued a State of Emergency.Ā The CDC warns that if left unchecked, Corona Virus cases double…
We are in God’s Hands
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, Weāre in an interesting time. Seems like the news is dominated by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I turned the news on Tuesday night to hear the election results in other states, and all they were talking about was COVID-19. At First Presbyterian Church, we take the health and safety of our church family very seriously. Because we are a smaller church, we will continue to meet on Sundays. Weāll have regular worship this coming Sunday,…
Godās PlayGround: Moving from Multi-ethnic to Intercultural
We are now in the season of Lent. Did you give something up or commit yourself to doing something specific during this season? If so, would you be willing to share with me what is is? Simply reply to this email. Iāve received some great feedback from my keynote address at Presbytery this past Saturday. If you are interested to hear it, follow the link: https://losranchos.org/gathering-keynote-speaker/
a time to meditate on Godās word, pray, and commit oneself to a deeper discipleship.
Dear FPCSA Family & Friends, Last autumn I received a phone call inviting me to be the keynote speaker at a gathering of the Presbytery of Los Ranchos. I laughed and then I said, āWait. What??ā It is a great honor to be invited to speak to a Presbytery gathering. In fact, in my recollection, I canāt remember a time when a pastor of the Presbytery spoke. Itās usuallyreserved for seminary professors, published authors, theologians, or well-known speakers like Father Greg…
New Children’s Ministry Director
I am absolutely thrilled to announce we have filled the position for our Director of Childrenās Ministry. Yay! Sandra Escoto begins this Sunday! For the past year, Sandra has been Assistant Program Director of our after-school tutoring program: La Semilla Learning Center. She is a Santa Ana native and fully bilingual. She comes highly recommended. On Sunday, March 1st, weāll highlight her in the Family First Sunday worship service and have a welcoming reception for her in the gallery after the…
Director of Hispanic Ministry Position
We’re looking for a Director of Hispanic Ministry PART-TIME POSITION DESCRIPTION I. PURPOSE OF POSITION The Director of Hispanic Ministry (DHM) will work as a member of a pastoral team to provide spiritual leadership and Biblical education for the members and friends of FPCSA. Specifically, he/she will provide leadership and support for the members and friends of the Spanish speaking ministry. He/she will work with the Hispanic Ministry Committee (HMC) to coordinate and implement ministry opportunities in the Hispanic Ministry,…
Congratulations Pastor Peter
We’re so sad to see our Director of Family Ministry go, but we’re so grateful to have had him lead our children and families to Jesus throughout his time with us.
Women’s Bible Study
What is Bible Study? Ā Bible Study is an opportunity for interested & curious followers of Jesus Christ to better understand the word of God. In small group sessions, the women of First Pres study profound scriptures to empower and uplift each other. With an emphasis on different monthlyĀ themes, we apply the lessons of the Holy Book to our lives. Who is it led by? Pam Schneider is a long time member and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. When Does…
Saint City Session
The next urban arts outreach will meet on the third Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Stop by the Underground to join in this community outreach. Everyone is welcome for a time of hip-hop music, dancing, and art. Contact Scott Overpeck if you have any questions, scottoverpeck@gmail.com. What is Saint City? Ā Saint City is an urban artsĀ outreach programĀ that partners with FPCSA. Through hip-hop music, dancing, and art, we connect and impact our local communities. Who is it led by? Scott Overpeck…
Laundry Love
We unite for a greater cause-Ā to provide the less fortunate an opportunity to wash their clothes. This ministry allows for fellowship and opens the door for us to bring hopeĀ to those who need it. Everyone is welcome to come help. No experience is necessary, just stop by and bring friends with you. Meet at the Laundromat located at 406 E. Santa Ana Blvd.Ā at 7:30 p.m. The church parking lot is available if you would like to walk over from…