Resources & Updates
Next 10 Blog
FPC Ministries
Jun 12, 2025
A series of weekly blog post ideas that align with the themes and objectives of the "Next 10" strategic plan. These posts are designed to inspire reflection, prayer, and action.
Fixing Our Eyes on True North: Join for A Week of VBS Prayer in the Wild
Thursday, June 12, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, there’s never been a more urgent time to teach our children how to trust the Lord completely. This next week, FPC is launching a life-shaping adventure of Vacation Bible School, themed True North, we’re reminded of the calling to keep our compass pointed toward Christ, even in the wild.
In our Next 10 strategic plan, the fruits of a disciple are not abstract ideals but daily invitations to embody the way of Jesus. And what better way to express our shared discipleship than to anchor our week of VBS in prayer?
Whether you're a parent, a volunteer, or a prayer warrior, your prayers pave the way for a Christ-centered encounter that could forever change a child’s life. Join us this week as we lead children to fix their eyes on Jesus!
Here’s a daily guide to unite our hearts in intercession from Sunday, June 15, to Friday, June 20.
Sunday, June 15 – Seeking Jesus & Obeying His Word Daily
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Prayer Focus: Pray that as children enter VBS tomorrow, they will experience the wonder of seeking Jesus for themselves. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare tender hearts to hear His voice clearly. For volunteers, pray for daily obedience and joy in small acts of faithfulness. For parents, may the rhythm of this week stir a deeper hunger for the Word in their homes.
Monday, June 16 – Giving with Increasing Generosity
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times… You will abound in every good work.”
Prayer Focus: Lift up the generosity of time, energy, and love being poured out by volunteers and staff. Pray that kids would sense God's extravagant love and begin to mirror it in their own ways. For parents, pray for a generous spirit to rise up—one that celebrates spiritual growth over busy schedules.
Tuesday, June 17 – Engaging in Personal Calling
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork…created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord to awaken children to the truth that He has created each of them uniquely for a purpose. Pray for volunteers to experience their own calling being clarified as they serve. For parents, ask for grace to nurture those gifts with patience and encouragement.
Wednesday, June 18 – Living in a Generational Discipleship Community
Scripture: Psalm 145:4 – “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
Prayer Focus: Thank God for the beautiful generational tapestry on display this week. Ask that grandparents, teens, parents, and kids would be knit together by the love of Christ. Pray that stories of God’s faithfulness would be passed down and multiplied. May this be more than a VBS—it’s a discipleship movement!
Thursday, June 19 – Serving Others with Contagious Joy
Scripture: Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Prayer Focus:
Pray that joy would be the defining mark of every classroom, game, and worship moment. For the tired volunteer, pray for supernatural strength and laughter. For children, pray that joy becomes their instinctive response to God’s presence. For families, may joy overflow in every dinner table conversation as stories of VBS are shared.
Friday, June 20 – Trusting the Lord in a Wild World
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
Prayer Focus: On this final day, pray that the seeds planted this week would take deep root. Ask that children leave with confidence in a God who never changes, no matter how wild the world becomes. Pray that families would be strengthened and churches encouraged by the spiritual fruit to come.
Living as Joyful Disciples: A Call to Give and Serve
Thursday, June 5, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us that when we serve "the least of these," we serve Him (Matthew 25:40). This powerful reminder highlights the essential nature of discipleship—not just in our devotions or church events, but in our daily interactions and the ways we give of ourselves to others. At First Presbyterian Church, we believe living as faithful disciples involves seeking Jesus daily, obeying His Word, giving generously, engaging in our callings, and serving others with contagious joy.
This month offers us a beautiful opportunity to live out these discipleship principles in tangible ways through our partnership with the Kingdom Restoration Lab (KRL). This local mission partner is dedicated to restoring hope to our unhoused neighbors, and together, we can make a significant impact.
The Call: Serve with Love and Generosity
KRL Summer Clothing Drive & Support Sunday (June 8-30):
We invite you to participate in our summer clothing drive. We are collecting gently used men’s t-shirts (large sizes needed), jeans, shorts, and tennis shoes. In addition, bringing new (unopened) men’s and women's socks and underwear would be immensely helpful. Check out our Amazon wish list at bit.ly/KRLNeedsList for more specifics.
Donation Details: Please bring your contributions to First Presbyterian Church by June 8 for dedication during our 1Worship Services. Donations can be dropped off at any time in the Mauzé Lobby, and collection will continue throughout June. For questions, reach out to Lindsay Selli.
Serving with Kingdom Restoration Lab:
- Explore and Share: Request a tour of the KRL to learn more about their impactful work and help spread their mission.
- Create Hygiene or Snack Kits: Gather your friends or family to assemble hygiene kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other essentials. Alternatively, snack kits with water, chips, protein, and fruit cups are also needed.
- Sew Prayer Quilts or Organize a Clothing Drive: These small but meaningful gestures provide comfort and dignity to those we serve.
- Volunteer in the Resource Room or Become an Advocate: Contribute your time to organize clothing or train to advocate for KRL clients.
This week, I urge you to reflect on how God is calling you to serve with joy and generosity. Whether it's through a small donation, volunteering your time, or simply engaging with someone in need, every act of love is a significant step in our journey of discipleship.
Let us walk in His path, filled with love and readiness to respond to His call.
Music Moment
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray
Strategic Plan Director
Walking Together: Discipleship and Mentorship in FPC's Student Ministry
Thursday, May 29, 2025 / Preston Miller, Associate Director of High School & Their Families
In student ministry, we believe discipleship and relationship are the core of our ministry, and we want to walk alongside our church in promoting discipleship throughout every aspect of FPC's varied ministries. Our goal is to create a culture where students of all ages are intentionally growing together along the way as disciples of Christ -- through relationships with each other, their classmates, adult mentors, volunteers, or whomever they might find along their path!
Right now, we are looking for committed volunteers for two key areas:
- Confirmation Mentors
We are seeking committed adult mentors who are willing to invest in 8th-grade Confirmation students during this pivotal season of their faith formation. Mentors will walk alongside Confirmation students from August to April, and will meet with them in fellowship and discipleship as they explore what it means to follow Jesus and become part of the broader church family. - SALT Team Mentors
SALT (San Antonio Leadership Team) is a new program designed for high school students, aimed at equipping and activating them to become disciple-makers in their own communities. From August to May, students will learn what discipleship means, develop leadership skills, and serve as leaders within our student ministry. We are seeking adult mentors who can walk alongside these students throughout the year, providing guidance, encouragement, and accountability as they step into this important calling.
Beyond these key areas, student ministry has a variety of roles and levels of commitment available. We need Sunday School teachers, Small Group leaders, and volunteers to serve on our Student Ministry Committee! If you are interested in learning more, we would love to talk with you!
Please contact Kyle, Savannah, or Preston for more information or to get involved.
Peace be with you,
Preston Miller
Associate Director of High School & Their Families
Honoring Veterans and Embracing the Call of Discipleship
Thursday, May 22, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, we pause to reflect and honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a time to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms and to thank those who continue to serve. For many in our congregation, this day holds deep personal significance. Growing up in a military family, this always holds special significance to me. Whether you are a veteran or a family member of one, I stand with you in gratitude and remembrance.
Memorial Day is not only about honoring the past but also about reflecting on the values of service, sacrifice, and commitment—values that align closely with the call of discipleship we find in Scripture. As Christians, we are called to follow Christ with a similar spirit of dedication, living lives that reflect His love, grace, and willingness to serve others.
The Call to Discipleship
In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This call to discipleship asks us to give up our own desires and priorities, much like those who have served in the military give of themselves for a greater cause. It requires sacrifice—sometimes costly sacrifice, as we see in the lives of those who have given everything for the sake of our freedom.
For veterans, the concept of laying down one’s life for others is something all too real. Many have borne the weight of this sacrifice in ways that are often unseen or unspoken. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1, writes, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” This verse speaks directly to the heart of what it means to serve. Just as a soldier makes personal sacrifices for the safety of others, we as disciples of Christ are called to offer our lives, daily, in service to God’s kingdom.
Veterans as Living Examples of Sacrifice
Veterans among us can be a living example of this commitment to service. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience resonate with the teachings of Christ. Whether they served in times of war or peace, they know the meaning of perseverance, honor, and duty. These are some of the same virtues we are called to cultivate as disciples.
The words of Jesus in John 15:13 echo this truth: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” For many veterans, this sacrificial love has been a part of their journey. It is a love that mirrors Christ’s own sacrifice for us, and it challenges all of us, whether veterans or not, to consider what it means to lay down our lives—not just in the context of warfare, but in the daily decisions we make to love, serve, and follow Christ.
A Call for All of Us
As we honor our veterans this Memorial Day, let us remember that the call to discipleship is not only for those in uniform. It is for each one of us, regardless of our background or life’s circumstances. We are all called to take up the cross and follow Christ. We may not all serve in the military, but we are all called to be soldiers in God’s army, advancing His kingdom on earth through lives of sacrifice, service, and love.
Whether you are a veteran or a civilian, we are all called to this higher purpose. And in doing so, we honor not only those who have sacrificed for our country but also the One who gave His life for our eternal freedom.
This Memorial Day, let us thank God for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation. And let us also commit ourselves to living out the example of Christ’s love through our own acts of service, in the name of His kingdom.
May we all be inspired to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, and may our lives reflect the sacrifice and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray
Strategic Plan Director
Music Connection
Discipleship on the Way: Following God’s Lead in Every Step
Thursday, May 15, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
In Acts 8:26-40, we witness a powerful moment in the life of Philip, one of the early disciples. Throughout this passage, the concept of being “on the way” is highlighted twice—first as Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to take the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, and again when the Ethiopian eunuch is traveling along that same path. It is in this “on the way” moment that Philip encounters the eunuch, engages him in conversation, and ultimately leads him to baptism.
What stands out in this story is not just Philip’s knowledge of the gospel, but his willingness to be available and responsive to God's leading. He didn't know exactly why he was sent down that road, but he obeyed. He was present in the moment, ready to engage with whoever God placed before him. And because of that openness, the eunuch’s life was forever changed.
The Challenge: Being Available Along the Way
As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow Him—not just in church or during scheduled ministry activities, but in the everyday, ordinary movements of life. Discipleship is not confined to a destination; rather, it unfolds on the way—in conversations with neighbors, interactions with coworkers, encounters with strangers, and even moments of unexpected divine appointments.
The question for each of us is: Are we available to the people and situations God places in our path?
God may be leading us toward a specific person who needs encouragement, a tough conversation that brings healing, or an opportunity to share His love in a simple way. Like Philip, we may not always know the purpose behind the journey, but if we are open to listening and responding to His call, He will use us in meaningful ways.
This week, take time to reflect: Who or what has God placed in your path recently? How might He be calling you to step into an act of discipleship "along the way"?
May we all be willing to listen, trust, and follow—wherever God leads.
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray
Strategic Plan Director
Join Us for 1Worship on Pentecost Sunday!
Thursday, May 8, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
Pentecost Sunday, June 8, is a time of renewal, celebration, and unity, reflecting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early church—a cornerstone of our faith journey. This year, First Presbyterian Church invites you to 1Worship, a special service merging our Modern and Traditional Worship families at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary.
Wearing red, the color symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2:3-4, we collectively embrace the spirit of transformation: "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
Pentecost marks the birth of the church and serves as a powerful reminder of our covenant with God, the transformative energy of the Holy Spirit, and our shared calling to live as Christ’s witnesses in the world. It embodies the essence of our strategic vision: to become catalysts for spiritual growth, community transformation, and intergenerational unity.
Following the 11:00 AM worship, we invite you to continue in fellowship over a meal in the courtyard and Westminster Hall. This time together is an opportunity to reflect on how the Spirit moves among us, fostering connections and building the community aligned with our Next 10 objectives.
This worship experience will include teaching, music, personal testimonies, and heartfelt engagement with the Holy Spirit, facilitating growth and unity as outlined in our strategic goals. Come expectant, come prepared to be part of a transformative Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost with faith and joy.
We look forward to worshiping with you and stepping together into the future with renewed spirit and purpose.
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray
Strategic Plan Director
Seeking Jesus and Obeying His Word with a Sabbath Rest: A Gift for God's People
Thursday, May 1, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
Precious Church Family,
As we journey together to deepen our relationship with Jesus and grow in our faith, we focus on spiritual practices that connect us to His presence daily. Last week, we explored the Daily Office. Today, we reflect on the significance of the Sabbath.
In our fast-paced world, Sabbath serves as God's gentle, firm reminder that we are more than what we produce. Without time to pause, we miss the fingerprints of God in our daily lives—we forget to give thanks, to reflect, to worship. Psalm 92 reminds us: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High… For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work."
Importantly, the Fourth Commandment echoes this call: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). God instituted the Sabbath, not as a burden, but as a blessing—a day set apart for rest, worship, and renewal. In a culture that prizes productivity, the Sabbath invites us to pause and recognize that our worth is not in our work but in our identity as beloved children of God.
Peter Scazzero, in "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality," emphasizes the importance of rhythms of rest and reflection. He teaches that Sabbath is not merely a day off, but a spiritual practice that allows us to stop, rest, and delight in God's presence. By embracing this rhythm, we align our lives with God's design and open ourselves to deeper communion with Him and obedience to His word.
The Sabbath is not just rest from labor—it is rest in God. It's a weekly invitation to remember we are not "doing machines," but deeply loved sons and daughters of a gracious Father. As we stop and delight in Him, we are reminded of who He is and who we are in Him.
Let us honor God by receiving this day as a gift, allowing our souls to catch up with His goodness, and equipping ourselves for the journey of faith and service before us.
Peace be with each of you,
Pam
Music Moment
Finding Anchor in the Storm: Embracing Daily Rhythms of Faith
Thursday, April 24, 2025 / Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
Precious Church Family,
In his book "A Hidden Wholeness," Parker Palmer tells a sobering story about farmers in the Midwest who prepared for sudden blizzards by tying a rope from their back door to the barn. These storms came on so fiercely, with such blinding force, that many couldn’t see their own hands in front of their faces. Some lost their grip on the rope, wandered in circles, and tragically froze—sometimes just steps from their own front door, never realizing how close they were to safety.
This story feels especially timely. While we may not face literal snowstorms, many of us live daily in the midst of swirling "blizzards": overcommitment, constant demands from work and family, disappointment, false teachings, relentless schedules, and the exhaustion that comes with simply trying to keep up. It’s so easy to lose our bearings in this storm—to feel like we’re just surviving, disconnected from God, ourselves, and each other.
But God, in His mercy, offers us a rope—a way home through the storm.
As part of our strategic vision to seek God’s Word daily over everything else and to practice the way of Jesus within a generational community, I’m encouraging everyone to develop the life-giving rhythms of the Daily Office and Sabbath, as described in "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality." These practices are like that rope in the blizzard—simple, grounding ways to help us stay connected to God throughout the day. Since engaging in the "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" course at church, led by Kathy and Chris Scruggs, I have learned more about these and have embraced a daily rhythm of the Daily Office. I briefly mentioned these in an earlier message. While my journey has not been without bumps of inconsistencies, and on days I fall out of rhythm or lose the grip of my rope, I find I am not as attentive to God and His plan for my day. The contrast is true—on days I am consistent with my Daily Office, I find I stay with Him all day. Praise God!
The Daily Office is built on four sacred movements:
- Stopping - Interrupting our day to make space for God.
- Centering - Resting in God’s presence and remembering we are His.
- Silence - Quieting the noise around and within us to listen.
- Scripture - Hearing God speak through His Word.
In these moments, we’re reminded who we are and who God is. It’s not about adding another task—it’s about finding a way home, again and again, in the midst of the storm.
Let’s walk this journey together. Let’s help one another hold on to the rope. And as we do, we’ll begin to see one of the beautiful fruits of a disciple emerge: a life rooted in seeking Jesus and obeying His Word daily. This isn’t just for our own peace, but for the sake of the world around us. In a culture spinning with distraction, we are called to be people who walk with Jesus—not hurried, not lost, but held fast by His hand and guided by His voice.
Peace be with each of you!
With love and grace,
Pam Ray, Strategic Plan Director
Contact Pam to let her know about your own Daily Office practice. Also, consider filling out the 1Worship Survey by April 30, 2025, to help shape our upcoming combined worship services to promote church unity.
Music Connection:
Rest (feat. Terrian, Gabe Real)
God keeps in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on Him. Rest, take a breath. Push aside the noise and feel the air inside your chest. Blessed, my child, you’re blessed. Fall into the arms of God and rest your weary head. Just rest.
Nurturing Faith Beyond Alpha: Introducing Our "Next Steps" Course
Thursday, April 10, 2025 / Elizabeth Crites
Following the completion of Alpha last fall, we were inspired to continue supporting our guests and congregation with opportunities for growth. With the new year, we introduced a transformative course called "Next Steps," designed to deepen discipleship and strengthen faith.
Exploring Next Steps: A Journey Through Discipleship
Starting in mid-January, we offered "Next Steps," inviting pastors from FPC, ACC downtown, and Mission Vineyard Church to guide us through vital topics. Each week, pastors provided insightful talks accompanied by daily devotionals, enriching our spiritual experience.
Course Breakdown
- **Week 1: Follow Me – A Call to Discipleship**
*Scripture:* Matthew 4:18-25 & Luke 16:24-28
*Activation:* Share your story with someone.
- **Week 2: Abide in Me – A Call to Abide and Bear Fruit**
*Scripture:* John 15:1-11
*Activation:* Scripture memory.
- **Week 3: Pray Like Me – A Call to Prayer**
*Scripture:* Luke 11:1-13
*Activation:* Pray for someone in public.
- **Week 4: Serve Like Me – A Call to Serve Others**
*Scripture:* John 13:1-17
*Activation:* Find someone to serve in a sacrificial way this week.
- **Week 5: Live Like Me – A Call to Live on Mission**
*Scripture:* Luke 19:1-10
*Activation:* Go out of your way to bless someone this week.
- **Week 6: Be Like Me – A Call to Holiness**
*Scripture:* 1 Peter 1:13-21
*Activation:* Take one day to fast and intentionally seek Jesus.
Expanding Discipleship Through Small Groups
The enthusiasm for "Next Steps" inspired us to launch two small groups studying "Basic Christianity" by John Stott. One group meets at our church with childcare available, while the other gathers in a private home. Leader feedback continues to affirm the impact of this study.
Gratitude and Opportunity
I am profoundly grateful to God for the pastors and volunteers who have enabled the success of "Next Steps" and the thriving small groups. These initiatives not only deepen our engagement but also ensure we provide comprehensive discipleship journeys both in the fall and spring.
We have learned that one of the "Next Steps" guests will be baptized on Easter Sunday at ACC Downtown. This is a joyous testament to the course's impact on individual faith journeys and reflects the deepening commitment of our participants.
We warmly invite volunteers to join us in supporting Alpha this fall, and "Next Steps" and small groups in the spring. Your participation is vital as we continue to foster growth and connection within our community.
In Closing
Our commitment to nurturing faith and fellowship remains steadfast, and I praise God for the abundant opportunities to grow together. Let's continue to walk this path of discipleship, learning, and serving in His name.
Embracing Our Gifts: A Call to Community Stewardship
Thursday, March 27, 2025, Pam Ray
Community Stewardship: Leveraging Our Gifts for a Lasting Impact
Community Stewardship calls us to recognize and utilize our God-given resources—our time, talents, and treasures—for the benefit of our city and beyond. This practice isn’t only about financial generosity. It also encompasses the intentional offering of our abilities and efforts in service to others, adhering to the divine calling to care for what God has entrusted to us. As outlined in 1 Peter 4:10, we are each called to serve as faithful stewards of God’s manifold grace.
Stewardship is seen in everyday decisions and actions. It’s found in the mentorship of a young student, where we invest our time to guide and inspire. It’s in praying for our city leaders, supporting them in their challenging work with wisdom and grace. Volunteering at local missions, engaging in community clean-up initiatives, or offering skills pro bono for a church project all depict stewardship in action.
Empowered by these acts, we embody the teachings of Colossians 3:23—to work heartily for the Lord, not for men, recognizing our service as an act of worship.
Reflective Questions:
Dear God,
- How can I better steward the time and talents you have entrusted to me?
- Am I truly reflecting Your love in my interactions with my community?
Next Step for the Week:
Each day, dedicate a moment to pray: "Gracious Lord, how would you like me to serve today? Open my heart to the opportunities around me, allowing me to be your hands and feet, serving my community with love and intention." Spend a moment listening for His guidance.
Music Moment:
Reflect on the song "Build My Life" by Pat Barrett, a powerful anthem of devotion and stewardship:
"…I will build my life upon your love; it is a firm foundation. I will put my trust in you alone, and I will not be shaken."
This song serves as a reminder to anchor our daily actions in God’s love and to extend our resources generously, building communities that reflect His abundant grace.
Uniting Believers in a Personal Calling: The Power of Missional Collaboration
Thursday, March 20, 2025, Pam Ray
Missional Collaboration: Walking Together in God's Calling
Missional Collaboration is a foundational pillar of our strategic plan, emphasizing the collective mission to live as witnesses of the message of salvation. This collaboration isn’t just a short-term outreach effort; rather, it's a lifelong commitment for each believer to participate in God's ongoing mission of redemption and restoration.
The concept of being "missional" extends beyond periodic acts of service. It embodies the everyday call for Christians to actively carry and communicate the message of salvation in every sphere of life—locally and globally. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:16-20, we are to spread the gospel to all nations, baptizing and teaching others to live empowered by the Holy Spirit in a personal relationship with Him.
Missional Collaboration is about working together in unity towards fulfilling this purpose. We are not sent into the world to work in isolation but to join hands with fellow believers in this great commission. This unified effort is at the heart of what it means to be a disciple at FPC, reflected in the following commitments:
- Seeking Jesus and Obeying His Word Daily: Cultivating a deep, daily relationship with God.
- Giving with Increasing Generosity: Sharing resources to further God’s kingdom selflessly.
- Engaging in a Personal Calling: Embracing our individual roles in God’s mission.
- Living in a Generational Discipleship Community: Growing alongside others across generations.
- Serving Others with Contagious Joy: Demonstrating the joy of Christ through service.
Reflective Questions:
Dear God,
- Who in my community is already serving effectively, and how can I collaborate with them?
- What would it look like for me to respond to Your command, "Go and make disciples of all nations"?
Next Step for the Week:
Begin each day by asking: "How will you use me today, Lord, to respond to your Word and spread the gospel in my community, family, or workplace through my words and actions?" Spend two minutes in silence, listening for God’s direction.
Music Moment:
Reflect on the song "The Commission" by CAIN, which encapsulates the essence of our mission:
"Go tell the world about me. I was dead, but now I live. I've gotta go now for a little while. But goodbye is not the end. Don't forget the things that I taught you. I've conquered death and I hold the keys. Where I go you will go too, someday. But there's much to do here before you leave. Go tell the world about me. I was dead but now I live."... My spirit is with you wherever you go. You have a purpose and I have a plan."
Sacrificial Generosity: Embracing God’s Call to Give from the Heart
Thursday, March 13, 2025, Pam Ray
Obedience to God's Word by Giving from the Heart: Sacrificial Generosity is a Pillar
The Importance of Sacrificial Generosity:
Sacrificial giving is a profound theme throughout the Bible, present in both the Old and New Testaments. It reflects a heart devoted to God and an act of worship. This type of giving, which often comes at a personal cost, is both a demonstration of faith and an act of obedience in response to our relationship with God. It embodies trust and devotion.
Consider Abraham's willingness to relinquish his beloved son, Isaac—a God-obedient, sacrificial act that demonstrated his profound faith. Similarly, the widow's offering of two coins was a small yet significant sacrificial gift. Sacrificing your comfort by giving up your seat for someone else is an act of sacrificial generosity. Reconciling with someone first, even when it's difficult, is sacrificial. Choosing to forego dining out and instead donating that money to KRL or another ministry that serves the needy is another example of sacrificial generosity.
Reflective Questions:
Dear God,
- Does the thought of sacrificial generosity make me anxious because it requires me to carefully examine my spending and perhaps give certain things up?
- Are there aspects of my life that You would have me manage differently if I truly acknowledged them as being Yours?
Next Step for the Week:
- Pray and identify one sacrificial change you can make with your time, energy, or resources that reflects obedience and dependence on God.
Music Moment:
Reflect on the song "Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me" by CityAlight, allowing its message to inspire your journey of sacrificial generosity.
Walking in Alignment with God’s Holy Word: Biblical Centeredness is a Pillar
Thursday, March 6, 2025, Pam Ray
Introduction:
When I look at the Merriam-Webster definition of “Pillar,” several descriptions emerge—support, superstructure, integral. These are powerful metaphors for what we aspire to embody in our spiritual lives. Yet, life often presents “Pillar alternatives” that lead us astray. This week, we begin unpacking the first of the five pillars in our Holy Spirit-inspired FPC Strategic Plan: Biblical Centeredness.
The Importance of Biblical Centeredness:
It’s no accident this is our first pillar—it’s deliberate and meaningful. God’s Word is sacred and should be revered and integrated into our daily lives. Disciples of Christ are called to immerse themselves in scripture daily, seeking Jesus and reflecting His love to others.
To help guide this practice, we turn to the *Daily Office*—an ancient and revolutionary spiritual discipline. As described in Peter Scazzero's book, "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Day by Day," the Daily Office differs from traditional "quiet time." It occurs at least twice daily and encourages us not to seek something from God, but to simply be with Him. It's about cultivating an awareness of God's presence throughout the day, rooted in the belief that this is the first and most important "work of God." Stopping to be with God in this way can transform your spiritual routine, nurturing a deeper and continual connection with Him.
Reflective Questions:
- Dear God, what are the distractions that keep me from dedicating Daily Office time with you?
- What are you trying to speak into my life that I've been too busy to hear?
Next Steps for the Week:
- If this isn’t yet your habit, join me this week in practicing a "Daily Office" with God. Begin with a few minutes of Silence and Stillness.
- Invite a friend to undertake this practice and share at the end of the week how it influenced your days.
Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your experiences!
Next 10 Questions & Feedback Form
Music Moment:
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray
By focusing on Biblical-Centeredness, we lay a solid foundation for our spiritual growth and communal unity, staying true to the transformative vision of our strategic plan.
Journey Through Lent: 40 Days of Prayer and Insight into Our Strategic Plan
Thursday, February 27, 2025, Pam Ray
Embark on a transformative 40-day prayer journey this Lent that aligns with our strategic vision—discover more about your role in God's plan and deepen your faith.
Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. I invite you to join us in 40 days of prayer focused on our strategic plan. Each day, we will release a prayer and a related scripture on our social media channels that aligns with a focus area of the strategic plan. Engaging together in this prayer effort will not only honor God but also provide deeper personal insight into our strategic goals.
You might be wondering: "How can I learn more about the plan and how does it impact me?" Here are some ways to learn more:
- Watch the Next 10 Sunday Sermon Series - the recorded services are available on our website and YouTube.
- Attend a Small Group Presentation - to add your group or committee to the small group schedule, please contact Pam Ray to coordinate.
Your participation in this 40-day journey will not only deepen your personal spiritual life but also fortify our church's shared mission. Together, let's unite in prayer, trusting in God's guidance as we move forward in faith and action.
Follow our Social Media
Music Moment
“You are our daily bread, You are our daily bread. And we will seek your face before we seek your hand. You are our daily bread, You are our daily bread, and we desire You before the Promised Land. It is good for me to draw near my God. It is good for me to trust in my God."
Walking Intimately with God: Preparing Our Hearts to Go Beyond Our Comfort Zones
Thursday, February 20, 2025, Pam Ray
This week is based on the Next 10 newsletter article in the February 2025 issue of First Press Magazine on the message from Brad Hobbs on Sunday, January 16, 2025, in our Unified Worship Experience.
Dive into a journey of faith that’s beyond your comfort zone and into the heart of God’s purpose for you.
As we move toward unpacking more of the strategy that grounds our Next10 as a church family, we must prepare our individual hearts. The journey of faith often requires us to venture into unfamiliar territories- places where we can lean fully on God rather than our own understanding or strengths. In the past weeks, we have reflected on pioneers like John Newton Forrest, who embodied perseverance despite challenges, trusting fully in the unique call God placed on their lives. As we embrace the Next 10, God asks us to do the same—taking bold steps that may lead us out of our comfort zones, but closer to His heart.
This intimacy with God is not passive; it invites action. By stepping into the unknown we learn to listen more closely to His voice and align our lives with His purpose. We discover that true intimacy with God can spur incredible transformation, both personally and within our congregation. This week, I encourage you to ponder the areas where God might be inviting you to trust Him more deeply and how you can live out that trust in practical ways.
Reflective Questions
Dear God,
- How are You asking me to move beyond my comfort zone?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust Your guidance more, Lord?
Next Steps for the Week
- Take 5 minutes to be still and reflect on areas where you might be holding back from God's call to discipleship in your life.
- Consider joining or starting a small group to foster spiritual growth.
- Volunteer in our Church nursery to actively engage in service and community.
- Spend daily time in God's Word to deepen your personal faith journey.
- I am taking my next step by joining the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course this Lent. This course offers a space for collaborative learning beyond my daily devotions, with the goal of growing as a disciple. Join me by signing up for the course starting on March 5
Music Moment
“Still, help me be still. Help me turn down the noise and tune in Your will. I have tried my own way, but it only led me to You. Here I am. Here I am. God you have my attention. You are all that I want. “
At the Crossroads: Embracing God's Vision for Our Church
Thursday, February 13, 2025, Pam Ray
This week is based on the Next 10 newsletter article in the February 2025 issue of First Press Magazine on the message from Brad Hobbs on Sunday, January 16, 2025, in our Unified Worship Experience.
In Numbers 13, we read about Israel at a crossroads, poised to enter the Promised Land yet hesitant and fearful of the unknown. At First Presbyterian Church, we find ourselves in a similar situation—standing at a pivotal moment. Our 175-year legacy is rich with God’s blessings and trials, each shaping who we are. Now, with the "Next 10" strategic plan, we are called to choose faith over fear and step boldly into the future God has mapped out for us.
God invites us all to move beyond our apprehensions, embrace His promises, and contribute to His work in our lives and community. Like the Israelites, we are faced with a choice: to dwell on the safety of the past or to step into the divine opportunities of the future. This week, consider how you can be part of this journey and what you need to release to truly trust in God's plan.
Questions to Ask God:
- Lord, what do I need to let go of to truly abide in You?
- Father, do I trust You enough to follow You into new, uncomfortable places?
Prayer Points:
- Pray for courage to embrace God’s vision without fear.
- Ask for wisdom to discern His guidance and strength to act on it.