"Go Beyond!"
Dear Friends,
As I write this, forty-five excited children are having a blast participating in our Vacation Bible School, “To Mars and Beyond!” The theme for this year comes from Ephesians 3:20, “Glory to God, who is able to go far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by His power at work in us.” Every day we have a different Power Launcher saying: “Go Beyond with Faith! With Boldness! With Kindness! With Thankfulness! And, with Hope!” As usual, I’m am amazed at the enthusiasm and commitment of over twenty youth and adult volunteers who make all this possible, year after year. Wow!
That verse from Ephesians is a wonderful verse because it reminds all of us that God often enables us “to go far beyond all that we could ask or imagine.” Next week is the 39th anniversary of my Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and what a ride it has been! I had no idea as I knelt down for the laying on of hands by the ministers and elders of the Presbytery of San Diego in my home church in Vista, California, what God had in store for me: indeed it was far more than I could have asked or ever imagined
As I near retirement, I have to say that one of the amazing experiences God had in store for me, and best part of my 39 years in ministry, was coming to Hawley. When I arrived in May of 1990, it is safe to say that no one ever could have imagined what we would accomplish with God’s power at work in us! We have more volunteers involved in this year’s Vacation Bible School than we had as active members in 1990. God’s power has been at work in this congregation over the years and has enabled First Presbyterian Church to accomplish far more than any of us could have asked or imagined! Thanks be to God!
So, if any of us are feeling a little down or uncertain about our lives, I hope each of us will: Go out with Faith, Boldness, Kindness, Thankfulness, and Hope! Remember, with faith, God can always enable each of us “to go far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by His power at work within us!”
Grace, Peace, and Love,
Pastor Bill
