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| Pastors |
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Senior Pastor
"The Best is Yet to Be"
My first grade teacher would start every class with the words, “The Best is Yet to Be!” She would look us in the eye and say, “The best book is yet to be written - the best painting is yet to be painted - the best government is yet to be formed - the cure for cancer could be in this very room - the solution to hunger and world peace could lie in your heart!” She helped each one of us believe that nothing great could ever be achieved except by daring to believe there is something deep inside each of us superior to any challenge or circumstance we may face. I still believe this to this very day! As people of faith, what we have inside each of us is the gift of God’s grace revealed to us in Jesus Christ. It is because of our faith in Christ that we dare to believe the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said, “Life is strong, stronger than even death. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Good is stronger than evil. Laughter, joy, goodness and sharing will have the LAST WORD because this is God’s world . . . a world where no amount of darkness can ever extinguish the light of God’s love.” As Christians, we are called to be merchants of this hope. This hope is nurtured in our relationships as a community. This hope is strengthened as we reach out beyond ourselves expressing Christ’s love to the world. As a family, Laurie, Jacob, Jonah and I are very excited to join the family of First Presbyterian of Bend. Our life and ministry in La Grange has been richly blessed. It is with much sadness that we contemplate saying goodbye. However, we are confidant that this is God’s will and deeply believe “The Best is Yet to Be” and we’re very excited to share life and ministry with a community of faith so obviously caring and committed to their faith. How we see the future can determine the spirit and courage by which we live each day. I believe God has brought us together and has great things in store for us to accomplish in Christ’s name and spirit in the community of Bend and in the world. I eagerly anticipate serving you and sharing ministry with you following the leading of God’s Holy Spirit so that “The Best is Yet to Be” becomes a reality. skoski@bendfp.org
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Spiritual Director
What are you looking for in your
spiritual journey? Opportunities for spiritual growth are
numerous, especially in the company of others in the church
community. God constantly invites us to move forward in
faith, and as we learn more about ways to grow spiritually,
through scripture, prayer and hearing other's stories,
paying attention to God in everyday life becomes more and
more natural. Praying for the World God created and loves
flourishes in the community of faith. Praying to the One who
knows us even better than we know ourselves makes sense as
we discover more of God's amazing love for us.
Prayer is "northing more than expanding one's heart in the presence of God," wrote John Calvin. If your heart yearns to know God in daily life and to develop your relationship with the Holy One, there are many opportunities at First Presbyterian Church to grow in your experience of prayer.
If you would like to explore questions about your spiritual journey, you are welcome to call and set aside some time to talk. Spiritual Direction is just this: companionship and support in making time for God, learning to slow down, listen to God, discern God's presence, and live out God's call. Spiritual Direction is available one-on-one, in small groups and in retreat experiences. Spiritual Direction offers encouragement, room to explore your faith and companions on the spiritual journey. Please contact me for more information and for referrals to Spiritual Directors in our church (382-4401).
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First Presbyterian Church 230 NE Ninth Street Bend, Oregon 97701 • PHONE: 541-382-4401 • EMAIL: fpc@bendfp.org
Copyright © 2008 |
Rev. Dr. Steven H.
Koski