First Presbyterian Church of Fresno

Dear First Pres, 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Dear First Pres, 

   This coming Sunday is New Year’s Eve, the last day of 2023. Where has the time gone? When I told Dan Kimball that I’m preaching this Sunday, He informed me (with a cheeky smile) that the service after Christmas is called “National Associate Pastor Day,” the day all the senior pastors go on vacation and associates, like me,  get to stay behind and prepare for the sermon. (Thank you, Jeremy.)

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres,

   In Hebrews 10:24-25 the biblical author is encouraging the congregation to pursue Christ together. The verses say, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It’s amazing how these verses continue to be such relevant instruction for churches, even after some 2000 years. 

Dear First Pres,

   Wow, what a meaningful church weekend it was! Big thanks to all of you who helped to make it happen.

Dear First Pres,

   Have you seen the yellow envelopes in the Sanctuary pew racks? The white envelopes are for folks who are giving to our church’s general fund (from which all our normal ministry expenses are covered) or other specific offerings. But do you know what the yellow envelopes are for? If you said “Deacons” you’re right! And, if you didn’t know, now you do. 

Ashley Wiele shares this report from the Children's Ministry Search Team:

Dear First Pres,

   Please join us in praise and thanksgiving to God for his faithful answer to our prayers! The Children’s Ministry positions have been filled, and we are excited to introduce you to our newest staff members.  

Dear First Pres,

   “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” These are the words of Jesus in Mark 6:31 to His disciples. The invitation (really, it’s in the imperative mood – so a commanded invitation) came in the midst of a very full schedule. The verse starts by reporting that “so many people were coming and going that they (Jesus and His team) did not even have a chance to eat.”