First Presbyterian Church of Fresno

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres, 

   Friday night, as the news spread about the death of our friend and Pastor-at-Large, Rev. Dr. H. Spees, it was a hard blow. H truly embodied the phrase of Pastor-at-Large. He was a shepherd to so many of us in the FPC family, and he was a shepherd to countless others throughout our city and world. 

Dear First Pres, 

   For the past two and half weeks our staff has been out of our Admin building. We’ve moved our front office over to the Gallery, and the rest of the staff has been simply spreading out around campus to find a place to work. It’s been quite a disruption, but I’m really proud of the staff for making it work and rallying to keep everything going.

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres, 

   On Saturday I had the privilege of officiating Taylor and Phoebe’s wedding. At the reception there was a young woman who looked very familiar to me, but I couldn’t remember why. Finally, she sat across from us at dinner where her place card said “Katie.” 

   “Hi Katie, I’m Jeremy, and this is my wife, Diane. I’m confident we’ve met before, but I can’t remember where.”

Dear First Pres, 

   It was truly a blessed Easter celebration. I’m so grateful for all the folks who were part of making it happen: musicians, sound techs, screen techs, camera techs, ushers, greeters (even in the parking lot), hospitality coordinators, photographers, custodians, office staff, goodie bakers, and hundreds of First Pres hosts who welcomed well their fellow congregants. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres, 

Dear First Pres,

   I’m excited! You may not realize it, but this coming Sunday is shaping up to be a very exciting morning. No, it’s not Palm Sunday or Maundy Thursday or Easter.  No, it’s not Communion Sunday. It’s just the fifth Sunday of Lent. But still, this fifth Sunday of Lent in 2023 will mark a new era in the life of our congregation in more ways than one. 

   Curious? I hope so. And, I hope it’s just another incentive to join your church family for worship on Sunday. 

Dear First Pres,