from Pastor Stephanie…

Preaching, Parties, and Planning at Pittman Park

A few things about me: in case you cannot tell, I LOVE alliteration. But more importantly, I am so thankful for the welcome you have shared with me and my family since the announcement that I would return to Pittman Park. This appointment marks my third time working at Pittman Park, with three separate offices. I was the Youth Director for a few years as a college student. And since my days leading the youth, Pittman Park has felt like home. Each of you makes this place feel inviting, magnetic, and warm.

This week has brought me so much joy. I am grateful for the opportunity to preach and lead in worship. When we unite in worship as a church family, we seek to fellowship, learn, and grow in Christ. As Paul taught in Ephesians 4:12, our goal is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

This past Wednesday, we celebrated a delicious ice cream party, with more cookies and cupcakes than ice cream but tasty and fun nonetheless. This simple party reminded me of one hot summer. The girls had played outside for hours and were very hot. Lily Grace comes in begging for ice cream. I know I had a thousand other things I could be doing, but I fixed her a bowl of vanilla with chocolate syrup and listened to my then 6-year-old tell me all the day’s activities. She ended with a statement that stayed with me; “I love the way you’re loving me today, Mommy,” she said with a grin. I share that sentiment; I love the fun and fellowship at Pittman Park.

The last thing you should know about me, I am a planner. I am a bit over the top (just ask Jonathan, Addie, Lily Grace, my parents … well, you get the idea). But in the gift that planning provides, I am reminded the plans must align with the plans of God. Ephesians 5:15-16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Such a life can deal with time honestly. We live in a culture that pushes us to act like there is never enough time. We constantly rush; we try to tell ourselves that we have all the time in the world and that mortality and its limitations will not influence us. Either way is a path of foolishness. To be God’s awakened and wise people means that we can be excellent and honest stewards of time so that opportunities to do justice and live boldly as God’s people during this time are not missed. We are called to discern the wise ways to live in this time, capitalizing on new opportunities and opening our eyes to potential pitfalls.

So, I plan to party with each of you. I plan to preach and lead in worship. I plan to teach and guide all into a deeper relationship with Christ. I plan to love you and your families with the love of Christ and the love you have given me. May we all plan to make disciples for the transformation of the world.

#ForChrist #ForYou #Forthetransformation

Stephanie