Pastor Don’s April Reflection
I love the stories of the Old Testament. Jehoshaphat, one of the good leaders of ancient Israel, confronted by sure defeat prays out, “We don’t know what to do but our eyes are upon you” (II Chronicles 20:12) That’s the way I feel sometimes. I don’t always know what to do but I have aligned myself with a God that does.
After ten years of community, school, and civic work, I began praying about the thought of going back into more direct ministry. It is no coincidence that I have wound up here at John Knox Presbyterian Church! God is at work in my life and in yours as well, and God is going to see it through.
It has been a delight getting to know folks and to see what the Lord is doing in your lives and in the life of the church. John Knox Presbyterian Church is truly a gift to all that are touched by it. Your community involvement, your love for each other, and your love of God is so evident and powerful. I am so grateful to being just a tiny part of it.
I am excited to be a part of the life of this church and to see what we are going to do, with God’s help, to move forward into the future. I pray that in this time of transition and change that we will together keep our eyes upon the Lord. It will be exciting to see what the Lord will do in our church and lives.
Pastor Garrett's April Reflection
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
I never know what God is going to do in my life and ministry. Sometimes it is joyful and sometimes it is absolutely stressful. But the Lord has always been there to encourage me and to give me hope. I have grown to trust God especially when I am in the middle of uncertainty, crisis, or change.
Being called to be an interim pastor here at JKPC has been a truly surprising and wonderful part of my journey of faith. I am thrilled to be here and I daily thank God for the opportunity to be a part of this church. Everyone here has been so kind and supportive. We have a super staff and a great group of volunteers who have made the transition really easy and smooth. Although I am new to the church and to Dublin, I look forward to getting more familiar each week. In March, it was a lot of fun to walk in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I was amazed to see all of the different groups and people involved.
Easter is a time of renewal and to remember the new life we have in Christ. We read this in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” On Easter Sunday, Don and I will both be sharing about the impact that Easter has on our lives. The Sundays after Easter, I will be sharing about how we live out this new life we have in Christ. In the months ahead, we will discover the plans that Christ has for our church as we journey forward in 2023.
Blessings,
Garrett
Office Assistant
Sama “Sky” Merham
JKPC Session
Current Session Members (Elders)
Adult Education Nanette Wehe, 2023
Community Life, Men Terry Han, 2024
Community Life, Women Cindy Cook, 2023
Family Ministries PJ and Soeun Peterson, 2025
Finance Peter McIntyre, 2023
Human Resources Kaci Lopez, 2023
Missions Stan Husted, 2022
Campus Liaison Sandy Rauch, 2023
Outreach Alice Richards, 2024
Property Bob Rickleffs, 2023
Worship Sue Fox, 2023
Worship Irene Brewster, 2023
Clerk of Session Peter McIntyre, 2023
Moderator Pastor Don Strongman
JKPC Board of Deacons
Board of Deacons
John Knox Presbyterian Deacon Team
Moderator Euan & Janet Ramsay, 2023
Vice-Moderator & Secretary Jerri Lopez, 2023
Treasurer Tina Kritzer, 2024
Home Visitation Coordinators Sue King-Irwin, 2023
Communion Preparation Coordinator Maryam Ladoni, 2023
Meals Coordinator Nancie Maxwell, 2023
Hospital/Rehab Visits & Prayer Chain Morgan Contreras, 2023
Events Coordinator Eshari Wijesekera, 2023
Cards Coordinator Rene Phillips, 2024
Parish Coordinator TBD
