Palm Springs Presbyterian Church

FORWARD IN FEBRUARY FOR FUTURING

We are Blessed! One of the unique things I love about PSPC is the fact that we have a number of Winter Residents (aka SnowBirds) who, when they are here, jump in and contribute in so many ways. Many churches are not so blessed! Being in an area like Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, where we have many people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to 5, 6, 7 months a year living and worshiping here, but also have "home" churches, I have discovered these Winter Residents/SnowBirds contribute in so many ways, and for that I, al along with you, am grateful. They help with the "5:59 Gathering," they help cook, they contribute financially, they participate or lead study groups, they sing in the choir, they wash dishes after meals, they cook and bring food for the potluck lunches, they are valuable assets to our church. To our SnowBirds along with our regular members I say: THREE CHEERS and GOD'S BLESSINGS! Keep up the good work!

It seems, from what I am hearing, that our country is coming out of the recession and we all hope and pray that that is true. What, then, is the Church's response? Studies, and my own experience, are that churches, and church members, respond well when there is a financial or economic crisis in our nation. Every church I have pastored over the past nearly 50 years has responded generously and graciously during economic difficulties: people get priorities right! So, what about us at PSPC as this nation is pulling out of a deep recession, is facing terrorists, and is dealing with divisive party politics on all levels? How are you and I doing to help make the ministry and mission of Christ's church alive and well here and throughout this nation and world?

As I write this, before our Pledge Campaign is completed, it seems to me that we are responding just as I had hoped and prayed: generously and graciously. By the time you read this we will know for sure and a budget will have been adopted for 2010 by the Session.

It is important for all of us to know that your Session is working, planning, and praying for God's guidance in reaching out and growing, but ... it takes all of us to do the task God has set before us. We are in a lovely spot; in a beautiful building, but what is the church and what is it's business; and how are we doing?

And then there is the Haiti earthquake and the world's response, including our Presbyterian Church. Through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program (PDA) we have a goal of $500,000.00 along with portable water systems and latrines and, of course, people with expertise. At last count, PSPC has graciously and generously given $940.00 to the PDA to help. And I thank each of you. If you have not yet given, but would like to, send your check to Palm Springs Presbyterian Church, 815 S. Camino Real, P. S., 92264 and note for PDA or Haiti and we will forward your check along with others to our Presbyterian HQ in Louisville, KY. so help will be even greater. Remember: Jesus said that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us -- that we are to care for the least of his, and our, brothers and sisters -- and, when we have a major quake here, PDA and others will help us.

So, what IS the business of the church? To grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ; to proclaim and teach the Word of God; to serve the least of Jesus' brothers and sisters; to wash feet and to turn water into wine; to feed and clothe and help those who are far less blessed as are we; and to step out of our comfortable boxes and reach out to those looking for something of substance in their lives: namely, Jesus.

How are we doing and how are you doing in response to God's merciful love?

Happy New Year and may 2010 bring you God's richest blessings, even as I remain,

Yours, in Christ's Service, 

Pastor Bill

William N. Johnson

“Interim” Pastor