From the Pastor

July, 2008

From The Pastor

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

Dear Family and Friends of Felton Presbyterian Church,

As I write from Southern California in late June, another fire burns in the Santa Cruz area, this time in Watsonville. Already we have seen fires burn in Bonny Doon earlier this month and up on Summit Road and Maymen Flats in late May. Add these to the devastating flooding and deadly tornadoes in the Midwest earlier in June and the earthquake in China and the tropical cyclone in Myanmar (both in May) and 2008 has already seen an awful lot of natural disasters.

Disasters like these can cause us to ask where God is and why God doesn’t do more to prevent such tragic events from taking place. But tragedy also can draw us closer to God by reminding us of what is truly important and valuable in life. Certainly we cherish the lives of our loved ones and friends and as Christians we also hold tightly onto Christ. For we are also reminded of how uncertain life can be and that we are not as in control of the events in our lives as we would like to be.

In addition, natural disasters remind that there is a vast difference between the world God originally created and the one that erupts with earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and cyclones. These disasters are not a part of God’s original desire for creation for God certainly does not delight in human suffering. Jesus himself was deeply touched by the plight that the curse of sin brought to this world.

Finally, natural disasters seem to bring out the very best in people and they should bring out the best in us as well. Certainly we can grieve with and comfort those who have suffered loss. Not only should we be in prayer those in our community who have been personally affected by the recent fires, but we should make every effort to meet some of the needs they may have. A good place to start would be with the American Red Cross of Santa Cruz who could use donations of bottled water, cleaning supplies, shovels, sifting boxes, rakes, and gloves or a financial contribution to the Local Disaster Relief Fund. For more information you can call 831-462-2881.
I would like to say thanks to the Membership/Fellowship Ministry Team for once again planning our annual church picnic. Having so many people participate this year was exciting. Once again the grape spitting contest, the piñata, and the BBQ lunch were a big hit. I would also like to thank the Youth Ministry Team for leading us in worship at our annual Youth Sunday. Your love for Jesus and your desire to seek and serve Him is both inspiring and challenging.

Please be in prayer for the mission team from our church that will be serving in Brazil for two weeks in July. Also, please keep Jerry Hoyt in your prayers as he serves at a camp in South Africa. Finally, please plan on taking part in some of our local ministries this month, including Soup Tuesday and our Community Dinner as we continue to bring the love of God to those in

It is so good to be in ministry with you and serve Christ alongside so many of you. Thank you, again, for your wonderful generosity and faithful commitment to Jesus and to F.P.C.

Yours in Christ,

Ed Snedeker
Pastor