Pastor's Note | Saturday, April 4th

As we continue the series entitled “The Story” and continue to get an overview of God’s “Upper Story” that is being played out, I am all the more grateful for the incomparable gift of Jesus. He is at the center of God’s purposes of reconciling all things. He is at the center of God’s Upper Story of making all things new. The profound nature of his death and resurrection combines mystery with wonder and points to the depths of God’s love for you and me. It is a true joy to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Sunday.

We can also celebrate the transitions God has led us through in the past eighteen months. Our re-affiliation with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians was approved last September. We have met the terms of the dismissal settlement. However, we are taking some needed legal steps on our side while waiting for the needed documents from the Presbytery of Los Ranchos. These are forthcoming and in no way threaten the dismissal agreement. Being part of ECO continues to be a source of encouragement and support for our ministry of making disciples.

Connie and I are in transition, as you know. The Lord has led us through a pastoral transition and together the congregation has affirmed calling Rev. Curtis Bronzan to serve as pastor upon my retirement at the end of June. At that time, Connie and I will be returning to the San Diego area, to a home we have been renting out for the past 20 years. Though we will be farther from our children and grandchildren, this is a prudent financial step for us to take. It also puts us closer to my 91 year-old mother who lives on Point Loma. Please pray for us as we go through the preparations to re-locate.

Did you know GSPC is the chartering organization for a Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop? For many years we have sponsored Pack 658 and Troop 658. I recently received this correspondence from Greg Lunde, GSPC member and Chartered Organization Representative:

Jim, as our current BSA Scout Executive Director, you will appreciate some very inspiring news that I have about our BSA Chartered Units. On Saturday, March 28, two of our Chartered Units were presented with the following awards from the BSA Orange County Council, Orange Frontier District: Chris Johnson, Scoutmaster, Troop 658: Scoutmaster of the Year - 2014; The Clyde Elliott Spirit of Outdoor Adventure (Support, Teaching, and Mentoring Youth in Scouting); and The District Award of Merit.

Join me in congratulating Chris Johnson, a long-time member of Good Shepherd!

Pastor Jim