The Messenger - June 24, 2010 - Congratulations Students!

Pastor's Corner

Congratulations, Students!

By the time you read these words, almost all of our students and teachers will have completed their assignments for the 2009-2010 school year. Some have been cramming hard for final exams, some have been writing lengthy papers, some have been grading all of those assignments, and some have been "coasting" for a while (hopefully with their work finished well in advance). But all of them are relieved to see at least one season of hard work has now passed.

It is a tradition in our church to recognize high school and college graduates during worship in the month of June. Most of those listed in this month's "Fisherman" are actually grandchildren of church members, but we will be thrilled to recognize anyone who attends. We are also thrilled to recognize those students who attended Sunday School very faithfully and those teachers who worked so hard to impart the Christian faith here at First Pres.

We'll pause in worship this Sunday to recognize all those folks, and then we'll look ahead to the future. Since our country is still battling a difficult recession, struggling to stop an ecological disaster, and fighting insurgents in two countries overseas, some might say that the future of these kids is bleak. But I don't believe it. I believe God has great things in store for our children, our country, and our church. Why do I believe that? Because I believe God's word!

To give just one example, the Scripture passage for this Sunday is a bulwark of the faith--Psalm 46. It was written to the nation of Israel, but its message is still powerful today:

If those words don't give you strength, nothing will! If you need a bit of encouragement, come hear them preached this week. I'll see you on Sunday!

P.S.  As you congratulate graduates, students, and teachers, don't forget to send a word to Yesi Birkenbach, the editor of the "Messenger", who became a US citizen just yesterday. Way to go, Yesi!
N.A.N.

A Word from the Session

What are we supposed to do about those Cell Phone Fliers?

As ruling elders of the First Presbyterian Church, we wish to thank you for the respect that you have allowed us following last month's decision to accept AT&T's proposal to place cell phone transmission equipment in our bell tower. Even those church members who strongly opposed this decision have received it with great dignity and respect. Thus, we thank God for you!

Unfortunately, a few of our neighbors do not share this respect, and a few of them have continued to protest this decision by placing unsettling fliers on automobiles parked around the neighborhood during worship. Out of affection for fellow church members and concern for our visitors, some of you have removed them from several automobiles beside your own. We appreciate your concern for us, but we ask you to refrain from this behavior in the future. We do not wish to escalate this conflict, and we do not wish to provoke unnecessary anger.

We respect the protester's right to express their feelings, but we respect your feelings, too. You are welcome to collect as many fliers as you want. If you'd rather not receive one, just say "no, thank you" to the folks who hand them out. You may also leave a "no flier" sign on the dashboard of your car. The protest organizer has promised to honor all these requests. We pray that he will keep his word. Have a blessed weekend!

Keith Headley
Clerk of Session

Message from Gary Smith

Don't Worry about the Protest

Some of you may have heard that the handful of protesters who have worked so hard to increase opposition to the bell tower lease our Session approved, plan to rally their supporters on 8th Street during worship this weekend (June 27) . I have been in touch with Officer Ashcraft from the Harbor Police Department about this rally, and I understand that local officers will be patrolling this area regularly. We anticipate no problems with the protestors, and we have prepared to handle any problems that may arise.

If the thought of seeing this rally is unsettling to you, you may wish to park in the alley or the garage. If you would like an usher to walk you to your car (wherever it may be), we will arrange that. If any protester hinders your access to the church or to your car, we will take care of that problem, too. But they have promised to avoid all of that.

The law does not allow these protesters to use amplified sound without a permit, and no permit is now pending or approved. Thus, we probably won't even hear this rally during worship, and the police can tone it down if we do.

We also want to make sure that we do not give the protesters any excuse to provoke an incident. Session recommend that you politely ignore them. Engaging them in conversation is pointless. Also, please do not remove any of their fliers from any vehicle, other than your own. Remember too, not to litter the ground when you remove a flier from your vehicle.

In short, we have no reason to fear attending church. It's in the best interest of all parties to keep things calm. This protest might be a bit uncomfortable, but Christians throughout the ages have faced much, much more than that! So, come out to church (just as you always do). We'll make sure that you are safe, and I'll look forward to seeing you there.

Gary

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