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Pastors’ Message

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Message to the Congregation

 
Pastor Update, Letter 45

GROW THE KINGDOM TOWN HALL MEETING

November 10, 2023
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
 
“May you live in interesting times.”
 
This ancient proverb is considered a curse; something you’d wish upon an enemy. Interesting times are by definition uncertain and usually unfamiliar. Cursed or not, we’re living in interesting times. Consider:
  • We’re still adjusting to post-pandemic life.
  • In the past twenty years, some forty million people have left the church. That’s the greatest movement of people in American church history.
  • We’re trying to figure out how to offer our numerous, wonderful programs in a community where busy families live in fifth gear.
  • A year ago, we learned of new financial challenges. Some of our strongest givers have had to face a significant downshift in their giving while other givers completed their earthly race and now dwell among the heavenly cloud of witnesses.
 
Interesting times . . .
 
In the spring, Session decided to lean into these times; however, instead of considering it a curse, Session saw these challenges as an opportunity to evaluate, assess, and grow. I am grateful for our faithful leaders who know and desire to follow our Lord, who reigns over every season and time. In these interesting times God remains faithful. Today, you are invited to respond to God’s faithfulness and participate in the work of the Holy Spirit to address the challenges before us – challenges ripe with opportunities to increase our faith, grow the Kingdom, and ensure the long-term sustainability of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown until Christ returns.
 
To address these interesting times, Session borrowed a page from our pandemic playbook and asked laity, staff and our three leadership boards to address two important concerns. The first concern addressed how we can help our congregation become active disciples who then go out and make disciples for Jesus. The second concern addressed how we can find and maintain financial sustainability.
 
This resulted in the creation of six workgroups charged with evaluating various aspects of First Presbyterian Church’s vision and mission. Each workgroup was asked to reflect on the following question:
  1. Team One, how can we encourage more participation in the “normal” life of our church?
  2. Team Two, how can we grow participation in Outreach Programs?
  3. Team Three, how can we better welcome visitors into the life of our congregation?
  4. Team Four, how can we “meet and greet” those in our community who haven’t yet found us?
  5. Team Five, how can we increase financial support of our mission and ministry?
  6. Team Six, what’s God’s future for FPC Moorestown for the coming 3-5 years?
 
Work groups met from May through August. Participation and engagement were impressive! At the end of August, Session received their reports in a 15-page report. From thirty recommendations for action, Session voted to act immediately on six priorities and planned for further action in 2024. I’m deeply grateful for the time and energy these good leaders offered; and I especially appreciate the leadership for Grow the Kingdom by Elder Paul Grossmann, chair of our Long Range Planning Committee.
 
You’re invited to a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, November 26 during the Education Hour in Fellowship Hall (10:15-11:15 am). There, you’ll hear more about these Grow the Kingdom initiatives. Your questions, thoughts and ideas will be most welcome.
Let’s seek the Lord together in prayer for these interesting, wonderful times.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Stuart Spencer, Pastor
 
 

Pastors Spencer and Allen have shared uplifting and heartfelt messages with us. Please read past letters below.

 
Pastor Update, Letter 44

FAREWELL TO MARTIN BASS

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown,
It is with both gratitude and sadness that we announce the upcoming retirement of our beloved Worship Leader, Martin Bass. After much contemplation and prayer, Martin has shared that he will be concluding his tenure as the Worship Leader for our contemporary service on November 26th. Martin’s journey with us has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by dedication, passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
 
Pastor Update, Letter 43

WE PRAY FOR PEACE FOR PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS

Dear members and friends,
In times of strife and conflict, we, the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, stand united in our commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of all people. We unequivocally denounce any form of terrorism and antisemitism, including the heinous actions of Hamas, which have brought unconscionable suffering to both Palestinians and Israelis.
 
Pastor Update, Letter 42

THIS CONSECRATION SUNDAY

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.  Philemon 1: 7 – 9
 
Pastor Update, Letter 41

OUR HOUSE, GOD’S HOUSE

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
Every time I walk into our buildings through the door by the staff parking lot, I see the year 1923 carved into the side of a chimney of the house around which our church buildings were constructed. The house and the property first belonged to the Collins Family. They sold it to us in 1950. This is the third location of our congregation in the course of 135 years. The Collins house is a century old now. For nearly 74 years, 101 Bridgeboro Road has been our home address.
 
Pastor Update, Letter 40

SEPTEMBER 12th FUND A LEGACY AWAITING ACTION

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church:

Most of you know that my father, Philip Spencer, died in June. While my family and I continue to grieve the loss of this great man from our lives, we hold many memories that bring us smiles and laughter, and a deepening gratitude for my father’s life.

DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER…

Pastor Update, Letter 39

NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR, NEW WORSHIP TIMES, NEW MODERATOR ELECT AND MORE!

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Those who mourn are sometimes surprised to discover that they are comforted and therefore, they are blessed. My family and I have found this blessing in the days since my father and father-in-law died.
Pastor Update, Letter 38

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
I can’t wait to worship with you on Easter Sunday morning. For nearly two thousand years, the Church has woken early every Easter for a single reason … to Rejoice! God won the ultimate victory over sin, failure and death and the Church loudly praises God in response. In just a few days, we’ll celebrate together the truth that Jesus lives. He will meet us, as he met the women and the disciples on the first Easter.
Pastor Update, Letter 37

PC-USA PER CAPITA

Dear Friends,
With 2023 underway, we are preparing to pay our denomination’s per capita apportionment and ask for your help. Members pay this per capita, in addition to one’s annual gift, recognizing that the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) is a connectional church and we are part of a larger family throughout the state and the country with Presbyteries, Synods, and General Assembly. Our 2023 per capita offering remains $38.75 per member.
Pastor Update, Letter 36

YEAR END FINANCIAL UPDATE

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
One of my Advent traditions is to take a small book from a shelf in my study called, The Mystery of the Holy Night. The book features classic paintings depicting the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, with excerpts from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a German pastor and theologian who was imprisoned for his resistance to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer was executed just days before the end of the war.
 
Pastor Update, Letter 35

LEARNING SOMETHING I COULDN’T DO

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
LEARNING SOMETHING I COULDN’T DO
I have a slackline set up in our back yard (see photo right). Slacklining is a sport and an art that can be used for balance training, recreation, or even a moving meditation. It’s similar to tightrope walking, and is accomplished by stretching a 1 to 2-inch wide length of nylon/polyester webbing between two anchor points, most often trees. The second picture features a handsome young man named Izzy. He’s my niece Katie’s boyfriend and a slackline pro.   DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER…
Pastor Update, Letter 34

CONSECRATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown,
 
There’s been a lot of talk about giving around here since Labor Day. Rev. Allen and I have preached on the biblical basis for building a giving life. We’ve learned that God made us to give. We’ll be at our strongest and healthiest—spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, when we live to give. Our preaching, our study and our prayer are all leading us to two significant Sundays in October. The first is Consecration Sunday on October 16. The second is The Church Has Left the Building on Sunday, October 30.  DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER…
Pastor Update, Letter 33

LIVE TO GIVE – FPC MOORESTOWN 134th BIRTHDAY

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church:
 
Way #16 of our 25 Ways offers a beautiful invitation to us: GIVE CHEERFULLY. Rejoice, you get to give! Think of giving as a privilege rather than an obligation, a joy instead of a burden. As you consider all that’s been entrusted to you—time, abilities and money – ask, “How is God calling me to share what I’ve been given?”      DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER… 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 32

COVID UPDATE, YOUTH DIRECTOR, 5th SUNDAY AND A CODA 

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
 
This verse leapt from the pages of Deuteronomy the way passages sometimes do. I attribute such impactful moments to the Holy Spirit giving me what I need to hear, precisely when I need to hear it. This was what I read one morning during my devotionals a few weeks ago. Moses was the speaker of these words. He directed them to Joshua, his younger assistant and the next leader of the God’s people. The two men stood looking into a land promised by God. It was a beautiful place to live but many challenges awaited Joshua. 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 31

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, NEW WAYS VIDEOS & MORE 

A member of Session asked me, “Can I tell the Pastor that I’m sick of COVID?” Yes, I answered, you sure can, because I am too. I’m done with it, as I’m sure most of us are. However, COVID isn’t done with us yet.
Current COVID Protocols,     DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER… 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 30

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING RETURNS! 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!  – Psalm 100:1-2 (NRSV)
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Each week we gather as Presbyterians in the Sanctuary, Miller Commons and via live stream to give “all glory and honor, praise and thanksgiving to the holy triune God” (W-1.0101).    DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER… 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 29

WE PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

PROTOCOLS RETURN TO THE MODERATE LEVEL 

Today, we watch with the world the unsettling events taking place in Ukraine. The world is right to be shocked and concerned with what appears to be the opening of a ground war, launched by Russia.
COVID Letter 2-25-22Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 28

SESSION RESPONDS TO COVID-19 UPSURGE 

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
COVID has come home for many in our community and our congregation. The virus visited me on New Year’s Day. That morning I first thought I was getting a cold—my first since the start of the pandemic. I googled my symptoms and then took a home test that revealed a positive score. I got it. I’m grateful that I never felt awful other than a mildly painful sore throat. I probably infected our youngest son, Miles. Thankfully, Leslie and Sam have so far escaped. I know that many of you have your own stories.   DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER…   
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 27

UPDATE TO OUR COVID-19 PROTOCOL 

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
In the Sundays of this Advent season, we’re reflecting on the spiritual practice of waiting. We each have our own waiting stories — often such stories are personal and painful. We’re waiting together for this pandemic to end. We’re waiting for a day when we won’t have to think about masking and distancing. We long for a time when life doesn’t feel so weighted with worries.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 26

YEAR END MESSAGE 

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Glory belongs to him both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3: 18, NIVR)
These are the last words of the book of 2 Peter, and the final recorded words of the great Apostle. As we near the end of 2021, I look back over a wonderful but at times a challenging twelve months with deep gratitude for the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peter’s benediction is both a call to continue to nurture our understanding and experience of these gifts while also recounting how both have held and guided us through life and this year.  DOWNLOAD PASTOR’S LETTER…   
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 25

NEW PROTOCOLS ADOPTED BY SESSION 

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown:
N.T. Wright, the gifted Bible scholar and author once wrote of the Lord’s Prayer, “Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven, but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.” His insightful words give me a new way to think and pray about the priorities of God contained in the short lines of the Lord’s Prayer.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 24

OCTOBER SPECIAL EVENTS 

9:30 am Blended Worship for three special Sundays

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,The word “church” in the Greek of the New Testament means a gathering of God’s people in a specific space, like Rome, Corinth or Philippi. John Leeman is a writer who recently wrote about the significance of this simple act we do on Sunday mornings.

Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 23

COVID GUIDELINES UPDATED

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
On this gorgeous morning, two days after heavy storms battered our region, I bring you an update. I’m always amazed how a fierce downpour often clears the air and results in a string of lovely weather. I pray that the storms we’re facing together may soon bring the beauty of God’s purposes.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 22

FPC MOORESTOWN CELEBRATES 133 YEARS

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church:
Let’s go back twenty years to three days in September 2001 that changed everything. I refer to September 10, September 11, and September 12, 2001.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 21

ANNOUNCING CALL OF ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown,
After nearly 30 months of a nationwide search, our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) gratefully presents a candidate who lives exactly one mile from the front doors of our sanctuary. A brief glance at the enclosed brochure tells you that the Spirit of God faithfully and wonderfully answered our prayers
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 20
 
OLLIE, OLLIE IN COME FREE!
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Right at this point in June, in the longest days of the year and summer nearly arrived; I fondly remember playing outside as a child with the kids of my neighborhood. My favorite game was Kick the Can, the reverse of Hide and Go Seek. One kid guarded an old tin coffee can while the rest of us hid by the houses, trees and shrubs of our neighborhood.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 19

REALISTIC HOPE!

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
There’s reason for realistic hope that our nation is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC and the State of New Jersey are loosening requirements for public gatherings. The rate of those who have received a vaccine is increasing while the rate of infection is declining. Signs requiring masks in stores are quickly vanishing. Families and friends gather now more easily and with less worry.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 18

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. For close to 2,000 years, the day of Pentecost stands as one of the most significant days of the year. It marks the historic outpouring of the promised Spirit of God upon God’s people. That miracle still happens today. I hope you’ll worship with us on Sunday, either in person or via live stream.
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 17

WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
I borrow and paraphrase a line from A. A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have [someone] that makes saying goodbye so hard.” How lucky, how fortunate, how blessed I am and we are to have someone like Kelly LePenske. She makes saying goodbye so hard. Stuart Spencer, Pastor  
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 16

One Year Later – We’ve Come a Long Way

March 12, 2021
Dear Member and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
The world changed almost a year ago exactly. Do you remember where you were? I recall how quickly everything shut down in the middle of March of 2020. Since then, we’ve all had to adjust to new ways of working, going to school, shopping, and attending worship.   
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 14
Christmas Eve schedule offers meaningful, safe worship opportunities
December 18, 2020
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Planning for Christmas Eve in the middle of a pandemic, like nearly everything else we’ve faced this year, isn’t easy. Consider that Christmas Eve is the night when everyone goes to church. Not this year. Most churches are planning for pre-recorded or live stream services with no in-person participants.
 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 12
It will be a wonderfully powerful moment when we’re gathered together. Safely.
October 30, 2020
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Someone at some time taught you how to go to church. Most likely, your parents were the ones who showed you the ropes READ MORE…
 
Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 11
Session Approves Indoor Worship to Begin November 1; Limited Indoor Gatherings
October 16, 2020  
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,

“When they said, ‘Let’s go to the house of God,’ my heart leaped for joy. And now we’re here …” (Psalm 122: 1)

As of last Sunday, it’s been 34 weeks since we’ve gathered indoors for worship. That’s well over a half a year. For some of us, it’s felt like forever.   READ MORE…

 

Pastor Update, Coronavirus Letter 10
Joan Van Camp Porch
October 4, 2020
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
I’m delighted to share with you the opening of the Joan Van Camp Porch. Joan, a long time faithful member of our church, left a generous gift to the church last year.
Pastor Update
Fall Kickoff and Ministry Fair
September 11, 2020
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
Once a group of maintenance workers at a state park had grown upset with the park management. Management was dissatisfied with how the workers were cleaning the camp sites after campers left for home.
Pastor Update
Session Approves Recommendation for Outdoor Worship Gathering
July 31, 2020

 

Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,

For months, I’ve carried a vision in my mind of a time when we can return to our sanctuary and Miller Commons to worship God together.  READ MORE…

Pastor Update

“We’ll leave the light on for you … “
July 3, 2020

Dear Members or Friends of FPC Moorestown,
You may remember the old ad from Motel 6: We’ll leave the light on for you. A light left on is a silent sign of welcome and care — at a hotel, home, or a church. A light on means that you’re in someone’s mind and heart. READ MORE…
Pastor Update
May 29, 2020
 
Dear Beloved Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
It feels like forever since I last saw you in person. I carry you in my heart and I lift you before the Lord in prayer.   READ MORE…
Pastor Update
May 8, 2020
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
“Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8: 7)   READ MORE…
Pastor Update
Friday, April 24, 2020
“And now the word of the Lord is ringing out …”
 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown:
A blessed and joyous Easter to you! If you’ve forgotten that we’re still in the season of Easter, then allow me to remind you. In reflecting on this season, author Joan Chittister writes,
Pastor Update
Thursday, April 2, 2020
 
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,  As we prepare for a Holy Week unlike any other we’ve experienced, I want to share a wonderful observation from The Rev. Dr. Emily C. Heath. She noted, “The first Easter didn’t happen at a church. It happened outside an empty tomb, while all the disciples were sequestered at home, grief-stricken and wondering what was going on. So, we’re going to be keeping things pretty Biblical this Easter.”  READ MORE…
Pastor Update
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
91 x 91: Praying Psalm 91 for 91 days
 
As one of our partners, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that is hitting all of us, and may wreak havoc in the urban poor communities where we serve[1], we would love to invite you and those in the Moorestown Presbyterian Church Community that you think would be interested, to join us in a prayer campaign that we´ve named “91×91”.  READ MORE…
Pastor Update
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
 
Friends,
As so many of the letters written to the early church begin, “Grace and peace to you from the Lord Jesus Christ!” Now that life has shifted so suddenly and with such uncertainty, we’re seeking the Lord as we haven’t sought him before. I’m grateful for the opportunity to trust God more deeply, serve God more energetically and live for God with greater love and joy.  READ MORE..
Pastor Update
Friday, March 13, 2020
 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you know, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious flu-like virus that is spreading rapidly throughout the world and the United States. While the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus is very low, for some people — especially the elderly and those who are already fragile — it is potentially deadly. READ MORE…