"The Second Half"

Reprinted from the November 2003 SPIRE, celebrating the 40th anniversary of our church:

Dear Friends:

In watching college and professional football this fall, I couldn't help but notice the difference between the first half and the second half.  As Gustav Nelson put it in an issue of Presbyterian Outlook, "sometimes the most important time for the teams is what happens at half-time, when the coach reviews the first half and determines the strategy for the second half.  Games can be turned around at half-time.

"At half-time, the congregation reviews the last week.  Some team players went through tough times.  They were tackled for losses at their homes and in their businesses; others made long gains, having completed an important deal.  Some team players were hurt on the playing field; others scored touchdowns.  Some failed an important test; others passed with flying colors.  One or two got sick; others found better health.  One or two of the players died; others came and found the team.  A husband and wife team split; another couple got back together."

We have a great past.  We have experienced 40 wonderful years at our church in Sun City.  But, new things must be put into place if we are going to win.  There is more to do in the years ahead.

Now we will be moving into our second half with many strategies in place.  "The past is finished and gone.  The future is fresh and new."  We will have an opportunity to put some new things in place.  The plays we put together in the first half allow us to venture into the second half with confidence, hope and excitement.  We will be inserting some new things into our lineup - and now we must depend on the team players to carry the ball into our future.

So, do not miss our 40-year celebration this Sunday, November 2nd, as we celebrate our past and our future.  Do not miss welcoming some of the team players into your home later this month to tell more of the story and the dreams for the future as we look to 2004 during the week of November 16th for our "Every Member Canvass."  Do not miss the fun dinner theatre on November 19th.  Do not miss the Advent Kirk Nights that begin on December 3rd.

Other things will be added during this second half.  We want you not only to stay tuned but also to take your part as we push toward our church's future.  We want you to report back next week when the coming week, the second half, will be the first half.  We want you to invite others to join in our second half festivities.  We will hear how you have done.  See what's worked and what hasn't.  We ill take time for a prayer and to sing, to study, to talk, and to eat together.  This next week is the beginning.  Let us move into it with faith, hope and love.  We can do it!  Let's go!  You see, "If it is to be, it is up to me!"

~John D. Barklind

Senior Pastor