First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Church History
    • Matthew 25
    • Directions
  • Community Resource
    • Facility Use & Rental
    • Maintenance Request
  • NEWS
    • ONLINE WORSHIP
    • NEWS & UPDATES
    • Newsletter
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Worship Services
    • Christian Formation
    • Music Ministry
    • Community Meals
    • Mission
    • Pet Ministry
    • Deacons
    • Presbyterian Women
    • Officer Resources
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • DONATE
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Church History
    • Matthew 25
    • Directions
  • Community Resource
    • Facility Use & Rental
    • Maintenance Request
  • NEWS
    • ONLINE WORSHIP
    • NEWS & UPDATES
    • Newsletter
    • Photos
  • Ministries
    • Worship Services
    • Christian Formation
    • Music Ministry
    • Community Meals
    • Mission
    • Pet Ministry
    • Deacons
    • Presbyterian Women
    • Officer Resources
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • DONATE

ONLINE WORSHIP

Correct Pastor's Report for 2014 Annual Report

2/3/2015

 
During the January 25th congregational meeting, it was discovered that the previous year's entry was mistakenly put in the 2014 annual report under the Pastor's Report section.  Here is the correct and updated report by Pastor Michael that should have been included in the 2014 report:

Dear Members and Friends of FPCE, 
I knew there was something different about this place. I felt it back in the summer of 2012. I still remember that sunny, warm, July morning. The Pastoral Nominating Committee searching waited for me in the Pastor’s study. I was right on time. A good-looking, perpetually tanned, athletic Brad Masten answered the door, gave me a warm, welcoming smile, a firm handshake and we plunged into the interview. Ninety minutes later, I left the building but already carried this congregation in my heart. I had experienced something new for me as a pastor. As I spoke with the committed, articulate, energetic people on the PNC, I felt at home. I feel the same way today. I am profoundly blessed to serve as your Pastor. A few thoughts I’d like to share with you as we move into our 29th month together: 

I AM THANKFUL 
My how this church has grown! This congregation endured some difficult years. The issues you confronted were important, the years of conflict seemed to drag on forever. But in the end you - the dedicated members of this fellowship - emerged humbled, more disciplined, more mature and deeply committed to becoming “A Community Church.” I am grateful for your inquisitive minds, your thirst for spiritual development, your quest for effective mission and service and the compassion you show toward one another—and me and my family. After a painful parting from my previous call, I now rejoice, just as the Psalmist declared: “My mouth is filled with laughter, my tongue with shouts of joy.” (Ps. 126:2) 

I AM HOPEFUL 
As I look out at those who gather for Sunday morning worship, I am encouraged by what I see. Four generations are represented, from Florence Pickels to Sophia Grace. People from different levels of income and different racial backgrounds sit together in mutual love and support. The new members and frequent visitors all agree: this congregation accepts them at they are. There is no “FPCE member template.” I am hopeful that we will embrace future visitors in that same Christ-like spirit; where “there is no longer (division) between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ.” (Galatians 3:28) 

I AM ENERGIZED 
No doubt, the Lord is testing the main-line Protestant churches. In many ways, we mainliners have become side-liners. I’m sure we all grieve that reality. Since the late ‘90’s, the mainline churches have sometimes tried to incorporate, even imitate, the ever-growing, contemporary, mega-church model. I believe we are moving out of that stage, and I am encouraged. We need to be more creative and disciplined in nearly everything we do, but, trust me, a myriad of ministry models are working their way into the imaginations of mainline church leaders Instead of ruing our lessened impact on society, ministry and mission that grows out of the natural strengths of congregations such as FPCE are multiplying every year. I thumb through the books piled on my desk, at least four recent purchases speak directly to our situation. And I have yet to plumb the depths of on-line resources. I’m 61. I’ve been a pastor for 31 years. In many ways I believe my ministry is just getting started. Your readiness to try new things only encourages me even more. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, (is) what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9) 

I AM PRAYERFUL. 
I invite, no, I strongly encourage all of you to pray that the leadership of FPCE is able take us to the next step of our journey. Pray that, as one united congregation, we discern, persevere, patiently await and boldly follow where God leads. May we never forget: “with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) 

In Christ’s service, 
Michael P. Rucker, Pastor

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    January 2019
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014

    RSS Feed

ABOUT US
Leadership
Church History
Community Resource
Facility Usage Policy
​
HOME
NEWS
Online Worship
News & Updates
Newsletter
Church Calendar
Worship Schedule
MINISTRIES
Christian Formation
Music Ministry
​
Mission
Presbyterian Women
​FROGS Program
Deacons
Community Meals​
Photo Galleries
DIRECTIONS
CONTACT
​
DONATE
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood   |   The Community Church   |   120 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15218   |   412-241-4613